Bit of an Ephiphany

I was reading Andrea's blog today where she posted her "25 Things About Me" list.

And I had an ephiphany when I read her #14.

I too am more of an introvert than extrovert. Very much so. I have no problem spending hours alone by myself praying; knitting; reading. After spending hours out "in public" whether it be working or shopping or whatever I NEED time alone to recharge my batteries so to say.

It isn't something that I've consciously chosen but it's part of me and I never really realized that that is one of my "legitimate needs" (according to the book The Seven Levels of Intimacy).

Some people I'm sure may think I'm being "rude" or "snobbish" but I'm not. Not at all. I like people. I like talking and being around people I know and love. But after awhile it drains me completly and I need solitude....to do something quiet in order to build back up.

This causes many times of unbelievable guilt inside of me. When I say "no" to doing something because I KNOW that if I say yes to another thing it will be "harmful" in a way to my mental state. I'm not saying crazy mental illness coming along but it would cause me to burn out.

And it makes it worse when people try to talk me into things or can't understand. I didn't make me this way. But that's the way I'm made. Some people thrive on being consantly busy on being with people all the time. That's wonderful. I don't to a point.

And it's time I stop feeling guilty. And stop allowing others to make me feel guilty. I'm not anyone else I'm Jen and Jen should know and DO what she knows is best for her.