Defending the Introvert (Again)

A few more notes on travel . . . first, I'm working on attending the Surface Design Association conference later this month in Kansas City. A few more pieces have to fall into place for this to happen, but I'm working on it. Are any of my readers planning to go?

As I was thinking about global travel and textile exploration, I stumbled on "Confessions from an Introverted Traveler," a great article from travel columnist Sophia Dembling. It's not a given, but I assume that many creative people, and certainly people who are drawn to the Slow Cloth model, are introverts. I really like how Sophia repeatedly reminds people that introverted doesn't mean shy, stupid, socially awkward,
anxious, in need of medication, or depressed. It just means that our energy systems are different from extraverted people, who thrive on and gain energy from -- or at least don't mind -- crowds and noise. Introverts want and need and love people and stimulation, but it takes more out of us, and we need space and solitude to refuel. We prefer one-on-one conversations, authenticity and intimacy to mindless banter and small talk and strangers (but no judgement there, right? We're just better in every way!)

The best article ever on introverts, the defining manifesto, is here.

Sophia smartly points out that the pressure to always be grinning and outgoing is peculiarly American. Being an introvert isn't a hindrance to travel, but it does dictate a different approach - group forced fun activities are not for us. It took me a long time to realize I actually like to travel; I just don't care for the expectation that I'm going to do it extravert-style.

So - introvert or extravert, let me know if you're planning to go to Kansas City, and may all your inward and outer journeys be happy ones! More soon.

photo of French countryside by Roger Lipson. All rights reserved.

Comments

[Property Management Chicago]

The photo of the bicycle is very nice. It could enlarged and framed and hang on my living room wall. Thanks!

[Deidre]

Dear Elaine,
Thanks so much for the discussion and the links. I feel very much validated; wish I had read this before starting on my trip. I ducked out of several group social activities at the last conference, feeling guilty but liberated, happy to socialize with just one other person or alternatively, to be alone in my room working or catching up on news from the day. Your blog entries are always so rich and full of links -- thanks for the depth. -d (catching up on blog-reading in a hotel room in St. Louis, MO)

[dawn]

From one introvert to another: thank you, for your words and for the link to this article. Both are uplifting.

[Angela Raincatcher]

Thanks for the links to the articles!

[Phyllis]

Yes. I fit into this model perfectly. Now I am feeling cozy and comfortable staying here too. I really enjoyed reading your ideas on introverted/creative people. Now I know I belong to some group!