Society generally frowns upon those who keep to themselves. But just because someone is quiet doesn't mean he's stuck-up, indifferent, or harboring devious plans of some sort. On the contrary, quiet people are usually quite convivial once you get to know them. All it takes is breaking the ice and making the person feel comfortable enough to open up.
I was a very quiet kid through my high school years, but finally came out of my shell when I started college. To this day, I can clam up while in the presence of a lot of people, especially those with whom I have nothing in common.
People have to become more tolerant of others' personalities and resist the urge to categorize them in the absence of more information. For instance, people attempt to fill in the gaps by assuming that the quiet person must think she is superior to everyone else. In actuality, she may just be an introvert who thinks very carefully before speaking. Some people are more introspective than others and have a lot more going on in the noggin than they let on.
In the western world, extroversion is prized highly. People in the workplace are encouraged to voice their ideas loudly and assertively, no matter whose toes they have to step on in the process. Quiet folks with a more laid-back demeanor can sometimes find it difficult to adapt to such conditions.
I've seen a flurry of books out on the market that focus on the many ways that introverts contribute positively to society. As a matter of fact, it's been proven that people who are given their space to generate ideas are usually able to come up with better ones than can a group of people in a brainstorming session.
So, if you find yourself among the shy and introverted in the world, don't fret. Embrace your quiet disposition -- it isn't something to be ashamed of! And if you know someone who falls into this camp, don't proceed to put her down. Instead, give her a chance to let you into her world. After all, quiet and introverted people want to be loved and respected like everyone else.
I was a very quiet kid through my high school years, but finally came out of my shell when I started college. To this day, I can clam up while in the presence of a lot of people, especially those with whom I have nothing in common.
People have to become more tolerant of others' personalities and resist the urge to categorize them in the absence of more information. For instance, people attempt to fill in the gaps by assuming that the quiet person must think she is superior to everyone else. In actuality, she may just be an introvert who thinks very carefully before speaking. Some people are more introspective than others and have a lot more going on in the noggin than they let on.
In the western world, extroversion is prized highly. People in the workplace are encouraged to voice their ideas loudly and assertively, no matter whose toes they have to step on in the process. Quiet folks with a more laid-back demeanor can sometimes find it difficult to adapt to such conditions.
I've seen a flurry of books out on the market that focus on the many ways that introverts contribute positively to society. As a matter of fact, it's been proven that people who are given their space to generate ideas are usually able to come up with better ones than can a group of people in a brainstorming session.
So, if you find yourself among the shy and introverted in the world, don't fret. Embrace your quiet disposition -- it isn't something to be ashamed of! And if you know someone who falls into this camp, don't proceed to put her down. Instead, give her a chance to let you into her world. After all, quiet and introverted people want to be loved and respected like everyone else.
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