#intro

Esoterically and philosophically true liberty leads to societies where we can totally pursue our real interests and are giving the intellectual or psychical vehicles to do so. There will be an understanding that everyone does the best mentally, physically, and spiritually when they are forced into nothing at all. A true reversal from what we have now. We would not have to learn to live, we would just live for whatever is our choosing. Does that sound crazy? Well I'm sure some cavemen couldn't comprehend what our society would be like, but I like to think a few did... ↗

— Andre M. Winters

#inspirational #introspective #liberty #freedom

As an introvert, you can be your own best friend or your worst enemy. The good news is we generally like our own company, a quality that extroverts often envy. We find comfort in solitude and know how to soothe ourselves. Even our willingness to look at ourselves critically is often helpful. But, we can go too far. We can hoard responsibility and overlook the role others play. We can kick ourselves when we’re down. How many times have you felt lousy about something, only to get mad at yourself for feeling lousy? ↗

— Laurie Helgoe

#life

While the introvert is reflecting on the question (thinking first), the extrovert takes this as an invitation to fill the void (talking first). As long as the introvert doesn’t interrupt, the extrovert continues to fill the interpersonal space with talk. But as long as the extrovert talks, the introvert can’t think and stays mute. Mute means the invitation is still open, and continued talk assures that the introvert remains mute. By the time the extrovert pauses to ask, the introvert’s head is pounding and he or she just wants to get out so she can think. The extrovert just assumes the introvert had nothing to say, and moves on. ↗

— Laurie Helgoe

#life

I am rarely bored alone; I am often bored in groups and crowds. ↗

— Laurie Helgoe

#life

An introvert may feel asocial when pressured to go to a party that doesn’t interest her. But for her, the event does not promise meaningful interaction. In fact, she knows that the party will leave her feeling more alone and alienated. Her social preference may be to stay home and reflect on a conversation with a friend, call that friend, and come to an understanding that is meaningful to her. Or she might indulge in the words of a favorite author, feeling a deep connection with a person she has never met. From the perspective of a partygoer, this introvert may appear to be asocial, when, in fact, the introvert is interacting in a much different way. ↗

— Laurie Helgoe

#life

Introverts keep their best stuff inside—that is, until it is ready. And this drives extroverts crazy! The explanation for the introvert’s behavior—and there must be an explanation for this behavior, say the extroverts—is that he or she is antisocial, out of touch, or simply a snob. ↗

— Laurie Helgoe

#life

Whatever kind of introvert you are, some people will find you “too much” in some ways and “not enough” in others. ↗

— Laurie Helgoe

#life

When introverts sense invasion, we instinctively shut down to protect our inner resources. But in doing so, we lose access to ourselves. From this defensive position, we may feel that our only options are to practice extroversion, go underground, or go crazy. ↗

— Laurie Helgoe

#life

Extroverts want us to have fun, because they assume we want what they want. And sometimes we do. But “fun” itself is a “bright” word, the kind of word that comes with flashing lights and an exclamation point! One of Merriam-Webster’s definitions of “fun” is “violent or excited activity or argument.” The very word makes me want to sit in a dimly lit room with lots of pillows—by myself. ↗

— Laurie Helgoe

#life

Introverts tend to internalize problems. In other words, we place the source of problems within and blame ourselves. Though introverts may also externalize and see others as the problem, it’s more convenient to keep the problem “in house.” Internalizers tend to be reliable and responsible, but we can also be very hard on ourselves. ↗

— Laurie Helgoe

#life