Rick Riddle is a typical extrovert, outgoing, strikes up conversations with anyone and has plenty of friends. Because of this, he simply could not understand introverts and their opposite way of living; this was until he decided to date one. His sweetheart opened up a new world for him, one that was irrelevant to him before. He learned that \u201cintroverts are on a path of spiritual growth of observation and introspection.\u201d Below is Rick\u2019s mind opening experience with his girlfriend, the introvert.<\/p>\n
There was a stunningly beautiful woman at work who was definitely an introvert. She was a \u201ccomputer nerd,\u201d spending her days in a rather isolated environment and rarely interacting with the rest of us \u2013 not attending happy hours or other social events, etc.\u00a0 I found myself fascinated with her, though she was certainly not \u201cmy type.\u201d In fact, I came to think of her as cold and unapproachable and certainly someone who would be boring. Ultimately, I decided to ask her out just out of curiosity. After the third try, she agreed to have dinner with me.<\/p>\n
We dated for several months. During that time, an entire new world opened up for me \u2013 one that I had previously cast off as irrelevant and unimportant. I am not sure how much she got out of the relationship, but my takeaways were huge.<\/p>\n
Introverts are on a path of spiritual growth of observation and introspection. I was constantly amazed at the jewels of wisdom that this woman had to offer about life, relationships, and navigating this busy noisy world.<\/p>\n
I became far more aware of my dependency upon the noisy world of social relationships \u2013 a dependency which usurped my need for introspection and self-growth activities.<\/p>\n
Her path to enlightenment and self-awareness provided inspiration that moved me in new directions, specifically taking up meditation, reading, and getting comfortable being alone with myself.<\/p>\n
I realized that most of my relationships were pretty superficial and based on getting together socially for entertainment and to pass the time. Now, I understand how meaningful relationships are built upon so much more. I now actively seek those relationships.<\/p>\n
I understand the importance of thinking things through before contributing my opinion and making decisions. Before she came into my life, I was acting while I was thinking not after some thought. This has changed so much of what I do at work, especially in the new leadership role I now have.<\/p>\n
I am improving on my listening skills. On our first date, I did all of the talking \u2013 surprised she even accepted a second one after that. She modeled good listening skills, and I will be forever grateful for those lessons.<\/p>\n
If you are an extrovert, you owe it to yourself to develop a relationship with an introvert. The lessons to be learned are invaluable and will reap lifelong benefits.<\/p>\n