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:


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!