June 8, 2012 7:27 PM
How to Care for Introverts
Posted in Fun Stuff | Permalink
Comments
This is great Barbara! My 21-year-old son is an introvert to the core of his being. It's one thing that I love most about him. Unlike my many friends who sing, speak, perform, and lead, Christian has no desire to draw attention to himself. I tried to pump up his confidence by putting him in kids' choirs and other performance opportunities at church and he tolerated them, but in the end he expressed his dislike for the spotlight (to him, even standing in the background felt like the spotlight) by hiding in the church cry room during a VBS performance. That was the end of that. From that day on, he helped out back stage and learned to work the sound booth.
He works at a museum and I know exactly why he enjoys it--because it is quiet and reflective just like him. At the same time, he has a quick sense of humor. In fact, when he feels relaxed on comfortable, he is hilarious!
I do see drawbacks, such as his his tendency to stew about problems instead of talking, stuff his feelings, and avoid activities that require communication. Working has helped with some of this.
One particular friend of mine, who happens to be an extrovert, constantly brings up my need to "make" Christian talk more, "get out of himself," and do other things that just aren't him. It's almost like she sees his God-given personality as a flaw or weakness, or the result of . . . well, I better not go into that long story. As his mom, I know that Christian is just quiet. He always has been.
This post reminded me that I am doing the right thing by allowing him to be who he is. Thanks!
Even though I love to perform and speak, I am an introvert deep down too. Maybe that's why I understand him.
Have a great week,
Jeanette
Posted by: Jeanette | June 10, 2012 9:05 PM
I love this loving portrait - your love for and acceptance of your son - and finding the beauty in who he is - is such a wonderful example of what motherhood is all about.
Posted by: Barbara | June 10, 2012 10:11 PM
