06 May 2012

I love people, sometimes

I sometimes come across as shy.  I sometimes come across as standoffish.  I sometimes come across as the one who is trying to help others come out of their shell.  I sometimes come across as a total people person - funny, really silly, really energetic, full of life and conversation.

It all depends on the situation and the people I am around and how I am feeling at the time.

I do like people.

But I am an introvert - doesn't necessarily mean I am shy, just that I don't necessarily thrive on putting myself out there all the time unless I am really feeling it.

I love talking with certain people in my life.  I love the joy that brings and the laughter that ensues and the knowledge that is imparted.  I love the back and forth play with words that can take place.

I also seem to enjoy talking with strangers at functions.  I don't fully understand that one, but I am sometimes more comfortable talking with people I have never met than I am talking with acquaintances.  I love meeting people and learning their stories.  I love hearing stories of people and the people they have met.

I have become more comfortable with not forcing conversation when I am not feeling it.  I don't just play along anymore - that wastes my time and the other person's time.  I think this has probably caused some people I work and coach with to think that I don't like them.  Definitely not true.  At times, they are people who truly energize me.

Lately, I have just had so many other things that I need to do and have really not wanted to join in some of the topics they talk about.  Sometimes it is draining to listen to people talk about things that I am not interested in.  Sometimes it is really draining to listen to people complain and not have anything positive to say.

So, to answer Fadra's prompt for this Stream of Consciousness Sunday, "Are you a people person?  Do you feel energized or drained around people?"  The answer is yes to each part.




#SOCsunday

18 comments:

  1. You sound a lot like me. I found myself shaking my head up and down frequently while reading your post. Have a great day!

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    1. Glad there's more out there like me! Hope you had a good day, too!

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  2. Thanks for commenting on my SOC post. Some people can be real energy vampires. When I find myself being too negative I just shut down. That old adage of if you don't have something nice to say...

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    1. I am all about that old saying these days! I am to the point where I really can't stand negativity in large doses any more. Thanks for stopping through!

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  3. Yet again you hit the nail on the head. You don't have to be a total recluse to be introverted.

    I enjoy talking to people; those I know and new aquintances. However, I hate being the centre of attention. Sat in the background or behind the lens is where I prefer to be!

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    1. I don't know why it is still such a large misconception that introverts are reclusive.

      Glad I'm not the only one who loves talking with some, but doesn't need to be the center of attention ALL the time.

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  4. I can come across as standoffish, too. I AM shy, though. And I'm definitely not funny, so if you hear me start to tell a joke, don't encourage me.

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    1. Haha! I'm sure you can tell some jokes well, or at least keep people entertained in other ways... your writing is always entertaining and insightful!

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  5. I also come across as shy and introverted. I used to try and make an effort to speak to people, but I'm too cynical for small talk these days and don't waste energy on it...

    I'm the same as you though: I love talking with certain people... those people laugh when I tell them people think I'm shy!

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    1. I think I am becoming less patient with small talk, too.

      Isn't it weird that some people see us as shy while others see us as the life of the conversations?!

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  6. I totally get it and feel the same way. I have less and less patience listening to people who I don't care about. But conversely I have more and more patience talking to people who are authentically present.

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    1. "Authentically present" I love that phrase! And I, too, love being around those sort of people.

      Thanks commenting and sharing that phrase!

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  7. You could have written this about ME!

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    1. I think a lot of people in the blogosphere seem to fit this type of personality.

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  8. Very interesting post! I am finding myself drained by people lately. Lot of negativity all around me. I am a people person, but finding I just want to be left alone a lot more than ever. I don't mind not being interested in a subject etc, but mind the loss of civility sometimes.

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    1. Sorry that you are drained, but glad that you know it is due to people's negativity and lack of civility... at least you can try and find people who are the opposite and hope that they are better for your psyche.

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  9. Popping in because I couldn't stay away any longer. This is awesome. I'm glad I got to read it...totally worth breaking my blogging-fast.

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    1. Haha!! Thanks!

      I hope your break is going well!

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