Introvert Challenges

This is a great idea!

One thing I often mention in replies to newbies is that it's ok to lurk in the Sharing Circle or other group chats. And even when they become more comfortable, sharing personal challenges is entirely optional and offering support is always welcome. The giant upside is that offering support is a very empowering feeling and once you've experienced the support of others, it becomes easier to share your own problems, knowing you'll get unwavering support and compassion.

Unfortunately, the process to join the Sharing Circle or other group chats involves working with a Listener first. This can be a big issue if the Listener crosses boundaries or is unresponsive, as was my first Listener experience. (That Listener was reported.) I don't know why the Listener interaction is required but maybe there are other options?

@ASilentObserver

@ASilentObserver

Hi there ! This is a great idea! Introvertness is not a mental health issue but it is a struggle in world that still looks up to extroverts. Being an introvert myself, I have to say that I went through a lot of struggles - trying to accept myself, being able to pursue my hobbies, trying to stand out etc.

I would love to help create a growth parth with you (the more people contributing to ideas, the better).

Here are a few of my ideas :

1. Introvertness to me is my personality. So, one has to openly accept themself first before trying out new experiences that are difficult. The first few growth paths would be to help introverts slowly accept themselve - ideas to figure themself out, what makes them happy, to free oneself from being afriad of what others may think etc.

2. The next growth paths can be about knowing that you have a place in this world. There are many leaders out there who are introverts and not naturally born public speakers for example. Find out what they like to do in the future, their dream, how to get there, let them figure out their own paths on achieving their goals etc

3. Maybe we can slip in something about how to start conversations, how to ask open ended questions, how to show interest in other people, Introverts have limited time in their day they want to use for socializing, so how do they utilize that time?

Okay these are all my ideas for now. I'm excited about this growth path. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any other contributions related to this challenge :)

Bye,
Aina

Great topic indeed. I also feel something that helps people understand if they are introverts and what that means. I can socialize quite easily and do t mind to speak in front but it drains me. I can only spend so much time and then need to be alone or in nature to recharge. So understanding there are different levels of introverts and how to understand what helps each would be beneficial I feel.

Hello. I think that learning to set and maintain boundaries with others has been a very important part of my life as an introvert. I live in a family of rowdy extroverts, and a few narcissists. So learning how to tell people what I need, and to keep them from crossing into my lane, has been crucial. For example, I have a job where I spend all day with people. It's great, but I'm drained when I'm done. I've learned to tell my family that I need an hour when I get home to recharge my batteries. For the most part, they've learned to be respectful of that. Also, a book that I've found is Quiet, by Susan Cain. I just bought it, and I'm looking forward to diving into it.

Great idea. I could contribute towards this.

I feel people just need to work on it through mindful concerted & regular skillful actions. It's like a shell/cocoon they need to crack open and emerge out of it.

This is a great idea. One of the great things about the Internet is the easy ability for introverts to find one another, yet without having to actually leave the home. XD

Many are familiar with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), but I would bet many are not. There are several ways to take the personality test for free online, or you can take the official MBTI one, for a fee. Whichever way you go, it's a good way to assess yourself without any value judgments in the results. In this system, introversion or extraversion are not judged good or bad, just the way a person is wired. There are strengths within each type that help them adapt to situations.

An observation has been made that the pandemic has been somewhat easier on introverts than on extraverts, at least as far as isolation or being comfortable with being alone.

I'll be interested to see how this path unfolds. :)

@ASilentObserver

I love the idea of helping others grow here on 7 cups. It not only makes the other person feel wanted it makes Me happy to of been some kind of help in someone's journey here.

I think that one of the first things to remind people who are introverts is that it's not something to be ashamed of. There is so much talk in society that introversion is equal to shyness or being anti-social, and something people should "grow out of", but it's really just a different way of communicating with the world. For instance, and I can't speak for all introverts, but I personally don't consider myself shy. Rather I am simply someone who is far less chatty than what an extrovert would be.