Reminds me of all of the times I’ve been told I’m too quiet, or “you haven’t moved from this spot this entire party.” Or feeling bad about hanging out with (only) my cat all the time or that weird thing where I can write better than I speak. Or sitting as far away from everyone at the cafe to read a book about introverts. Or my favorite, being commanded “talk to me.”
I can’t understand everyone. I can’t completely understand any one person either. I can, however, fully recognize that (and try to remember that each day) and attempt to be empathic.
I know I struggle with this. I’m probably one of the people Lauren is describing above. I’m constantly trying to "make up" for someone else’s silence. Why? I’d likely tell you it is because I’m trying to make the other person comfortable. However, it is more likely that silence makes me uncomfortable. I’m loud. But I dislike noise. I’m (seemingly, but not at all) confident. I love being in front of people. I dislike being around people. I like being alone. I get lonely. I’m motivated and depressed at the same exact time.
I may never even fully understand myself let alone someone else. But maybe, just maybe, I can put their interests in front of my own. And, if I notice they are sitting by themselves being quiet, I can just keep quiet myself.