I am an introvert. You’d be forgiven for not knowing it. I suspect if you met me, for the first time, you wouldn’t even realise. Most people assume being an introvert also means you are shy. I’m not. I can talk to anyone and will naturally start a conversation with complete strangers next to me in a queue. I love hearing people’s stories straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. I have no fear of standing in front of a roomful of people or teaching a class. From the outside, you wouldn’t realise. It’s probably more telling when I’m not there. The thing is I am really content in my own company and thoughts. I need space. I don’t need to seek out others.
It doesn’t limit me. I acknowledge it and work with it. I actually see it as a strength.
So, why am I telling you this? Maybe because it is the school holidays again and my quiet life has been hijacked. I love my children. I love having them around and I would be upset if they weren’t with me, but I still appreciate some time alone. Fortunately they understand. They know.
I love how they balance their lives. They spend time with us, but also go off to see their friends. They’ve been off shopping, sleep overs and just visiting old school friends. There’s also a fair bit of revision going on. I’ve decided the sweetest sound in the world to the parents of teenagers is to overhear all of your offspring hanging out together, chatting and laughing. They can push each others buttons, but they also have each others backs. I suspect they enjoy each others company too.
On Saturday, I was the one out for the whole day. This time with my niece. It was a long and lovely day. I didn’t get home until 11. I’ve already written about the wedding dress, so I won’t say more. It was a full on day and I could only potter quietly in the garden the next day. I think most introverts would recognize the feeling. A recovery day.
So what else has happened. We had a family trip out to the Cotswolds, which we fitted in with a work commitment. We will go back for a better explore another day.
We’ve baked. I’ve almost finished knitting my jumper and I’m waiting to turn the Aga on again after an oil delivery and clean. Somehow, that seems to be in the wrong order. I’m left feeling the chill. It is warmer outside. 
A quieter weekend is stretching ahead of me.
I’m joining in with Anne’s word of the week linky. My word is company. Hope you have a good weekend.
Raisie Bay
I could have written this about myself Cheryl, I love my own company and am definitely a proud introvert. I often need to recover from a busy weekend with the kids, I think that’s why I love reading so much, I can escape a little inside the pages. It’s lovely to hear your tribe have all been getting along it makes for a much nicer school holidays. Have a lovely weekend x #WotW
Reading is an excellent way to escape. Something I learnt early on. The children don’t always get on, but that’s all part of growing up and I makes it even sweeter to the ears when they do.
I am the same. As much as I love my girls I do need a break from them sometimes. I have been with my youngest all morning just hanging out and doing crafts but now her and her sister have gone out with friends I am glad of the alone time.
I totally know how you feel. Hope you enjoyed your time alone.
I too like my own company, but it seems that my family do not understand this and will always try to keep me company thinking that I must be lonely. I don’t mind having the little ones around so much, they are young, they need me, but I’m not one for having friends or family around all the time. Once in a while is okay thanks. Saying that I’m quite a shy person anyway.
It sounds like you are having a nice Easter break, ours starts today but we have no concrete plans.x
Everyone’s idea of lonely is slightly different. I love being alone, but it doesn’t mean I’m lonely. It’s good that they love you and care.
I am so the opposite I need company, I bet it is a real bonus being an introvert, I can do so long then start climbing the walls, I thrive on chaos. I totally agree about the best sound in the world is hearing your kids getting on, its not to often in our house, but the older they get the better it is getting, which I seem to remember happening with my brothers ?
How interesting. I thrive on chaos too, but I guess it’s my own! It is wonderful watching them grow up. I do think that they reach a stage where they get on better, which is boding well for the future.
That first bit described me too! I am far from shy, but prefer my own company (and that of my dog). Half term is a bit crazy here, but my boys like their own space too, so hopefully we’ll find a balance too x
Oh yes. I agree. My own company and that of my dog too. Here’s to balance!
I can relate to this post. I am too an introvert and it saps your energy. I need my time to just have calm and recovery X #wotw
You are not alone. 🙂
Knowing oneself is a great thing. I too need my space but struggle to get it sometimes. #MMBC
Oh so true. It does get easier, as they get older.
I hear you! Our house has a constant crazy chaos going on and as much as I love my lot, just to get out in the garden or take off across the fields with my camera makes me ridiculously happy. 😆
Makes me appreciate them more after a bit of space. 😀
I love your explanation of what an introvert is. I think most people hear “introvert” and think “shy” when that is not necessarily true at all.
Your baked goods and Easter decorations look lovely! Have a happy Easter!
Yes, they really are not the same thing, although often coupled together.
I love my own company as well and find trying to fit in other people that encroaches on my down time very frustrating . Glad your family understands and trys to give you space.
I am also an introvert but am shy with it. I would hate to stand up and give a talk. I am quite different with people I know well though. It strikes me that many bloggers are introverts. I wonder if it is our way of connecting with the outside world, but on our terms and without actually having to physically share our space? #wotw
I am a proud introvert myself. I love my family, but I love quiet and time to myself. #MMBC
I think you’re right that being an introvert can be a strength. There’s a lot to be said for being comfortable in your own company. I can relate to needing that space for yourself too. So lovely that your children enjoy each other’s company – I can imagine that hearing them chattering to each other is a very sweet sound. It is one of the many things I miss about Jessica – hearing her and Sophie chattering to each other. #WotW