Monday, November 2, 2015

Question of the Month with Michael D'Agostino


This month, Michael from A Life Examined asks: Are you an introvert or an extrovert? 

That's easy. I'm an introvert. The things I love doing are all solitary pursuits: writing, reading, watching TV shows my husband would hate, biking, kayaking, rollerblading, and jogging.

My favorite definition of these terms involves energy. An extrovert gets energized from being around other people, while an introvert is recharged by being alone. Being shy is a side effect.

As an introvert, this Internet/Blogging/Email stuff is a godsend. I can interact with others when it's convenient without the stress of being in the same room with them.

I've been an introvert my whole life. I used to wonder why I always had such horrendous headaches after school. I was a great student, but being around others just made me tense as hell. College was tough. Between classes and my roommate, I was around others 24/7 until I managed to snag a single dorm room my junior year.

These days I'm home alone only if the kids and hubby are at their respective schools. It's bliss, mostly because my kids are spoiled and will ask for every little thing under the sun like "Can I have some water, some cheese, and will you please press the buttons on the TV remote because I'm too tired to lift a finger." (I'll give you a finger, darling.) Anyway, my kids are serious energy vampires, but I think that's from bad parenting more than me being an introvert.

Blocks of alone time are the stepping stones that get me through the day. Take them away and I'll turn into this:

Agrunia smiling... Yes, she is smiling!
Image courtesy: Tambako the Jaguar

(Actually, I'm nowhere near this awesomely fluffy, but it's all in the eyes.) Now I'm off to see who else falls into my camp. Not that I have anything against extroverts. Actually I'm quite jealous of them. I even married one!


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29 comments:

  1. So far it looks like we're all mostly introverts. Not too surprising though. I guess I'm in good company except that most of us would probably rather just stay home and not keep company with one another.

    I love just staying at home alone or with my family.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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  2. Without the stress of being in the same room with them - that's funny! But so true.

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  3. Even though it's just me and the hubby, alone time is still hard to come by. He's a talker, I'm a listener. He's likes to plan everything out, think everything through. I'm a doer, often spontaneous, just want to get things done.

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  4. I love how you knew what you were right away. I had to puzzle it out and justify my answer since I can relate to both. It's good to know yourself well. :)

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  5. Solitary pursuits are fun! (Says the other introvert. lol) I don't know what I would be doing without blogging and email. They keep me sane, connected, and give me a voice.

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  6. Solitary pursuits are fun! (Says the other introvert. lol) I don't know what I would be doing without blogging and email. They keep me sane, connected, and give me a voice.

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  7. I guess a lot of writers are introverts! College was a nightmare for me as well (although luckily I didn't have to live in a dorm room), mostly because pretty much everyone else at my school were extroverts. I usually just wanted to curl up into a ball and never say anything.

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  8. haha yeah, the internet is great. Can be an introvert, communicate and turn the computer off. Much better than actual visitors, they are harder to get rid of lol

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  9. I'm also an introvert, and really enjoy being alone. I really like when I have the chance to be live by myself and not have to deal with a roommate or relatives, even if it's not for very long. My next place will definitely be a solo living arrangement, though I still hope to eventually have at least one child.

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  10. Excellent answer and very honest. I answered as honestly as I could as well. I do enjoy my own company!! Lol

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  11. Good introspection. I think you're more introverted than I am. I also married one of those extroverts.

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  12. Guess we're in the same camp. Been married to an extrovert for 10 years and we're starting to develop a balance. He's learning how to slow down and be quiet for a while and I'm constantly making efforts to be around other people.

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  13. All of these things totally describe me, except for the bothersome kids and husband, I don't have any, yet :) I like your phrase about blocks of alone time, those are a must for me, and I like the big, fluffy "kitty" :)

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  14. That's a very emphatic answer. I was so much more flip-floppy about it.

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  15. I'm an introvert too, content to stay home, just the cats and me.

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  16. It's good to embrace who you are. I ride the fence on this one, but I am also drawn to outgoing people.
    Play off the Page

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  17. Thanks for popping by my blog the other day, Tamara! I'm quite a pronounced introvert myself and I agree with you -- the internet and blogosphere are made for people like us because we can interact on our OWN terms! I believe many, if not most, bloggers are introverts.

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  18. Recharged by being alone. Hadn't thought of it that way, but it makes sense.

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I will do everything in my power to visit commenter's blogs unless I've been abducted by aliens or my children get sick. (If my children get abducted by aliens, I will be very busy, of course, catching up on my sleep.)

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