14 Comments
User's avatar
Donna T. Deal's avatar

Hi Karun, as a fellow introvert, I appreciate your insights. Just a comment from me: you mentioned that for introverts, suburbs may be preferable to cities, where everything is always changing. I disagree: yes, change is constant in cities, but accepting that is key. I like cities because an introvert can hide in plain sight. I prefer cities to suburbs/ rural areas because people don't stop you to talk or get engaged... you can walk on by. I like cities because there are more places to hide and 'introvert,' like libraries, little shops, side streets, parks, and coffee places. In suburbs it's not so easy. I say: do what works for you. And please keep sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Expand full comment
Karon Mitchell's avatar

Sometimes when reading your articles I just feel like I’m reading about myself. I DO live in the suburbs but DON’T like that it’s becoming more populated. I have about 3 really good friends, and they’re all people I’ve known since high school. I usually have the same morning and evening routines. Usually purchase the same brand of clothing.

But, I found this article helpful in the aspect of reducing digital technology. In the past, I’ve had the habit of keeping forever emails that I felt were important. And additionally keeping emails that required my actions until everything was taken care of. So, naturally I ended up with a gazillion emails that took a lot of time to look through just to find the one that I was looking for. Yesterday, I accidentally deleted my whole inbox! And, surprisingly, it felt great! Then I read your article this morning, so now I understand why!

Thanks so much!

Expand full comment
Benjamin Lawson's avatar

To each their own right? But city introvert here…I live in NYC and to me, it’s perfect for an introvert…but for the introverted who love the convenience and comfort of the city, it allows for such a comforting level of anonymity. Plus city lifestyle keeps my life extremely simple. I feel that in suburbs or even more remote areas, one is noticed more and people can tend to be nosey. But I’ve by no means been very many places…NY is just my happy, calm, peaceful(ironic, I know) place.

Expand full comment
HisHorizon's avatar

I’m planning on moving to Chicago but worried I’ll never truly feel alone like I do in the suburbs. I need the seclusion, peace, and quiet after a day of work. Are you able to get that alone time/quiet while living in a busy noisy city?

Expand full comment
Vicky Cabe Autry's avatar

Well done. Would love to see your shopping list…

Expand full comment
Auzwell Enthusia's avatar

This screamed "hello welcome home." enjoyed the read to bits.... Very much appreciated azz alwazz

Expand full comment
The Sensitive Artist's avatar

This all makes so much sense. I get extremely overstimulated and overwhelmed and my brain seems to lose the ability to process. For example; driving—even in familiar places—causes me stress. Even within the predictable locations, traffic is unpredictable and the heavier the traffic, the more distress it causes my nervous system. That said, if I’m in an area that’s not familiar to me, it is so much worse. When we are on vacation, I’ve had to drive a rental car (unfamiliar) and navigate roads that I’ve never driven on. Even using GPS, get to the point where I can no longer even process what it’s telling me because new information seems to be coming at me from all sides. This has caused some “close calls” and that exacerbates it. It’s absolutely terrifying.

Expand full comment
Alison Jacobs's avatar

Wow..this was wonderful. I've found my tribe..this is me..no explanations or apologies about how boring and predictable I am. Thank you 🩷

Expand full comment
Susan Malone's avatar

Wonderful article.

Expand full comment
George P Farrell's avatar

And, never make snap decisions. Take your time. I didn't marry until I was 80 even though I knew the young lady for many, many years prior. Also, a cigar and glass of whiskey in the quiet of evening I found to be helpful.

Expand full comment
Jean Clark's avatar

This really describes so well. Right down to wearing the same brands for year after year. I get flustered when brands change and stop carrying one of my favourite things. I do live in the bush and have lived rurally for more than 50 years. I crave the hustle bustle from time to time but can’t wait to return to my familiar quiet life,

Expand full comment
Jennifer's avatar

Excellent, so well said and true!

Expand full comment
Danielle Amory's avatar

Not all introverts are the same. Cabin in the woods, owls bedding down or on the hunt at night, stars to light my kitchen and moonlight casting shadows above my head.

My brain has had enough "stimulation" during the day. Move me away to the unfamiliar where instinct and awareness are trusted and silent companions.😉🙏

Expand full comment
Ray Zielinski's avatar

Pretty close to how things work for me with a couple of modifications:

1. things I need for life would include a guitar - music (listening and playing) is totally relaxing

2. although I live in the suburbs, I enjoy the city in limited doses - I lived in NYC for 3 years and loved most of it. You become invisible in a crowd, which was comforting. However, car horns in my apartment 24/7 was irritating and exhausting. I enjoyed the few occasions it snowed, which muffled all the noise and I took hiking vacations to get some quiet time.

Expand full comment