Off-Topic Thursday is a way for me to get a chance to talk about my life outside of books and reading. I appreciate the chance to give you all a little more insight into my life so please chime in with your thoughts!
I’ve had a lot more downtime these past few months since the triathlon season is over and I’m not in school. There are a number of ways I’m finding to fill my time between swimming, reading, and finally working on book submissions. The biggest thing that I’ve realized is that I really am a strong introvert.
In high school, I thought I was an extrovert. I had a lot of friends and I was outgoing and not afraid to talk. I’d mistaken these for signs of being extroverted when they’re just signs of being friendly. You can be a talkative extrovert and I think that’s what I am. In college, I didn’t think much of it. I went to parties with friends and had dinner with them in the cafeteria but I needed to study and do homework in peace. I struggled one year when I had a house with four other girls and I couldn’t find any peace and quiet. I became well acquainted with the library and the corners of it no one would bother me.
Since I’ve gotten married, I see what an extrovert really is. My husband is the epitome of an extrovert and lives it daily. If we’re out on a Friday night, even though we woke up at 4:30 AM to hit the gym, he’ll stay hours later than me. On the only free night of a busy week, he’ll make plans to get out of the house. He thrives from being around people. He doesn’t get tired and it actually gives him energy. I’m stunned. I’m the one yawning after an hour and leaving as soon as it seems socially acceptable.
This really forced me to admit that I’m an introvert. I’ve started planning my week and weekends around it and I think it’s helped my mental health. I don’t worry about getting out of the house more than twice a day on the weekends. I skip on some events I’m not excited about. My husband and I will drive separately to social events so I can leave when I’m ready and he can stay. I plan nights in. I feel more in control of my surroundings when I’m home and I feel better prepared to leave the house when I do go somewhere. It’s been really good for me.
I will force myself to go out when I don’t want to at times. I think it pushes my boundaries a bit. If there’s a social event that I’m free for but nervous about not knowing enough people, I’ll still go about half the time. The other half, I give myself a pass. I am an introvert, after all.
I’m sure there are a lot of introverts in the book blogging community so I hope this resonates with more than a few of you. How do you cope with being an introvert?
Until next time, write on.
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Taking On a World of Words 
I’m an introvert- albeit a very sociable one. The thing about being an introvert is recognizing that others sap your energy (especially groups of extroverts) so you need to have some alone time every day to recharge yourself. But it can be hard being an introvert in an extroverted world. I always remind the teachers that I work with who try to penalize their introverted students for not speaking up in class that 75% of all introverts have above average IQs, so….❣️❣️❣️
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Great point to make! I love my alone time before bed, it helps me relax enough to fall asleep. Thanks for connecting!
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Great post! 💜 As for your question, the one thing I’ve stopped doing is feeling bad about introvert nature. I have learned to be comfortable in my own skin and try to be more around people who do not make a constant habit of guilt-tripping me into things.
Sure yes, it’s good to push your own boundaries and that’s what good friends and supportive family members are there for. Having a day job may have done wonders for my anxiousness in social situations but it has also made me realize that at the end of the day, all I really want is to go back home and read. Henceforth, my closest friends are those who know and respect that and will not force me to party 4 times a week.
To summarize, I’ll say that what I have really learned is to accept that my tribe is always going to be a small number of people I cherish to the moon and back and that’s okay.
I’m an introvert. We thrive in solitude not crowds. 😍💜💕
All’s well and good as long as you are happy and at peace.❤️🙂
Hope you have a great week.❤️
Leaving the link of newest creative post below in case you want to check it out later. 🙂 https://saraabesukhan.com/unsigned-love-letters-in-the-memory-of-loving/
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I love your point about a small tribe. I’ve always done well with a few close friends and not a large group of people. Big friend groups make me feel like I’m not keeping up well with any one person while having a handful of close friends is much more manageable. Thanks for pointing that out. Introvert power!
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I really loved what you shared, Sam!
What stood out to me was how you mistook yourself for an extrovert when you were actually just friendly. I think the idea that introverts are shy or recluses and that extroverts are outgoing are a pretty common misconception that can cause some unnecessary distress. In high school, I personally felt shy admitting that personality tests revealed that I was an introvert, which was all rather ironic 😅.
I also love that you’ve scheduled you-time for the sake of your mental health! Knowing when to leave from social functions, saying “no” them, and forcing myself to go situationally has definitely improved my happiness too 🙂.
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Glad you could relate! It’s hard to say no sometimes but I think I’m happier for it in the end. Setting a time to leave has really helped me. Thanks for stopping by!
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I’m glad you have means to accommodate your needs and that your husband respects this and doesn’t seem to disrespect you for it! Really love that for you!
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He’s wonderful at recognizing our differences and finding ways for us to both be happy. Thanks for stopping by!
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It sounds as if you know yourself, your likes and dislikes, well and are adjusting your life accordingly. That should definitely bring contentment and peace.
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Thank you. It’s taken me time but I’m really feeling at peace. Happy reading!
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