Introversion.

I love introducing people to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, or MBTI. If you haven't ever heard of it, look it up! In fact, at Olive Grove this summer I helped teach an elective in which I got to administer a version of the MBTI to teenage girls. Whenever someone is taking this test for the first time...or for that matter, whenever a discussion about the difference between introversion and extroversion comes up, I have a little disclaimer:

All extroverts need quiet time and all introverts need people.

It's true! I am a newbie introvert. By this I mean that as a child, I was an extrovert...until about the age of 15 or so, actually, I derived my greatest portions of energy from being around people. But ever since the early years of high school, I've been much more of an introvert. I now need quiet time to think and I need space to be independent. I love that quiet time and space! I always joke with people that I spend at least 2 weeks of every summer all by myself in the house and love it. This is because I'm a "grown up" and my parents now vacation alone. I'm ok with that.

And right now, I'm in that season. I do love it, but I wasn't expecting the 2 week solitude bit to be a part of summer 2011. I've had some crazy moments. Don't get me wrong...by crazy, I just mean "I'm gonna GO crazy! I need to cook, ride a bike, organize something!" So at least I have been productive.

And this is my conflict. I am an introvert and love being one, but I need people! I haven't been totally isolated (I've stayed at Laura's a lot!)...but my mom and dad arrive home tomorrow and I can honestly say I'm excited to be living with people again.

...I wonder if there's a title for introverts like me who need that "leave me alone-I want to go to bed" time, yet can enjoy being outgoing and bold when needed...but only for about 2 hours (and then I crash). Title? I know not. What I do know is:

All extroverts need quiet time and all introverts need people. Our Creator is fascinating.