Pajamas Over People
“Isn’t it refreshing to know that what comes perfectly natural for you is your greatest strength? Your power is in your nature. You may not think it’s a big deal that you can spend hours immersed in something that interests you—alone—but the extrovert next door has no idea how you do it.” ― Laurie Helgoe
As I’ve grown older, I’ve found myself craving solitude more and more. By the time Friday (the end of my work week) rolls around, I’m exhausted to the point being unable to form simple sentences and I’m a writer (words are typically not in short supply with me). I call it my fire bad, tree pretty state of mind. As we turn the corner from summer into fall, which of course then tips us into winter I find myself excited for stacks of books, mouthwatering smells coming from my kitchen, thick, comfortable sweaters and the rich deep quite of solitude. Yes, I’m one of ‘those’ people, I’m an introvert.
I feel like I’ve been walking around with the sticker proclaiming what pant size I’m wearing on my ass only nobody noticed it; not even me. There are 23 Signs You’re Secretly An Introvert and with an aptness I’d reserve only for my writing, someone finally managed to get to the point. Is it strange that reading an article can provide such a huge sense of relief? When you have few close but wonderful friends, a string of ex-boyfriends and a mother that doesn’t quite know how to dispense with parental advice (there’s no secret about my mother, she IS an introvert) you have people who’ve grown with you and those that have fallen off the radar, it is difficult to get a true ‘outsiders’ perspective.
“Let’s clear one thing up: Introverts do not hate small talk because we dislike people. We hate small talk because we hate the barrier it creates between people.” ― Laurie Helgoe
I’ll take my leave and avoid the mistake that many make in confusing small talk with meaningful interactions. Follow the signs and if you have any questions, I’ll be over here, with my stack of books and cup of tea (with goat milk and honey). Pajamas over people? Yes please.