Introverts
Erin die Audere also
pointed me to this hilarious (and insightful!) article in the Atlantic
Monthly on Caring for
your Introvert:
Extroverts are energized by people, and wilt or fade when alone. They
often seem bored by themselves, in both senses of the expression. Leave
an extrovert alone for two minutes and he will reach for his cell phone.
In contrast, after an hour or two of being socially “on,” we introverts
need to turn off and recharge. My own formula is roughly two hours alone
for every hour of socializing. This isn’t antisocial. It isn’t a sign of
depression. It does not call for medication. For introverts, to be alone
with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as
eating. Our motto: “I’m okay, you’re okay—in small doses.”