hello there, friend,
i remember taking the myers briggs personality test in introductory psychology years ago. i came out ENFP (E for extrovert), but just barely. the next time i took the test i was still in college and came out an INFP (I for introvert).
i never considered myself extremely shy or introverted before that, but began to understand that i am energized by connection with just a few people. having coffee with a friend or talking to my sister completely recharges me. what completely drains me, is being in a crowd or at a party with a lot of people, or my own kitchen with everyone talking at the same time!
the older i get the more i, like you, need periods of solitude. need time to gather my thoughts, to take deep breaths, to focus with intention. currently my favorite part of the day is when all three kids get on the bus at the same time and the house is absolutely still and quiet.
i can easily stay in my head without maintaining connection and have to force myself sometimes to pick up the phone or say yes to a coffee date. i never regret it, but i savor the time alone.
xo,
b
(p.s. i keep hearing great things about the book 'quiet: introverts in a world that can't stop talking' by susan cain. her TED talk is fantastic.)
