I am a classic introvert. I have been for as long as I remember. Being around large groups of people is pretty draining to me. Social interactions, especially in small groups are also awkward and difficult for me which can make it difficult to make new friends, be as good as I should to old friends, and do the real life kinds of 'social networking' that relationships are made of. But for some reason I don't have trouble talking in large groups.
I went to Lotusphere 2006 by myself and found it pretty traumatic. Everybody there was very nice and several made an effort to include me in their festivities but by Wednesday, I was pretty much a mess. I have thought a lot about that week in the almost two years since...more in times like now when the new Lotusphere is approaching. While I did have fun and I learned a lot, I still would very much like to do it again sometime and have a different experience.
The pastor at my church is an introvert as well but with a big difference. He describes it by saying "I'm an introvert but I'm not shy." I find it completely liberating to think that being introverted and being shy aren't necessarily stuck together. I don't have to change my personality to get out, do things and be more naturally sociable...I just need to remember to go home and recharge.
I'm not really a "name it and claim it" kind of guy. I believe very strongly in working hard for what you want in life. I also believe, though, that you do need to come up with specific goals to be able to get there. So I'm working hard to keep "I'm an introvert but I'm not shy" in mind as I make my way through life from now on until becomes a natural part of who I am. Til I get there, I'll stumble and fall, but at least I'm trying to keep it going.
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