Another subject of interest - introversion. I used to believe introversion meant being shy, but it's not even close. Introversion explained in wikipedia is SO me. One sentence catches me while I read that: "Introverts are people whose energy tends to expand through reflection and dwindle during interaction". It seems so clear in hindsight that this is just how I am, but I've believed there was really something wrong with me my whole life.
For example, my mom thinks I'm antisocial. And I used to think so too. She'd wonder if I'd hang out with some guys across the street or some kids from school that I didn't really care to be around. Her intentions (and concerns) were seemingly positive but I knew that being around certain people for too long makes me crave to be alone or away from them. What gave me that idea was that whenever I'm done "hanging out" I'd put my hand on my forehead and it would be... really warm. It's as if my head was sizzling on the inside. Like a computer on the verge of being overheated that needs to be shut off as soon as possible.
I've had my... should I say.. more extroverted friends in high school who I'm sure wondered why I was so quiet... or "weird". I used to consider them professional talkers. It's obvious that most people are extroverts, especially black people (lol). Most introverts would agree, I think, that extroverted people aren't likely to sympathize with the feelings of an introvert... or aren't likely to understand the concept of introversion very well. Things extroverts like to do: " take pleasure in activities that involve large social gatherings, such as parties, community activities, public demonstrations, and business or political groups. Politics, teaching, sales, managing and brokering are fields that favor extraversion". I'm not a club person. I'm not as smart as most introverted people, I'm sure. But I think I'm above average at least (haha). I can easily have the "problem" of over-thinking about something. It can be something totally unimportant or uninteresting... at least to other people.
Introversion is even in my family (mother's side). My grandfather... definitely an introverted guy. Every time I ask about him, he's quiet, but able to speak well when he has something to say. He can be pretty deep (maybe philosophical). He can talk a lot if it's about something of interest to him (as my grandmother told me), like talking politics. Loved to hunt.. Also, he was agnostic. I don't know if it's true or not, but I believe introverts are more likely to be agnostic (my grandmother on the other hand is pretty religious, I'm left to wonder how they were able to settle for each other). One of my uncles is also agnostic (who married a very talkative extroverted woman), he's a well-spoken down to earth guy.... One of my aunts spends much of her time in her room watching television (or whatever else she does in there), though she may not be a very patient person when dealing with people. Then, there is my own mother who probably doesn't realize she's introverted. Well-spoken, more down to earth and rational than most people, reads books, very nice and kind to people. She acts a certain way around people that I know she couldn't keep up for a long amount of time without wanting to regain her energy. Not many friends. If she were ever sad or depressed, you'd never know (at least I don't), though I'm sure she behaves differently when in such moods.
As it says in the wiki: "Introverts are easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation from social gatherings and engagement, though they may not show any outward signs of discomfort"... and "social networking sites have been a thriving home for introverts in the 21st century, where introverts are free from the formalities of social conduct and may become more comfortable blogging about personal feelings they would not otherwise disclose." I wish this this wasn't true for myself but it is. I've noticed the internet being just about dangerous for a person like me, as I find it a very stimulating place where I can be comfortable. For why it can be dangerous, I could easily spend hours on facebook, reddit, youtube, and other sites. It stimulates the mind (in a feeding my information hunger kind of way), but it's most likely to be a waste of my damn time. The information superhighway consists mostly of unimportant and useless shit. I'm not even going to mention video games...
Anyone else believe themselves to be introverts?
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