Quiet is might. Solitude is strength. Introversion is power. Laurie Helgoe More Quotes by Laurie Helgoe More Quotes From Laurie Helgoe A shy kid might look longingly at other kids playing in the schoolyard, afraid and unsure about how to approach them, but an introvert is perfectly content on her own. Laurie Helgoe shy kids looks Often confused with shyness, introversion does not imply social reticence or discomfort. Rather than being averse to social engagement, introverts become overwhelmed by too much of it, which explains why the introvert is ready to leave a party after an hour and the extravert gains steam as the night goes on. Laurie Helgoe leave confused party night The ability to reflect is associated with critical thinking and reasoning ability. And the capacity to be alone is one of the highest levels of development. It's important to know how to self-soothe and be confident of other people's love even when they're not there in front of you. Laurie Helgoe alone you love people Introversion, when embraced, is a wellspring of riches. It took me years to acknowledge this simple reality, to claim my home, and to value all it offers. Laurie Helgoe value me simple home Breaking up is the hardest thing we do. It's the most important thing we do, in a way. You've got to embrace rejection, or you'll maintain a very limited life. It'll be very nice and neat - and very, very small. Laurie Helgoe you nice life way I am very troubled by the tendency to define introverts by what they lack. Introversion is a preference, not a fallback plan. Laurie Helgoe define plan i-am very I loved the study of psychology. I didn't love seeing patient after patient. I was perpetually overstimulated, busy decoding everything I took in. Laurie Helgoe loved patient busy love Extraverts are comfortable thinking as they speak. Introverts prefer slow-paced interactions that allow room for thought. Brainstorming does not work for them. Email does. Laurie Helgoe thought speak work thinking I've come to see the mosh pit as an apt description of American society - and of my childhood home. I was number nine of ten creative, mostly loud kids competing for airspace. Laurie Helgoe childhood society creative home There's a lot to love about America - freedom, the melting pot of diversity, individualism - all attractive concepts, especially to an introvert. In fact, the introverts were probably the first to feel crowded in England and to daydream about all the space they would find in the New World. Peace! Quiet! Laurie Helgoe freedom love peace world Introverts prefer introversion; we tend to gain energy by reflecting and expend energy when interacting. Extroverts have the opposite preference; they tend to gain energy by interacting and expend energy while reflecting. Laurie Helgoe opposite gain reflecting energy When someone speaks to an introvert, her brain responds with a high level of activity. It is as if several lights start flashing on a control panel. Laurie Helgoe control start lights brain