Before I read, “Quiet: The Power of
Introverts”, I always thought I fell somewhere in between an
introvert and extrovert, like a half and half blend. As I read on,
however, I started to realize that I don't normally act as
extroverted as I thought I did. At times I make decisions on the
spur of the moment, but only when other people are involved and
nobody takes the leadership role. If I am left alone to make a
decision with no outside influences, I tend to take my time and weigh
my options more critically. I feel like this is that “mask”
effect that Quiet was talking about, being coupled with the
“Extrovert Ideal”. If a friend wanted me to go to a party with
them, I would usually say yes. However, its normally just for the
sake of making an appearance (the mask), not necessarily to mingle.
I am usually very content with keeping to myself, though I sometimes
feel like I should get out more. With that said, I feel like Quiet
is right about extroversion being the subconscious norm we as a
society see as more appealing. Me personally, I am usually a very
quiet, back of the room kind of person that normally observes before
speaking, rather than spew out a mess of words just to be in the
limelight. Being more introverted has led me to a path of more
individuality when it comes to school work. Keeping to myself has
allowed me to develop a sense of what I want out of my work, rather
than conforming to a string of others beliefs that I don’t share.
I have always been fine with listening to another person's ideas but
I've become the type of person that doesn't so readily jump on the
bandwagon without the facts. I believe myself to be somewhat shy,
nice, and slightly outspoken depending on the subject matter, but by
no means a complete and total extrovert. I don't have any problems
in social situations, I just always had better concentration and
focus in school when I did my own thing.
Hello Vinny!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely a victim of the "mask effect", as you were discussing in your post. There are times where I feel it's an obligation that I appear more extroverted than I actually am. Over time, my introvert self conflicts with the societal expectation of me being extroverted, and we end up with a lovely mix of sarcasm. I am said to be one of the most sarcastic people in my circles. I believe this stems from people trying to get me to talk more, and in result, I talk but with a bit of rebellion. That is usually my conversational style, unless it is meant to be a bit more formal. In formal situations, I definitely put on the mask.
Vinny,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed in your post how you stated being an introvert has allowed you to want to use your own beliefs rather than someone else's beliefs. I as well do not like when others around me always just jump on the "bandwagon" all the time without even knowing the facts. Even though I feel most of my friends are outgoing and always are the ones that want to go out and have fun. I am in the same boat as you are, I am kind of shy when I first meet people, I do not do well in huge groups at the start but when you give me time and don't push me I do get better. I think a lot of people hide that they are a little frustrated and overwhelmed when compelled with to many things that they are just unable to handle and for some of us It is being are people, reading, even small places but we all find a way to handle it at the end of the day.
Hello Vinny!
ReplyDeleteBecause I know you personally, I can definitely see both introvert and extrovert traits that you have. You were never afraid to start a conversation with anyone but some days you seemed to be more quiet and to yourself. This is exactly how I am and then my boyfriend asks me why I am acting weird and it's not that I'm acting weird, I'm just having an introvert moment. We both need to be able to make decisions both in a group and by ourselves seeing how we want to be nurses someday! I think we both need to wear the mask to survive in this society even though I think we shouldn't have to. Unfortunately, we can't change the way society thinks. We can maybe tell some people and change their perspective on introverts but certainly not the whole world.