They say opposites attract and that’s definitely the case with my husband and me, especially in terms of our dispositions.  He is an extrovert and I am very much the introvert.  We have a lot in common in terms of what we do for a living, our political leanings and other things, but we are very different when it comes to where we are the most comfortable and what replenishes us.

Introverts need to be by themselves to replenish and extroverts need to be with others.  As we find ourselves in a situation where we MUST quarantine ourselves and exercise social distancing, as an introvert I am thrilled.  This is my environment.  My poor husband, on the other hand is quickly going stir crazy.  He finds himself missing his usual activity level, missing his sports, missing being with students, colleagues and friends.  I can see where if this goes on long enough, he will lose it and I will be going strong.

Most people look at introverts as shy and unassuming, afraid to speak up, lacking leadership.  But the truth is that introverts have a quiet strength.  We’re readers and thinkers.  In our quietness we’re observant, watching body language and weighing what we see and hear.  We’re careful and slow to action, not because because we’re afraid but because we want all the info before we make an important decision.  And then we retreat to quiet spaces to refuel before we begin again.  This is what we need in this time of the unknown and the stress that accompanies it.

Quiet introverts struggle to be heard while extroverted talking heads,  pushing  their theories and plans, sometimes without completely thinking them through , make themselves heard.  As an introvert, that’s one of the most frustrating things – after lengthy study and thought, I have things to say, but I struggle to fight through the extroverts around me.  During uncertain troubled times like we find ourselves in, the extroverts are quick to jump in and share their thoughts and opinions, sometimes speaking too much.  It’s a part of who they are, but what I’m thinking is that it’s time for the introverts to make themselves heard.  It’s not what we’re most comfortable doing, but now is a time for quiet, thoughtful, informed leadership and it’s time for introverts to arise and be a part of the solution.

Now, I’m not saying the extroverts are bad or that they don’t think.  I love my extrovert family and friends,  but it takes those opposites of introverts and extraverts to work together, to listen to each other, to balance each other with their strengths.  Extroverts are going to need our help with this new change in lifestyle and we will need their help to speak up when necessary.  So introverts arise!  You are needed and you are important.