Introverts make it again to the Huffington Post

Just in case you as an introvert stumbled upon this blog or for the maybe one person that is an introvert and has read my blog, this is a good article but I do have a few things to say....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/20/introverts-signs-am-i-introverted_n_3721431.html

Here are the 23 signs in short version with 23 signs am-I-extroverted  (note how much more verbose the extroverted version is)

1. You find small talk incredibly cumbersome.

Extrovert: Actually you don't really like small talk either. You just like to talk to people and prefer intelligent, deep conversation. But small talk is the way to start a conversation about less superficial matters.

2. You go to parties but not to meet people.

Extrovert:  You like meeting new people as people are fascinating, all are special and it's a privilege to be involved with people even at a party.  You like to reach out to people and you learn so much about yourself, the world and people from others.

3.  You often feel alone in a crowd.

Extrovert: This can actually happen to you also.

4. Networking makes you feel like a phony

Extrovert:  Networking is a way to help and connect people. You feel a great sense of accomplishment and even joy when you can network effectively.

5. You've been called too intense.

Extrovert:  You also have been called too intense so what does that mean???

6.  You're easily distracted.

Extrovert:  Are you kidding me?  You are WAY MORE easily distracted than an introvert.

7. Down time does not feel unproductive to you.

Extrovert:  You like down time too.  Introverts do not have the corner on downtime. Naps are GREAT as are quiet mornings with the Lord.

8.  Giving a talk in front of 500 people is less stressful than having to mingle with those people afterwards.

Extrovert:  You might also find speaking in front of 500 people stressful but you do enjoy connecting with individuals afterwards.

9.  When you get on the subway, you sit at the end of the bench -– not in the middle.

Extrovert:  You also like to sit at the end near the window so you can look out at the people or think about where you are going and get excited about that.  On planes, you don't necessarily like to talk to the person in the seat next to you.  Sometimes those people talk too much and then you realize they are actually introverts.  (Yeah, it's weird but it happens often.) You kind of like it up there in the clouds, closer to the heavens... 

10. You start to shut down after you've been active too long.

Extrovert:  You start to brighten up and smile when you are active and with people. Smiling makes people feel comfortable around you.

11.  You are in a relationship with an extrovert.

Extrovert: You are in a relationship with an introvert and sometimes would like to hit him/her over the head when he/she withdraws.  But then you decide to go to the coffee shop and have a pumpkin spiced latte (in autumn) or gingerbread latte (NOW) and meet a friend.  Or you might call someone on the phone, answer email, have a Google Hangout. 

12. You'd rather be an expert at one thing than try to do everything.

Extrovert: You might want to focus in life (introverts do not have the corner on being an expert in one things,) but there are always new and exciting things happening in the world so why not enjoy those also?

13. You actively avoid any shows that might involve audience participation.

Extrovert: You may not like audience participation either and are beginning to resent the obvious jabs at your personality type from this article. But you are a magnanimous person and decide to assume the best. (What is "the best" here?) And you note that although introverts don't like audience participation why are so many introverts constantly posting about their lives on social media???

14.  You screen all your calls-- even from friends.

Extrovert:  You are rather excited when the phone rings and disappointed if it's a telemarketer. However, you have been known to talk to the telemarketer if you are in the mood.  You screen calls as well.

15.  You notice details that others don't

Extrovert:  Not just for introverts.....nope.  You notice details too.  You notice when someone feels awkward at a party and you go up to them to make them feel comfortable. You are good at that.

16.  You have a constantly running inner monologue.

Extrovert:  You have a constantly running inner monologue also.  You don't talk all the time and you have been hurt and offended by those who make jokes about you in front of others about your verbal processing. 

17.  You have low blood pressure.

Extrovert: There it is again, the bias against extroverts..... now we are talking blood pressure?  What next?  You don't necessarily have high blood pressure. 

18.  You have been called an "old soul" ---since your 20s.

Extrovert: People think you are younger than you are because of your enthusiasm for life and people. 

19. You don' feel "high" from your surroundings.

Extrovert:  You feel high and upbeat from your surroundings.  So what?  Is that like a PROBLEM???

20. You look at the big picture.

Extrovert:  That is NOT an introverted trait alone and I am getting tired that the introverts are claiming traits like this.

21.  You have been told to come out of your "shell."

Extrovert:  You have been told many unkind and insensitive about the way you are. So whatever... Being told to come out of your "shell" is mild compared to the things you've been told.

22. You're a writer.

Extrovert:  Oh stop. I mean, really. Extroverts are writers too.  You journal all the time especially in your devotional and travel diaries and you know many, MANY introverts that never write...except maybe too much information on Facebook.

23. You alternate between phases of work and solitude, and periods of social activity.

Extrovert: You alternate between phases of work and solitude, and periods of social activity.  Yes, I wrote the same thing!  Extroverts behave the same way.