"A Quiet Extrovert"

I like people. I'm an introvert—oftentimes insecure and socially awkward. Have a hard time talking in front of crowds or being the center of attention in general. But ...

I love meeting new people.

I long to make new friends.

I adore big gatherings—where I'm surrounded by people (and at least one trusted friend) but am not pressured to be involved. I can visit at my own pace.

I am thrilled when I talk to random people in town; it makes life feel interesting and full of hope.

I thrive on devoted relationships and deep conversations.

I've done quite a few personality tests, one of which is found at 16personalities.com. There I was labeled "TheAdvocate", an INFJ personality. An introvert. But interestingly enough, people with this personality type are often known as "quiet extroverted types".

I'm very passionate about books, writing, and literary characters; and I need my own space sometimes, but ... I feel I will wither up and die inside without real companionship and community.

While living on the west coast, a distant cousin approached me wanting to form a friendship. I was actually a little amazed that she wanted to get to know me; and delighted, of course! We got together several times and talked easily, having lovely times. Even though I think we were both pretty nervous to meet each other in person!

Later, I met one of her nieces at a young people’s event. We talked the whole evening about blogging, writing, and different topics—and I thoroughly enjoyed myself!

Then I met three more of her nieces (we’re all around the same age, more or less) and had an absolutely amazing time visiting with them.

I was surprised and quite happy to find out how much I had in common with all five young ladies, and it was just so fun to get to know them and start forming friendships. I had so missed that companionship—having people who actually understood certain trials you were going through, struggles you faced, or quirks you just thought no one else could relate to! *smiles*

Another moment that stood out to me while living on the west coast was when another one of my cousins quoted to me from one of my favorite books (one of her favorites too!), when I was sick. I always find myself remembering that particular happening because it felt very special to me, what with how important books are to me. For me, it was a moment of true connection and friendship. ^_^ Peoples, when you connect with me through books, it means a lot. *smiles*

Currently, I’m back at my family’s house with my parents and siblings. I do miss my older brother, relatives, and new friends on the west coast, but it feels right to be where I am at this time.

• Investing in the lives of my six younger sisters & brothers.
• Talking and spending quality time with my mom.
• Devoting time to my writing project.

But I struggled for many weeks, wondering about finding that companionship outside my family here. And guess what? I felt the faithfulness of God last Saturday when my mom, sister, and I met with another mom and her oldest daughter (from my family’s homeschool group). We sat at Chick-fil-A eating waffle fries and drinking half-unsweetened-tea-half-lemonade (*wink*), and talking for hours. Talking about books, and other such things, mind you. *grins* After that visit, I felt more refreshed and hopeful than I had in a long time.

And, I’m planning to go to Bible study at my family’s church for the first time. I’m really excited!

So what is the point of this post? Well, I suppose to just give you a little glimpse into my life, and thoughts, and feelings.

And let you know that I love to connect with you! Having a blog has been such a blessing, in that I get to bond a little bit with so many readers and writers and other such folk!

(Share my blog with others! *smiles*)

So, I am an introvert—but I love people. Companionship means everything to me.