Let's Talk with Diane A.S. Stuckart
Shying Away from Things
March 10, 2022
Buckle up, all you reserved and retiring types! Next week is National Introverts Week. Celebrated annually during the third full week of March, this informal recognition is meant to shine the light (oh, no!) on folks who define themselves as introverts. Which makes it our week, given that a large percentage of readers and writers classify themselves that way. After all, reading and writing are traditionally solo activities, ideal pursuits for those of that personality persuasion.
Unfortunately, introversion has gotten a bad rap over the years, especially in the current world of social media and 24/7 pursuits. Introverts sometimes find themselves apologizing for the way they are (that is, if they are brave enough to speak up). But the fact is, being introverted isnβt a bad thingβ¦not at all. Stephen Hawking famously said that βQuiet people have the loudest minds.β And Introvert, Dear, a website that tags itself as an Award-Winning Community for Introverts, lists several advantages of being introverted, including being βshrewd decision-makers and problem-solvers. Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/2p8vx7m5
That said, are all of you who identify that way sure that you truly are introverts? I always thought I was, until it finally occurred to me that I share traits of both personality types. I learned that, according to the online Cambridge Dictionary, I am more properly classified as an ambivert. This is defined as βa person who has features of both an introvert (= someone who prefers to spend time alone) and an extrovert (= someone who prefers to be with other people) in their personalityβ¦β The entry goes on to say that:
β’ Ambiverts are sometimes also called outgoing or social introverts.
β’ An ambivert typically enjoys other people but needs time alone.
A 2016 Forbes article explains this personality category further: https://tinyurl.com/2p9cbx4t .
I definitely identify with the alone time thing. As a published author, I enjoy conferences and workshops and presenting to readers and fellow writers. But after a short while being βonβ, I can feel the mental and physical batteries begin to drain. Iβm not being rudeβ¦I simply need to run off by myself for a while to recharge. And once that happens, Iβm back in the game again.
So, all you proud introverts and ambiverts, itβs time to celebrateβ¦but quietly. Sometime next week, letβs all lift a glass in our respective homes and softly cheer our contented aloneness.
Are you an introvert, extrovert, or an ambivert like me? Comment below and tell us what makes you, you.
Also, while you’re here, check out our March contest. It runs from March 1-18. One lucky winner gets to select a book from the prize vault. Here’s the link:Β http://bookloversbench.com/contests/Β Β
Visit Diane’s website.
Posted in 5-Diane A.S. Stuckart, Let's Talk, with Diane A.S. Stuckart β’ Tags: Diane A S Stuckart, Let's Talk, Shying Away from Things | 11 Comments
Hi Diane, I love the new category. I think it suits me quite well, too. Although I have a large capacity for socialization, and really can’t live without a certain amount, I need recharge time. Writing takes care of it mostly, but I also enjoy long walks and reading.
Hi Cheryl — I agree…walking (alone!) is a great mental recharger as long as you keep your phone turned off. But accompanying dogs are always allowed. π
Thanks for the interesting post, Diane and Cheryl. I am definitely an “ambivert” and enjoy the fact that there is now a name. Today’s writer almost has to be a social animal as well as being able to allow ourselves time to be retiring!
Peg, absolutely. We have to go out and promote promote promote and STILL write a book or two a year. It’s not a gig for wimps, that’s for sure. π
Hi Diane,
The new category takes the pressure off introverts. I’m definitely an ambivert with dominant introvert tendencies. A self-conscious weight has lifted. Thank you.
Hi Sharon — glad I can help. Actually, I think there are more of us in the middle than at either end of the spectrum.
I would classify myself as ambivert. I like my alone time, but I also like to schmooze with my writing friends.
Nancy, I think you are the perfect example of an ambivert. π
I am a card-carrying introvert. By the end of any conference I am so quiet as to be almost catatonic. Too much of everything in a crowd. Consequently, I no longer “get my money’s worth” from a conference fee by attending all the sessions. It’s overkill for me, literally. So I find ways to recharge and rest during an event. If you can’t find me at a conference, I’m in recharge mode! But you can make-believe I’m editing/writing….
Maggie, today I was a speaker at a library-related event I’ve been waiting for two years to finally attend. They had about 160 people register so lots of energy in the room. Got there at 10:30AM, sold a few books, smoozed, listened to intos, then did my talk, followed by luncheon, raffle drawings, dessert, a second speaker, and then some final book sales before making my good-byes and leaving at 3PM. It was a lovely time and I had fun, but I had to go lie down as soon as I got home. In fact, I’m going back to bed again now. But I’ll be up early in the AM nicely refreshed once more.
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shoot me an e-mail.