On Life with an Introvert

An extrovert’s voyage into the land of the introvert

You’re crawling all over the bed, giggling, making strange animal noises. He looks up at the ceiling, his body stiff.

“Don’t overwhelm your introvert,” he warns, smiling nervously.

You’re in your best dress, having a quick drink before you go to the party. He’s on the couch with a PS4 controller.

“Have a great time,” he offers, giving a little wave.

You’re in line with him for a coffee at the little place around the corner. The woman behind you strikes up conversation about your shoes.

“Thank you! I got them from that place on Walnut! Have you been?” you beam, while he stands next to you, squirming.

You’re sitting on the couch, talking to your friend on the phone. He comes home from work. You hang up and race over to him with all kinds of questions.

“I had to talk to people all day. I need to decompress,” he shuffles past you with a little kiss, a small bead of sweat on his forehead. In two hours he smiles again.

You’re in a crowded restaurant with him and your mother. He looks ill, shifting his eyes around the room and remaining silent. You ask him if he’s okay.

“What? Oh, yes, I’m fine. It’s just crowded in here,” he smiles, drinking his coffee.

You share extremely personal details about your life with your somewhat close friends. And strangers. Online.

“It gives me anxiety there are even pictures of me online,” he reveals, horrified with your openness.

You drag him to a social event he detested. You both have a great time.

“Thank you,” his eyes happily linger on yours, and you know what he’s thanking you for.

You wake up with a nasty headache and stomach bug. He walks to the store to get your favorite soup and crackers.

“I’ll take care of you today,” he smiles warmly, closing the door behind him so you can rest.

Your friend leaves an abusive partner, and he offers to open up your home together for her.

“I’ll wash the sheets right now,” he says, a comforting hand on your shoulder.

You find out your mother has cancer. He listens quietly as you cry and express your fears.

“We will go through this together,” he assures you when you’ve finished. You believe him.

All of the things that frustrate you about being with an introvert suddenly seem so small, and far away.

This person, who loves to be alone, has an extraordinary habit of making you feel anything but.