Thursday's Writer's Prompt
Lessons I've Learned from an Introvert
1. Don't be afraid of silence.
~ It's okay to sit and be quiet together. Introverts aren't afraid of silence. If this is a friendship, silence and equal trust, when one knows how to shut one's mouth. Most people think silence is awkward. It doesn't have to be. Not if you trust each other. If it's a relationship (romantic) a lot more emotion can pass in the silence of a room.
2. Listen
~ I have trouble shutting up. I have SO much to say. But sometimes, it's better to listen than it is to talk. I now make a conscious effort to let others talk FIRST. Introverts are experts at this.
3. Give advice hesitantly. Even when it's solicited.
~ Most of us feel like we have it right and we need to spread the word. That may be so, but for the most part, everyone else feels like they have it right too, and when they complain, they don't WANT advice. And when they ask for it, they still only want to be validated. Introverts know how to recognize genuine inquiries and then are careful about their words.
4. Don't say things you don't mean.
~Since introverts already aren't prone to saying much, they are naturals at guarding their tongues. You can rest assured that everything they say is genuine and real.
5. Don't judge a book by it's cover.
~ Since introverts don't often wear their hearts on their sleeves, it's impossible to determine the kind of person they are without taking time to get to know them. It's opposite from those of us extroverts who blab our life stories happily to anyone who will listen. Most often, someone who takes time to get to know is worth the effort.
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