My oldest daughter is an introvert. I am not.
So when she retreats to her room, is hesitant to head out to a sleep over, or chooses to read a book or sit with me at the pool instead of hang with her friends — I have trouble relating. I think she must be bored or lonely, but she’s perfectly content.
It’s taken me a long time to realize that this is normal since it’s not my nature at all — nor the nature of my other three children. But now that I have come to this realization, I have vowed to just let her be. Sure I will nudge her occasionally to be social, but I’m not going to nag her. At least I’m going to try not to.
Maggie hanging by herself.
Don’t think of it as “bored” or “lonely”; it’s simply recharging or conserving her energy. Introverts can be exhausted by constant interaction with lots of people, and some people take away more energy than others.
Thanks for the reminder! I will remember this post & vow when I don’t understand one of mine too . . . or I’ll just come ask you for a reminder on the pool deck:)