The Problem of Being an Introvert...

...is when you are faced with dealing with people when you'd rather not.

Tomorrow is my husband's transplant surgery. Yay! We are excited (though a bit tired right now). You can check out my other blog for the latest news.

The one thing that I'm not looking forward to, is dealing with people. I do love seeing people, having them visit, show their support - yes, all of that is great! What my real issue is, I'm a simple introvert.

There are a few people who want to sit with me during the surgery tomorrow, to "be there for me." They didn't ask if I wanted them there, just assumed that everyone would. And I do appreciate the fact that they want to help in whatever way they can. But I actually had planned to knit, read, listen to my MP3player and pray. These things would help to relax me, keep me calm and unstressed. Having to have company now, makes me feel like I have to be "on" for them too. It takes more of my emotional energy and from what I remember of our last hospital stay, was quite draining. In effect, when people were trying to support me, they were actually adding more stress. (If people are coming because they are there for my husband, that is a different story.)

And I know that this just happens in times like these. Everyone needs different things, and some people need people around them to stay with them. So I will be trying to graciously accept what people want to give in support. And when I need to be alone, then it will be time for a walk and a change of scenery. It's a waffly line when you're an introvert and you need your space - and people want to be with you. So I will be trying to monitor my energy levels and recharge when needed.

I love that people want to help and support us. And I do want people to visit and stop by. It's just that small percentage of people whose well intentions aren't easy for introverts to deal with.

Comments

angela said…
I hear you on that. I always bring knitting as the first shield and spacer. Then add the i-pod and you have some distance. You won't have to explain anything if you stay with those two for a while. It is difficult to explain it though.

Blessings