No, I didn’t sell the kids. . .I’m talking about myself for a moment. A couple days ago, I came across this article that I wanted to share with you: Don’t Call Introverted Children ‘Shy’. Yes, I was the child clinging to my mother’s leg and hoping no one would look at me, much less talk to me. You aren’t surprised, are you? Even as an adult I need to quietly observe people and situations before I’m willing to talk. . .and in some cases, I’m just not willing to open my mouth. The art of conversation tires me, so I only talk when I have something to say–and when I am fairly confident that the other person will want to hear what I have to say.
Just the eight of us. . .
Simul Justis et Pecatur- A Dog's Life March 30, 2012
- Under Construction
- Boots on the Ground
- I shouldn’t be doin’ this
- Susan’s Pendulum
- The Elephant’s Child
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You have been such a great teacher to me in this area. As the extrovert-even-when-I’d-rather-not-be-kid I always thought those shy little kids just felt like they were too good to play with the rest of us and thanks to all these years of friendship with you I have come to realize when someone is just naturally quiet and even appreciate it and know that when they do have something to say it’s worth listening to.
My oldest was exactly like you growing up, clinging to my legs and not saying anything to anyone. She still doesn’t talk much, but look at where she is now! I still can hardly believe that she has handled this solo travel with such confidence. Allowing her to be quiet, clingy, and not talking to “strangers” for all those years I can see helped her become that quiet, yet confident, young woman who could fly solo to a foreign country and handle the customs problem as well as solve the problem of missing her first bus. And knowing you and others like you, have helped me realize, like Gina, to treasure your quietness and to listen and not judge them to think themselves better than me. (besides – how selfish is that way of thinking?)
Oh, the ironies of life. . .far from thinking myself better than others, I have gone through periods of feeling very inferior because I couldn’t carry on a conversation. It looks so easy when other people do it!
My Anna was the shy one too. She is now a Junior at IU studying organ, having fun with her friends, helping and caring about and for other people. I too take pause when I think back on HOW introverted she was. It is all good. They are who they were created to be for a very good reason and she was not less of a person for being shy(er) back in the day.
How I wish this book was out when my kids were little!