Musing on Introverts. They make the best friends.
Well, they make the best friends of your children to have around.
My high school senior has a good friend who is very introverted. He’s bright, cute but doesn’t say much.
I LOVE having him around.
Why?
Because I’m sort of an introvert too. (A closet one.)
Or a person who’s about 55 percent “in” and 45 percent “out.”
And choosing to join Mama Kat’s prompt’s today, I was intrigued by the question, “Share a lesson you have learned about friendship from an introvert.”
* * *
* The value of silence. Humans by nature are self-centered. Introverts are no different. They just let their extroverted friends take the stage. I’m learning that I don’t have to comment on EVERYTHING. When we shut up and listen, we learn more. If we learn more about things and people — on subjects we agree or disagree – we become deeper and truer to ourself. (Expressed like a true introvert.)
* You think they’re are spacing out then WHAMMO. I love surprises. (Scary ones.) And there is nothing scarier than thinking a person is all fluff and light and then…BAM the truth comes out. Introverts are never ending. Their greatest weakness (thinking too much) is also their greatest strength.
* They remember birthdays, your children’s birthdays…heck they remember your parent’s birthdays (and their first names). They say “I’m praying for you.” And they really are in an emotionally and spiritually connected way.
* They don’t have to be right. They might think they are…but it’s not worth causing discord to make sure everyone knows how smart they are.
* They are self-sacrificing. And ultimately here is the lesson for us all. Granted they put themselves last (and sometimes resent it) because this is how their DNA was woven. Still the credit goes to them for clamping their tongue, encouraging the discouraged and not saying…
“I told you so.”
And on the rare occasion Introverts tell you “they told you so” — you really don’t realize they are — because they are only doing it for your good.
What about you?
What have you learned from a special introspective friend?
Love this!! The value of silence. So important.
I’m a big-time extrovert. My daughter and her best friend are both introverts. It took me a long while to realize that when they were quiet they weren’t upset or bored. They were just being quiet together. I think that’s pretty awesome.
As the old adage says “silence is golden” – and you can learn a lot more by listening then by asking questions sometimes!
I love this post — and not just because I’m an introvert 🙂 I totally agree that thinking too much is one of my greatest strengths and greatest weaknesses! As for what I’ve learned from others even more introverted than I am, is that just because they don’t always say something doesn’t mean they don’t have deep feelings, and introverts are often the very best listeners.
Amen Julia.
Agreed. I could sure stand to shut up and listen more. 😉
Is Steve an introvert?
I, a full time introvert, was nodding my head with every word!
Steve us a raging intro.
While I am not an introvert, I do appreciate the wisdom of one. They’re the calm in my storm, the rock in my life, and the peaceful source I seek when I’m struggling most.
I am an introvert, too and I really do like your post! I totally agree with all the written facts. I know these feelings, sometimes only my feelings and turning to my inside helps me to get over the problems.
The value of silence. Only true friends/soulmates/couples can understand this. 🙂 Me and my daughter are both extroverts and we don’t get along so well actually (having yuite a lot of fights) :). What do you think about this combination?
As an introvert, I have to say this list pretty much nails it. I like the remembering birthday comment. I still remember birthdays of childhood friends.
Isn’t that the truth about childhood friends birthdays, Jacki. Extroverts not get a little help with Facebook b
I think introverts are underrated, for all the reasons that you listed above!
Love this post, Jamie. I’m an only child, and growing up in an all-adult world made me somewhat of an introvert. From BEING an introvert, I’ve learned a lot about listening and observation. We quiet types soak up all the details.
Have a great day!
Jean
Introverts are emotional sponges…that is so true Jean.