I’ve posted about introvert/extrovert issues before…
This article is dead on IMO.
Top 5 Things Every Extrovert Should Know About Introverts » Self Improvement Blog - BrianKim.net
Here are the 5 things on the list, but you should go read it if you want more details and explanation.
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- If a person is introverted, it does NOT mean they are shy or anti-social.
- Introverts tend to dislike small talk.
- Introverts do like to socialize – only in a different manner and less frequently than extroverts.
- Introverts need time alone to recharge.
- Introverts are socially well adjusted.
Extroverts… good luck trying to read the whole thing! 
2 responses so far ↓
1 jenren // Oct 8, 2007 at 9:07 am
So, since I guess I’m trying to set a new record for how many comments I can leave on your blog in a weeks time, here’s another one.
I thought that was a good article, of course I did, I’m an introvert. But when I read the part about how extroverts sometimes think that introverts are arrogant because we aren’t good at small talk my first thought was “I don’t think anyone would have thought that about ME!”
But then I remembered my first year (or at least first term) in Taiwan. One of our former extrovert co-workers accused me of being snobbish to some of the people at church. Of course I considered myself to be falsely accused, as I did with most of the criticism this person aimed at me, but it sent me into a downward spiral of guilt and second guessing myself and my true intentions towards the Chinese people. And yes, I am over sensitive and melodramatic. But now I think maybe I was an unwitting victim of introvert discrimination!! Hmmm. Great, now I’m going to be dwelling on this all day and not get anything done!
2 sqjtaipei // Oct 11, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Ah… yes… the old guilt trip. Introverts everywhere know it well! If we are perceived as being “snobbish”… then I guess the unfortunate reality is that we probably need to make much effort to alleviate that perception through our own actions. We can’t really expect people to attend Introvert Sensitivity Classes (although it would be nice if they would, huh?).
However… if we remember that our main priority is to please our Creator, it tends to put others’ criticisms in their proper place. Their criticisms may be valid, but our priority is bringing glory to God. There are too many complainers and whiners and judgmental people (both inside and outside of the faith) out there for me to worry about all they say. Others have called it “The Audience of One” and it is very liberating.
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