A few weeks ago, the Spanish teacher started asking for the homework. I was in the front row and, naturally, had it ready. She was in her desk and started calling people’s names. I’ll use pseudonyms for “safety” reasons. The Spanish teacher said: “Jose bring your homework…” then “ John, your homework please…” I was next “YOU, bring your homework.” she said, while pointing at me. It’s important to note that I’d been her student for four months now. I stayed seated, she asked again “You, could you bring me your homework.” And so I went and acted as it had never happened. It didn’t end there, a week later, a substitute came in for that same Spanish teacher. She had taught in our school and now worked as a substitute, probably because of her age. The lady was very professional, in the second class with her, she collected books, again, by names. The substitute remembered everyone’s names, apart from mine.
I kept wondering, why they didn’t care to remember my name; is there something different about me? Even worse, am I such an average person that I don’t stand out in a class with only 20 people? Clearly, there must be something wrong with me… or not, I concluded that it was because I’m an introvert. Before moving on, for those of you who don’t know what it means, there are two terms for defining one’s social behaviour, extroverts and introverts. Extroverts are the more outgoing people; people who like being surrounded by others all the time and prefer being in public places. While introverts are more reserved. Introverts are usually cast in a light of antisocials, that they don’t like to be with other people at all and behave like hermit crabs, only coming out of shelter when it’s completely necessary. I assure you, this is definitely not the case, an introvert is someone who likes being alone, is comfortable with his or her thoughts, and doesn't have a problem spending a day all by himself, reading or watching a movie. This does not mean that I don’t like going out or spending time with friends or go to a party, but that I do enjoy being alone. Introversion, at least in my case, comes hand in hand with social anxiety, meaning that I’ll be nervous most of the time, no matter where I am or who i’m with. This often makes me look like a shy guy, which is not the ideal situation. I don’t like blaming things on society , I just feel like it’s a cop-out, but sometimes it is society’s fault when everyone is expected to become the “life of the party”, so to speak. Because society rejects the idea of introversion, one of the most valuable activities is completely lost. Solitude, or the act of being alone, in a room, possibly reading, maybe watching a movie or even just reflecting. The undeniable cause for the countless “anti-social” comments your parents make each time they come into your room. Solitude goes very unappreciated these days, truth be told, it’s only time I feel 100% comfortable. Which is ultimately the reason I love writing blogposts, Jill Solloway phrased it perfectly “The intimacy between my brain and my fingers and my computer... Yet knowing that that intimacy will find an audience... It's very satisfying. It's like having the safety of being alone with the ego reward of being known.”
3 Comments
Leonardo Jimenez
29/11/2015 12:23:24 am
Cristobal, your blog post was very interesting because of the way you analyzed the topic of introverts in a personal manner. I found it very interesting to read your explanation and feeling regarding this concept. Your ideas were very well crafted and your anecdote fit very well with your reflection. You were also able to give us readers and important perspective on the role that society plays regarding introversion. One thing I think you could improve is delving deeper into why you classify yourself as an introvert and how it affects your life. Other than that, very good job! I can definitely feel the voice in your writing.
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Bon
30/11/2015 09:59:55 am
People tend to mistake alone time for loneliness, but they're two distinct things. People can be at their loneliest, even when they surround themselves with people. We humans are creatures of habit and too often loath alone time because it's when the thinking happens, so instead, we distract ourselves with the mundane. Stick to your guns on this one. Seek solitude, and take the time to listen to your inner self. Alone time and socializing can easily walk hand in hand.
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The anecdote of the blog is that the teachers did not remember the author's name. The main idea of this blog is that sometimes people won't remember you because of your introvert behavior. The blog tells us about the definition of being and introvert and brings good examples. In my opinion, it built up perfectly for which one can say it is a good blog.
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