Crash
I haven’t decided if this is a sign of just being an introvert, or just a sign that I still have so far to go when it comes to interacting with people. I mean, I know being an introvert means that being social and being around people is work, and even though I enjoy it, it has a tendency to make me very tired after too much. But this past week, I had quite a few social events, meetings at night, a concert, hokey game, and a birthday party for my wife, and after all of that, I simply felt burned out. I couldn’t even really muster up the mental energy to be a good husband, and interact with my wife the way I normally do, and that’s usually not something that takes any work. I was just completely off my game, and really even though I’ve gotten a bit better the past couple of days, I’m still very irritable and my mind seems to be elsewhere at times.
I’ve tried to simply make time for myself and do my own thing to try and “rest” from being social, but it shouldn’t take this long. I can’t meet my goals for myself in terms of learning to be a better friend, husband, etc. if I have to take a week off every time I spend too much time with other people. I’m introverted, yes, but I need to discover what sort of activities will help replenish my social energy quicker than what I’m doing now. I don’t know what those are just yet, but it’s time to do some experimenting and figure it out.
I relate to what you are talking about. For me, it is draining to have a conversation with more than 2-3 people at the same time. Every time I’m at a party or something, I come home irritated and annoyed. I get agitated. It is only recently that I’ve come to terms with it and stopped fighting it; For, if I’m not an introvert, I’m not myself anymore. I think some of us are simply built to be “low key”. It can lead to frustrating times, as you are now facing. During such periods, I find it helpful to go for a walk to recharge myself. I find it even more helpful when I do this with one other person (strange!). The other thing I do is watch kids play or dogs run on a beach or something like that, where I’m kinda passively absorbing things happening “over a horizon”. May be one of those would help you too! Good luck experimenting.
we hope you find what you are seeking and soon 🙂
Mike, after everything you listed, you would need to clone yourself to fit all of that in and not feel like death. Do your best to chill out this weekend and don’t blog again until you’re 100%, we’ll all be here when you get back!
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hi,
i went to workshop for work a few weeks ago where we did a personality test to see how we work together. Anyway, I found out that being and introvert simply means that you look inward for energy where as extroverts look outward. It doesn’t mean you are not good socially. In fact many people who are incredibly good ‘people persons’ are introverts. But with out the time and space to look inward for that energy introverts can get crabby and anti-social. I love being around people as long as i can go home and have moments of peace and reflection. Sound like you have a busy life. I hope you find time to pause and look inward soon.
much respect,
kinky karma