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 Read Quote
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 Read Quote
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 Read Quote
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 Read Quote
America is a noisy culture, unlike, say, Finland, which values silence. Individualism, dominant in the U.S. and Germany, promotes the direct, fast-paced style of communication associated with extraversion. Collectivistic societies, such as those in East Asia, value privacy and restraint, qualities more characteristic of introverts. Laurie Helgoe Read Quote
When an introvert is quiet, don’t assume he is depressed, snobbish or socially deficient. Laurie Helgoe Read Quote
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 Read Quote
Introverts are more effective leaders of proactive employees. When you have a creative, energetic work force, an introvert is going to draw out that energy better. Laurie Helgoe Read Quote
