The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking – Susan Cain, author of “Quiet” 

Why shouldn’t quiet be strong? And what else can quiet do that we don’t give it credit for? – Rosa Parks autobiography “Quiet Strength”

I met a young woman when she and her family moved to the Prairie a few years ago. I don’t see her often but it’s always a lovely visit when I do. She raises chickens and sells eggs in season. She and her husband have five children, all boys. One day we sat at the table, I with my coffee and her with her eye on the boys. I asked her to tell me their names and point each one out. The boys looked like stairsteps and except for heights look a lot alike.

While pointing out each boy she shared their interests and also their personalities-some were extroverts and the others were introverts. One is throwing a ball, and another is looking at picture books.

I’ve always been fascinated by the differences between extroverts and introverts. I learned early that I was an introvert. My mother was an extrovert, and she was the first to tell me I was an introvert, and that I needed to speak up and “talk to the people.” I was about five years old when she shared that with me. I didn’t understand what an introvert was, but I did know I didn’t want to talk to the people I didn’t know. Introverts are not necessarily shy; they are thinking before they speak. If there’s an extrovert anywhere around, the introvert will push them forward. Let them speak.

Allen Shawn wrote a foreword in Susan Cain’s book that explains a lot. “A species in which everyone was General Patton would not succeed, any more than would a race in which everyone was Vincent van Gogh.” Shawn also mentions the planet needs diversity of abilities and interests.

There’s a helpful part in the conclusion of the “Quiet” book that applies to both adults and children. “Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you think you’re supposed to. Stay home on New Year’s Eve if that’s what makes you happy. Skip the committee meeting. Cross the street to avoid making aimless chitchat with random acquaintances. Read, Cook, Run. Make a deal with yourself that you’ll attend a set number of social events in exchange for not feeling guilty when you beg off.”

The young woman I mentioned posted a good-humored statement on social media, “Unfortunately my nervous system can’t tell the difference between being stalked by a serial killer or going to a social event.”

All that to say, I know that my young mother-friend will raise her sons to know and use their God-given gifts to thrive in a world where everyone is meant to be themselves.

Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].