Welcome to my new feature, Tea and a Chat! Where I share with you my (mostly) book-related thoughts, and what kind of tea I’m drinking!
It’s Friday afternoon… Please don’t judge me but I needed a little more caffeine than what tea could provide. So, I’m cheating–just this once–and drinking some Coke Zero.
So, do you fancy yourself an introvert? Do you love books? Okay, so…I’m just going to get this out of the way–NOT ALL BOOK LOVERS ARE INTROVERTS. NOT ALL INTROVERTS LIKE TO READ. Did you read that? Go back and read it again. I really don’t want this to come across as an essay on why “all book lovers are introverts” or how all introverts love reading. One of my closest friends is more introverted than I am and she hates reading. That’s not what this post is about.
It’s about how introversion and being an avid reader kind of go hand-in-hand like… Well, Jim and Pam. Don’t believe me? Just look at them!
Still don’t believe me?
Okay, if I haven’t convinced you then, well… Maybe you can pick something else, besides The Office characters, that introversion and reading go together like… Uh, peanut butter and jelly? Mary Kate and Ashley? Gin and tonic? Rum and Coke? (It’s the weekend…Forgive me my alcoholic thoughts.)
So, let me share my ruminations on why introversion and reading are cohesive in my opinion. And then you let me know if you agree. 🙂
Introverts Prefer Calm
According to Introvert Dear–which is a pretty neat website–The definition for introverts are as follows;
The definition of an introvert is someone who prefers calm, minimally stimulating environments. Introverts tend to feel drained after socializing and regain their energy by spending time alone. This is largely because introverts’ brains respond to dopamine differently than extroverts’ brains. In other words, if you’re an introvert, you were likely born that way.
So… I know that as an introvert, right off the bat I can tell you that I prefer calm. Well, why did I have four kids in four-and-a-half years if I prefer calm, you ask? I can’t answer that question. But, I have no regrets. 😉
But, I do prefer calm. I don’t like crazy, loud, emotional settings. I enjoy things to be serene and easy-going. What better setting than “calm” for reading? It’s much easier to read when things are quiet–at least for me.
Introverts-Drained After Socializing
Ever get together with a large group of people, and instantly regret it? And after they (or you) go home and the quiet settles in, you just need a moment. A moment to sit and do absolutely nothing. I mean, this is the point where I usually go and hide in my room for a bit. And you know what activity goes great with coming down from the socializing-overdose? Yep. Reading.
Oh, Murtagh, you’re so right.
We Prefer Quiet Activities
Like to go to parties? Clubs? Loud restaurants? If yes, you may not be an introvert. Introverts typically enjoy activities that are quiet. Whether that’s a craft, watching a movie, writing, and… you guessed it!
We’re Often In Our Own Heads
When you’re an introvert, there can be a lot of time spent just…thinking. It’s like the wheels go ’round and ’round and you’re in your own world. My husband says that I think too much… Well, whatever. It’s the way I was made.
But, I tend to spend a lot of time in my head. Which, when I’m reading, that’s pretty much where all the book thoughts go!
Our Best Work Is Done… You Guessed It…Alone
I remember working before I had kids. I had a few different jobs in my young adult years. But, the best one was when I was a secretary and when we didn’t get a lot of clients that I had to see. I LOVED my job. And I even loved helping the people that came in. But I thrived in the aspects of my job that were solitary.
Just like reading… I read so much more when I’m alone. And, reading is, by it’s very nature, a solitary activity.
Introverts Seek Meaning
We want to look at things deeper–sometimes too deep, am I right? (There’s that overthinking again!) But, that’s one of the things that make us special.
And what better way to find meaning in life than to pick up a book? There are just so many words to discover!
Okay, now it’s your turn! Are you an introvert? Extrovert? Think my list is totally bogus?? Let me know what you think!
I am a classic introvert. I have been fine during quarantine, and just left the house for the first time in 10 days today. I miss my kid, but otherwise, I am ok alone. I do find large gathers tiring, and dread them. My daughter and I enjoy companionable silence together. She’s one of the few people, who can just be with me, and not feel the need to fill the gaps of silence.
Sam@wlabb recently posted…Sundays with Sam – The Sunday Post
As a fellow introvert, I know how difficult it can be to find someone that you can just sit in silence with… So, what a gift! 🙂 And even more precious that it’s your daughter! I hope to have that with my girls when they’re older. 🙂