How to care for an introvert

[MrScorpio]

[CBGLuthier]

1. Gee, I thought it was going to be offensive

instead of sensible and kind. Guess just so used to the complete non-acceptance of introverts. Like we are hiding something or some such.

[Blue_Tires]

2. Don't know where you found that, but it is spot on

I was going to narrow it down to the most important ones, but they are ALL important... Thanks for this...

[LeftinOH]

3. That is a pretty good list, actually. n/t

[siligut]

4. Wouldn't it be lovely if others would heed these instructions?

I find people want too much from me to ever just leave me alone.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

5. yes. yes. yes. thanks so much for this. K&R

[woodsprite]

6. Thanks for posting.

I'm an introvert about most things and only come out of my shell when I feel very secure and sure of an answer/outcome, etc. Since they've redone our offices into 2-walled cubby pods of 4, it has felt like pure hell at work. There is no place (other than my car) to go to decompress and really concentrate.

[rrneck]

7. Good stuff.

Too often relationships are confused with performances. I sometimes think more respect should be payed to the introvert in all of us. Much of what you have there is generally good advice for everyone.

[pipi_k]

8. So good

I had to copy it.

Thanks for posting this.

[kaitcat]

9. I thought it was this.

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/print/2003/03/caring-for-your-introvert/2696/

Do you know someone who needs hours alone every day? Who loves quiet conversations about feelings or ideas, and can give a dynamite presentation to a big audience, but seems awkward in groups and maladroit at small talk? Who has to be dragged to parties and then needs the rest of the day to recuperate? Who growls or scowls or grunts or winces when accosted with pleasantries by people who are just trying to be nice?

If so, do you tell this person he is "too serious," or ask if he is okay? Regard him as aloof, arrogant, rude? Redouble your efforts to draw him out?

If you answered yes to these questions, chances are that you have an introvert on your hands—and that you aren't caring for him properly. Science has learned a good deal in recent years about the habits and requirements of introverts. It has even learned, by means of brain scans, that introverts process information differently from other people (I am not making this up). If you are behind the curve on this important matter, be reassured that you are not alone. Introverts may be common, but they are also among the most misunderstood and aggrieved groups in America, possibly the world.

I know. My name is Jonathan, and I am an introvert.

More at link.

[Populist_Prole]

10. A hearty Rec for the best thing I've read all day

I see 30 to 40 people a day at work, and enjoy great conversation with many of them, but some people drive me up a wall: Always asking me "are you alright?" just because I don't go around slapping backs, shaking hands by vigorously pumping with a huge pearly white grin and eyes as big as saucers.

One man's "outgoing" is another man's obnoxious.

[femmocrat]

11. I like numbers 4 and 5.

The whole list is very thoughtful. Now how do we get this out to the thoughtless?

[Baitball Blogger]

12. Very Cool!

[Electric Monk]

13. k&r

[harmonicon]

14. I would love to have that as a card...

to give to any woman I date and all house guests.

Over the past few years, I've become much less introverted (I seriously think it's because parts of my brain were re-wired, or some brain chemistry changed), but most of those things still apply.

[LASlibinSC]

15. Thanks

.

[sarge43]

16. That's good advice, period.

Don't bully anyone.

[BlueIris]

17. Jesus, I must have been horribly conditioned to cope with extroverts demands.

I'm an introvert, but I can't recall being bothered by (many) of the things on that list which extroverts have not cared to do for me.