For introverts and all who meet them

[nycwalking]

Periodically shy pilgrims ponder how and whether they will socialize on camino.

Attached is a guide to aid all parties involved.

Buen camino to introverts on the way.

 

[trecile]

Offering vino might work too!

 

[tillyjones]

Oh my. I am introvert to the extreme and this is spot on.

Although...I must correct you....often when I share that I am an introvert, I will clarify and say 'that doesn't mean shy'. I am not shy. I just don't like to socialize.

 

[Suzanne S.]

Oh, so true! Vino tinto does help!

 

[Luka]

Although...I must correct you....often when I share that I am an introvert, I will clarify and say 'that doesn't mean shy'. I am not shy. I just don't like to socialize.

This. There is a big difference between being shy and being an introvert. I am an introvert without any doubt, but it took me a long time to discover that, because I am not the 'quiet grey mouse' people often think you have to be.

Introverts and the Camino, interesting subject. I always struggle with the social part of the Camino. Most of the time I have the 'butterfly strategy': I appear and disappear all the time. Please, let me walk alone. Yes, I'll see you later in the albergue or on a terrace or so. And no, I don't know yet whether I would like to have lunch together. It is difficult and sometimes I am a bit jealous with the camaraderie I see on the Camino. But I just can't do it.

 

[ConnieAdriano]

Giggle. Or be like me and marry an extrovert who does all the work for you. Bon Caminho. 39 sleeps!!!!

 

[DragonShadow]

I'm a little shy but definitely not an introvert. It's about where you get your energy. Introverts gather their energy while being alone. Once they've recharged, they usually enjoy the company of other people. Extroverts gather their energy via other people--we thrive around the company of others. In the beginning, I may be the quiet one in a group of people (that is until I get to know you) but I love being in that group. So yes, you can be shy and be an extrovert and you can be an introvert and not be shy.

 

[caminoresearcher]

I found the Camino to be a rare space that appeals to introverts and extroverts alike. Even the social aspects, since the talk among pilgrims tends to be “big talk”, whereas “small talk” is often our real kryptonite. I loved it.

 

[Russnikovsky]

I let my guitar speak for me on the camino every year.

 

[Kathy Jaudegis]

Oh my. I am introvert to the extreme and this is spot on.

Although...I must correct you....often when I share that I am an introvert, I will clarify and say 'that doesn't mean shy'. I am not shy. I just don't like to socialize.

I can relate to tillyjones! I also am an introvert who is not shy. This can cause problems with those who don’t understand. I can easily talk and laugh with others, and then want to be alone, causing some to think I am not really friendly.

 

[Kathy Jaudegis]

This. There is a big difference between being shy and being an introvert. I am an introvert without any doubt, but it took me a long time to discover that, because I am not the 'quiet grey mouse' people often think you have to be.

Introverts and the Camino, interesting subject. I always struggle with the social part of the Camino. Most of the time I have the 'butterfly strategy': I appear and disappear all the time. Please, let me walk alone. Yes, I'll see you later in the albergue or on a terrace or so. And no, I don't know yet whether I would like to have lunch together. It is difficult and sometimes I am a bit jealous with the camaraderie I see on the Camino. But I just can't do it.

Luka- Spot on! Thanks for wording it so eloquently..

 

[susanawee]

This. There is a big difference between being shy and being an introvert. I am an introvert without any doubt, but it took me a long time to discover that, because I am not the 'quiet grey mouse' people often think you have to be.

Introverts and the Camino, interesting subject. I always struggle with the social part of the Camino. Most of the time I have the 'butterfly strategy': I appear and disappear all the time. Please, let me walk alone. Yes, I'll see you later in the albergue or on a terrace or so. And no, I don't know yet whether I would like to have lunch together. It is difficult and sometimes I am a bit jealous with the camaraderie I see on the Camino. But I just can't do it.

I know just how you feel, But, having written that, my Third Camino (just finished) was a lot easier with regards to socialising than the first two....Buen Camino.

 

[oldskills]

I am an introvert and found these quotes to be accurate for me.

An introvert is someone who is nourished by solitude and topped up with time alone.
An extrovert is someone nourished by contact with people, whose energy is restored by company.

Introverts are not shy or socially awkward, social interactions just take a lot of energy so we choose carefully.

And just occasionally my time alone is for the sake of my mental health and other peoples safety.

 

[nycwalking]

I am an introvert and found these quotes to be accurate for me.

An introvert is someone who is nourished by solitude and topped up with time alone.
An extrovert is someone nourished by contact with people, whose energy is restored by company.

Introverts are not shy or socially awkward, social interactions just take a lot of energy so we choose carefully.

And just occasionally my time alone is for the sake of my mental health and other peoples safety.

"Other people's safety". I can relate.

Buen camino to everybody.

 

[Bradtheknife]

Hi, I'm an moderate introvert partnered with a very strong extrovert. After years in a relationship where he does all the social heavy lifting, I walked the Camino alone, partially because I thought I might be losing my social skills entirely. Actually, it was one of the great experiences of my life. As you all know, the Camino is special in a myriad of ways.

I often hear "the Camino provides", and I can cite examples as well. But, I found that for me the Camino showed me strength and abilities I didn't know I had and forced me to grow where I was weak. As an introvert, I had plenty of time to walk by myself in quiet reflection, but I also had found myself spontaneously more open to company and conversation along the way. Indeed, it was nice to be one of the popular kids that others gravitated towards.

Social charm is generally not my strength, but sometimes it's important to work the weak muscle. Now when I find myself in an uncomfortable social situation, I remember: hey, I walked the Camino, and had interesting discussions with hundreds of pilgrims along the way. I'm a superhero and talking is one of my super powers!

 

[C clearly]

I have no idea what I am.

 

[Sheesh]

I have no idea what I am.

There are personality type websites that offer a set of questions to help discover your type. Here are a couple:

http://www.humanmetrics.com/hr/jtypesresult.aspx
https://www.16personalities.com

 

[C clearly]

There are personality type websites that offer a set of questions to help discover your type.

Actually I think I would rather not discover my type at this late stage!

 

[Tincatinker]

Personally I've always aspired to "mad, bad, and dangerous to know". But I think I mostly achieve "aspirant friendly".

 

[nycwalking]

I have no idea what I am.

Based upon your posts I'd say you are quietly outgoing.

Buen camino.

 

[David Tallan]

Oh my. I am introvert to the extreme and this is spot on.

Although...I must correct you....often when I share that I am an introvert, I will clarify and say 'that doesn't mean shy'. I am not shy. I just don't like to socialize.

I've known introverts who like to socialize. It's just that when they do that, it tends to leave them exhausted and they need alone time to recharge their battery. On the other hand, extroverts tend to recharge with social time.

I think I'm an ambivert, with introvert leanings (which will be a surprise to most who know me). While I tend to seek out and do well in social situations (so I often come across as an extrovert), I often find myself seeking alone time to rest and recharge.

 

[C clearly]

Based upon your posts I'd say you are quietly outgoing.

Not a good 2-word summary, I don't think. But that's the problem with categories!