To my Introvert husband and friends

Dear Introverts in my life,

First I want to thank you for being my friend. The fact that you found me worthy to stop, talk to me, and have a conversation with me is honoring. You have chosen to stay in my life and I want you to know I cherish the amount of energy you put into our friendship.

I often feel as if you feel you need to apologize to us extroverts for being an introvert. You do not have to apologize to me for being an introvert. I also do not want you to pretend you are an extrovert when that is not who God made you to be. He made you to have deep relationships. He made you in his image and likeness, you are a masterpiece. Please, do not try to be an extrovert, simply be you! Who you are is awesome!

When we are in the middle of a conversation and I get to close to you, which will happen often, because as an extrovert I get excited being with people. I often forget you have a bubble. Tell me when I’m in your bubble and lovingly tell me when you have had enough conversation and you need to exit.

I don’t want to change you. I don’t want you to be an extrovert. I want you to pick and choose what fills you up. I want you to seek Christ for your security. I trust he will guide your steps, your tongues, and your time. He has given each of you with great talents and gifts. I love watching him work through you in each of the areas he has gifted you in.

I have learned from my introvert husband and friends to slow down. I have learned to reign in my extrovert self and smell the roses around me. Roses my fast pace extrovert self would have missed if they had not been pointed out to me by an introvert. You teach me the value of a few close friends. Yet, you challenge me to make sure I am being real with myself and those around me. I know fake conversation is painful and taxing to you, you may be comforted to know as an extrovert I find that painful and taxing as well. Masks are too hard to wear and draining for everyone involved. Thank you for helping me take mine off and leave it off.

When I invite you to an event, dinner, or coffee please know I do not take offense when you say no. I understand that you have zillions of things going on in your life. Tasks that require day to day non stop interaction with relationships and people around you. I respect and honor your need to recharge. I know you are not hiding and it’s not that you don’t like me (well hopefully that’s not it). It’s you doing what takes care of you best!

My sweet introvert husband and friends, thank you for choosing to be my friend. I understand the depth to which that means for you. You have found me worthy to invest your time and energy. I value your time, I value you as a person, and I value your gift of being an introvert! I have learned a lot from watching you and I am excited at all I have yet to learn from you.

Thank you for being patient with me the extrovert who gets giddy with joy to spend time with you. I see the amazing, unique person that lies within you and I love you all the more for it. I do ask for patience and a loving “I have had enough and I need a break”. I often get over zealous at all the ideas I come up with and want to implement with you. I tend to forget that the more excited I get the more it tends to drain you. Thank you for hanging in there with me through the high energy excitement.

I love the introverts in my  life, I value you, and I am thankful God did not make the whole human race extroverts! We are definitely a better human race with introverts in our lives!