I would add coffee shops to this list! One of my favourite places to be because I can be all in my own world while surrounded by the buzz of what's going on around me. Love!
That's a good one! No theatres close to us but I do love going to the cinema in the morning. We'll have to travel a bit and try this when they're older. Thanks
And what about the beach? I think my best naps have been there. I could never imagine that the best nap and being surrounded by hundreds of people at the same time (almost naked) could be compatible for an introvert. But the sea has something special and has always made me feel good.
I thought about the beach, too. I ended up not adding it because, although I love it, I feel quite self conscious the whole time I'm there. Probably has more to do with ridiculous body expectations than introversion, though! It's a good one, thank you!
Old time or Irish music jams are great! Kind of like the art or crafting classes mentioned, it's a way to be around people who make the same type of art as you (in this case, participatory folk music) without having to really engage in conversation. There's some chit chat in between tunes but everyone is there to play music first and foremost. So it's really rejuvenating being social without getting overwhelmed.
I can tell already that my firstborn is an observant kiddo so I am anticipating him being much like his parents and needing chill spheres in which to socialize.
Or sing in a choir. Like art/craft groups you are busy doing something else, so the pressure to make small talk is limited, but you are also making something with others - to be in the middle of lovely music and know that you are a part of it is magical. Also , great for health - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Your essay is on point with this introvert. I am an introvert working on overcoming the competitive/nerve wracking feeling that I also get when creating music. There is a documentary that I watched, Anonymous Club with Courtney Barnett, that helped me with my struggle of feeling like I was supposed to be bombastic if I wanted to participate in music. It reinforced the idea that music can be created in quiet mode, physically and emotionally, and still be extraordinarily impactful and worthy.
It's so cool that you make music! I understand your point, too. It always seems like there are certain fields that are "for" extroverts but of course they don't have to be. I'll check out that documentary, thank you
What a great list, thank you, definitely bookmarking! It took me a long time to realize I was an introvert. Museums are my go-tos. I also love to go to restaurants by myself, with a book in hand.
I’d add lakes and forests to mountains, nothing recharges me more than a swim or a jog in the forest! And I agree with sports and the competitiveness and eyes on you was way too much for me for many years. I did eventually find something I really wanted to do and then stepped out of my comfort zone to do it. So now I do functional fitness in a small group in an unfashionable gym with an unconventional teacher and a reggaeton class where my enjoyment of the music makes the uncomfortableness go away. The two things I still struggle with though as an introvert, networking situations and public speaking.
I love those! The word networking makes me feel a bit sick if I'm honest. I think an introvert at a reggaeton class is the best thing I've heard all week!!
I would add coffee shops to this list! One of my favourite places to be because I can be all in my own world while surrounded by the buzz of what's going on around me. Love!
Theatre matinee! Home in time for dinner, and single tickets are very cheap.
That's a good one! No theatres close to us but I do love going to the cinema in the morning. We'll have to travel a bit and try this when they're older. Thanks
And what about the beach? I think my best naps have been there. I could never imagine that the best nap and being surrounded by hundreds of people at the same time (almost naked) could be compatible for an introvert. But the sea has something special and has always made me feel good.
I thought about the beach, too. I ended up not adding it because, although I love it, I feel quite self conscious the whole time I'm there. Probably has more to do with ridiculous body expectations than introversion, though! It's a good one, thank you!
Old time or Irish music jams are great! Kind of like the art or crafting classes mentioned, it's a way to be around people who make the same type of art as you (in this case, participatory folk music) without having to really engage in conversation. There's some chit chat in between tunes but everyone is there to play music first and foremost. So it's really rejuvenating being social without getting overwhelmed.
I can tell already that my firstborn is an observant kiddo so I am anticipating him being much like his parents and needing chill spheres in which to socialize.
Sounds great! I'm sure they will have some sort of jam around here. I'll keep it in mind if they show any interest in music. Thank you
"Sitting among others." Yes. For me? Trains, libraries, airport/cinema cafés, letter writing.
Letter writing! That's something I should teach my children. It helped me a lot as a lonely teen. Thank you
Or sing in a choir. Like art/craft groups you are busy doing something else, so the pressure to make small talk is limited, but you are also making something with others - to be in the middle of lovely music and know that you are a part of it is magical. Also , great for health - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
This is a great idea! I have a (also introverted) friend who recently joined a choir and she loves it. Thank you so much for sharing.
Gyms. Yoga classes. I’m with people, but also alone.
Your essay is on point with this introvert. I am an introvert working on overcoming the competitive/nerve wracking feeling that I also get when creating music. There is a documentary that I watched, Anonymous Club with Courtney Barnett, that helped me with my struggle of feeling like I was supposed to be bombastic if I wanted to participate in music. It reinforced the idea that music can be created in quiet mode, physically and emotionally, and still be extraordinarily impactful and worthy.
It's so cool that you make music! I understand your point, too. It always seems like there are certain fields that are "for" extroverts but of course they don't have to be. I'll check out that documentary, thank you
This is so delightful and endearing. Awwww💙💙💙
What a great list, thank you, definitely bookmarking! It took me a long time to realize I was an introvert. Museums are my go-tos. I also love to go to restaurants by myself, with a book in hand.
I’d add lakes and forests to mountains, nothing recharges me more than a swim or a jog in the forest! And I agree with sports and the competitiveness and eyes on you was way too much for me for many years. I did eventually find something I really wanted to do and then stepped out of my comfort zone to do it. So now I do functional fitness in a small group in an unfashionable gym with an unconventional teacher and a reggaeton class where my enjoyment of the music makes the uncomfortableness go away. The two things I still struggle with though as an introvert, networking situations and public speaking.
I love those! The word networking makes me feel a bit sick if I'm honest. I think an introvert at a reggaeton class is the best thing I've heard all week!!