UPDATE March 2009: This was one of my best posts, but the content was lost when my blog crashed. I regret not having an offline backup of the post because it was a piece that I wrote from a spark of inspiration, which tends to produce my best work. One day, the spark will return and I’ll be able to re-create it. I apologize if you landed here and won’t see the entire post. I miss it too. 
I’m drained and my energy wells have dried up, which means it’s time for me to retreat to a dimly lighted room – alone – and if I had my way, I’d stay there for the next two days.
You see, I’m a classic introvert. No – I’m not shy, I’m not antisocial, and I’m not a loner, which is a common misconception. Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
What a thoughtful post. The 16-hour days are brutal and sometimes feels like work and family suck the life out of me. I do try to steal little moments for myself, even if it’s taking a shower.
Wow! This is ME! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who wants to retreat on a Saturday morning and be by myself. I’ve got to show this to my hubby. Thank you for the validation!
I’m definitely an introvert, but unfortunately for me, that also means I’m anti-social. My family and I laugh about it, but I have very few friends IRL other than people I’ve known my whole life or have worked with just because I’ve never been good at in-person interactions. Give me a good book and an empty house (in my dreams, at least), and I’d be in heaven.
I think I am an extrovert but I do need my times of quiet and reflection. Working from home allows me to have that.
I tried to explain this to my wife when she invited people to our house after our son’s birthday party and wondered why I needed to be alone in the bedroom. She said I was being rude. I just needed to decompress.
Well. You’ve described me to a T and I thank you. I’ve always struggled to verbalize my particular brand of personality. I’ve also worried about being seen as the “grumpy, anti-social woman” because I know that I’m not. Maybe I’ll just hand out your post at functions.
I just attended a women’s blogging conference, going against my introverted grain, and it was a great time and a great decision.
@Laurin -
Maybe we can make tees that read, “I’m a misunderstood introvert.”
@Renée aka Mekhismom – I thrive working from home too, but have to force myself to get out sometimes otherwise I’ll become a homebody.
Wow!! Did I just write this. It describes me to a T. Thanks for making me feel more normal
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I SO relate to this. A friend once told me that as an extrovert, she draws her energy from other people. As an introvert, I need time alone and silence to refuel. So good to know there are others out there like me.
I can’t believe how much of myself I can see in your post. Thanks so much for sharing and letting me know that I’m not the only one who feels this way.