The Power of Introverts

I thought I was an introvert. Now I know for sure. 

What’s confused me for years is that I genuinely enjoy interacting with people. I’m not a recluse. I even have a knack for speaking in front of large groups. That sounds more extroverted to me. Why then, when I get done speaking, take off the microphone, and say goodbye to my host, do I crave complete solitude? If I’m an extrovert, why do I feel like I’m squeegeeing myself across the parking lot to my car?  

But how do I make sense of these conflicting aspects of my personality?

Susan Cain’s book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, helped me answer these questions. Cain blends research and stories to help the reader gain a stronger grasp on how nature and nurture collaborate to shape personality.

My one critique is that the book could be about a third the length, then again, that could be my Scottish genes expressing themselves again. But I found myself throughout the book wishing Cain’s editor had cut more from the final manuscript. It’s still worth weeding through the text. You’ll discover deep insights into your own personality and the personalities of those around you.