Coping
Introverts need to recharge their energy and take care of their unique temperament in many areas of their lives. Check out these tips.
Recharging
- Take short rests before you are tired
- Write in time-outs on your daily calendar
- Include nature every day, sit in the yard, go for a walk, look at trees or set a soothing outdoor picture on your table
- Create down time to store energy before any big event
- Remind yourself its OK to be introverted
At Work
- Since you may not speak in meetings, write a memo to co-workers/boss afterward with your comments and suggestions
- Tell your boss you need to think before you can discuss your thoughts
- Say thank you if someone gives you a compliment
- Include yourself by coming early to meetings to help set up or clean up afterwards
- Say hello to people, smile and say thank you to presenters at the end of meetings
Relationships
- Leave notes for those you care about
- Talk about your differences based on your temperaments
- Discuss how to clear up conflicts
- You have the capacity to enjoy private time
- Plan for couple and friend time
Socializing
- Choose which events you want to attend, it’s OK to decline invitations
- Remind yourself you may feel overstimulated at social gatherings and that is OK
- Stay on the side-lines and observe before you enter festive occasions
- Decide when you will arrive and leave, you can always stay longer if you feel peppy enough
- Wear an interesting piece of jewelry or tie (usually guys) as a conversation starter
Dealing with Introverted Children
- Explain introverted qualities to your child
- Never correct your child in front of others
- Let them watch before entering an activity
- Encourage breaks to recharge
- Realize they need time to think before responding to questions
Comments (3)
I am so greatful to you for writing this book!!! I always thought something was wrong with me because I was slow to process my thoughts. Now I know that there is nothing wrong with me! I have more confidence and will often encourage myself to be more outspoken in social situations. I make goals for myself, I make sure I am rested, I visualize myself in the social situation and prepare questions that I can ask others and I walk out a lot if it is too much for me to handle. I could go on and on about all the attributes that I possess that you wrote about in this book, but I would be typing a book myself. I am a second grade teacher and I share your book to the parents at my open house. I discuss how there is nothing wrong with those children who process information slowly. I let them know their children are smart but need extra time to answer questions. I see a sigh of relief and a smile from some of the parents. I purchased several copies of your book and I loan them out every year. Your book has made a difference in my life and I cannot and wouldn’t want to imagine my life without having read it. Thank you!!
I’m a 58year old widow and I found you book by chance at a market one day….we know there is no such thing as chance. It has changed my life! I cannot thank you enough Marti. I’m comfortable in my own skin and with my own special intelligence for the first time in my life. My greatest wish is to lead all introverts out of their corners give them a big hug and tell them that I now for a fact that there is nothing wrong with us!! Thank you again…together in solitude Wendy
I just read your book (gobbled through it in two days!) and although I’ve always been aware of my very introvert tendencies, this has opened my eyes to the reasons behind many aspects of my nature and behaviour, along with some sensible strategies for me to try in daily life.
Thankyou very much for writing the book, I’m definitely going to request that my “outie” partner read it too.