How is it that I get on my own nerves? In my case, I'm socially awkward. As a child, I’d always be the quiet one, not sure how or when to interact with others. Seventy percent of my interactions with people were, to my estimation, “weird.” Then, I’d spend the day or week thinking of how I could have been wittier, or more responsive. Better listener, responder, etc. I have these memories going back to elementary school. It took me many years to come to grips with this and accept I had a closed personality. Many more years to learn compensating techniques. And awkwardness is still … [Read more...]
Introversion in Teen Children Has Upsides for Future
I ran into another parent recently, the mother of a girl at my daughter's high school. Both our kids are seniors this year; they know each other, and are casual friends. After congenial hellos in the line at our neighborhood coffeehouse, she asked, "So! What are Riley's plans after graduation?" We're not totally sure yet, but are looking at colleges in the area. "The whole college thing is overwhelming, isn't it?" the mom exclaimed. "How are her grades? How are her SATs scores? Are you applying to places that put a big emphasis on extracurriculars?" Grades were fine; test scores, … [Read more...]
Teenage Introvert Has His Price for Breaking Out of Shell
At any given moment, my son is speaking. He is standing near my desk, riding in the car, or running a trail beside me, the conversation free and flowing. The topic may be anything: the play-by-play of some random video game or a string of vignettes from his school day tied together by lazy shrugs and honest humor. His delivery is generally thoughtful and deliberate, on point, and with frequent stops for laughter. He is intelligent, funny, kind, and perceptive. His sarcasm game is next level stuff. I could listen to him for hours, and oftentimes I do. In fact, I pay him for it. Note, the … [Read more...]