being an introvert in community

I am an introvert as well. I still know the need for a community, which I am yet looking for to live away from urban civilization in the sustainable ways that are important, as I see. It would be worthwhile for there to be others who are introverts as well in such a community I can find I can be with. And my love of making stories with my creativity can be something that might interest some others, who could value me being there.

I don't know how much of this sentiment resonates with me due to being an introvert, or being a sensitive sort dealing with far too much stress over different periods of my life.



I think it describes a level of shut down I've experienced where I've been unable to "hear" others. Just no capacity to take in what they want to say, plus a severely reduced or non-existent ability to learn new things.

I'm so, so grateful to be moving past a multi-year period of feeling like this and now being able to listen to others and have meaningful conversations again.

Jocelyn Campbell wrote:I don't know how much of this sentiment resonates with me due to being an introvert, or being a sensitive sort dealing with far too much stress over different periods of my life.



I think it describes a level of shut down I've experienced where I've been unable to "hear" others. Just no capacity to take in what they want to say, plus a severely reduced or non-existent ability to learn new things.

I'm so, so grateful to be moving past a multi-year period of feeling like this and now being able to listen to others and have meaningful conversations again.

I guess we can learn others might be that way at some time in their life, it is part of what to know for accommodating others.

Another introvert here. Making space and time for quiet is a must. It's been difficult lately, just too many things in the world upsetting hubby, a social phobic extrovert on the autistic spectrum who wants to fix everything that's wrong on the planet and takes it personally that he can't. Used to be, mornings and afternoons were challenging, but by evening, things would quiet down. Unfortunately, a noisy neighbor and thin walls with no soundproofing has me ready to scream some evenings.
In the past, I've lived in community and managed spending much of my time in group activities or with other people by having a private space to retreat to when needed. I used to be able to filter out the sound of people talking in the next room. Now I've developed an unusual form of migraine and my internal filters have stopped working. Being anywhere there's nore than one conversation going on is hell, and it's made me antisocial. I could happily be a hermit, at least for a while. Maybe why the little piece of land I'm buying is on the outskirts of a small town, yet a little isolated, too, no immediate neighbors.
Jocelyn, you have my sympathy, and my admiration! Good self-care is essential, and knowing that you aren't being rude if you go for a walk and pass other people. A wave to acknowledge them as you keep walking will probably be enough. LOL, maybe that's my introvert showing. If I'm out walking, it's such a releief when people don't feel the need to stop and talk to me!

Jocelyn Campbell wrote:One year living in community has reinforced something I've always known about myself:  I'm a social introvert.

I've always preferred one-on-one interactions to large groups and this graphic nails why.

From graphic from Roman/Schroeder Jones:

My main coping skill is to retreat to my private bedroom space, because even outdoors here at the base camp acreage there are not many private areas just to be.

I hope this isn't a repeat topic already thoroughly discussed elsewhere in the community forums.  I just thought it might help to share and discuss different coping techniques because, surely, I'm not the only social introvert living in community.

I know this is an old post, but just wanted to say I relate a lot to it.

We can always learn things for betterment, if we permit ourselves to. While I am in fact never anything but introverted, I don't let that limit me in any way that I can see. I will still say things to another whenever and whatever I think is needful for that. Speaking up in a crowded room would be something different, but still not impossible, and I do discuss things with many at a time on some online sites. There are issues so important there needs to be communication on those things, with facts brought up. And certainly needs should be expressed.

Here's another interesting viewpoint - maybe even not just for introverts.