Introverts of the World, Unite!

Some people are born salespersons. They could sell freezers to Eskimos

Then there are the rest of us. I usually end up giving away things at yard sales because I can’t convince people to buy them. Chalk it up to an introverted nature.

According to a book I read, salesmanship often is a matter of personality: extrovert verses introvert. Having done some research on personality types, I’ve learned that being an introvert isn’t necessarily a liability. It can be an asset.

The quiet people among us have made significant contributions to our world. These include Albert Einstein (E=mc²), the composer Chopin, author George Orwell, Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss of The Cat in the Hat books), even Larry Page, inventor of Google. Of course, we can’t forget Abraham Lincoln, Elon Musk, and even Roy Rogers, King of the Cowboys. These introverts felt most comfortable in quiet surroundings, away from crowds.

The problem for introverted people came in the early part of the twentieth century, when our American culture began encouraging aggressive, outgoing personality traits. Advertising urged bold behavior.

Educational psychologists labeled quiet, introverted students as potentially troubled. We were trained that to become successful in society, we had to become almost party animals. Successful people-- from corporation executives to presidents of the United States-- became notoriously absent of reclusive character traits.

So, where does that leave us, the one-third to one-half of the population who prefer staying home and curling up with books?

Not feeling guilty!

According to research, introverted people are the thinkers in our world, the ones who analyze information thoughtfully before jumping in with both feet.

We function well without sleep, practice delaying gratification, and quietly go about our business while the extroverted people snatch the limelight.

Most of us are okay with that.

If it weren’t for the extroverts among us, who would carry the conversations at parties while we introverts sit in corners, watching? I depend on my extroverted husband to do most of the talking when we’re together in public. It allows me to engage in my favorite sport--people watching. And that gives me fodder to write about often.

So, if you’re one of us introverts, take heart. You’re in good company. Leave the sales jobs to your outgoing friends.

Which are you, extroverted or introverted? You can join the conversation below, especially if you're an introvert.