Introversion- along with its cousins sensitivity, seriousness, and shyness- is now a second-class personality trait, somewhere between a disappointment and a pathology. Introverts living in the Extrovert Ideal are like women in a man's world, discounted because of a trait that goes to the core of who they are. Extroversion is an enormously appealing personality style, but we've turned it into an oppressive standard to which most of us feel we must conform.
Susan CainAsk your child for information in a gentle, nonjudgmental way, with specific, clear questions. Instead of โHow was your day?โ try โWhat did you do in math class today?โ Instead of โDo you like your teacher?โ ask โWhat do you like about your teacher?โ Or โWhat do you not like so much?โ Let her take her time to answer. Try to avoid asking, in the overly bright voice of parents everywhere, โDid you have fun in school today?!โ Sheโll sense how important it is that the answer be yes.
Susan CainIn our culture, snails are not considered valiant animals - we are constantly exhorting people to "come out of their shells" - but there's a lot to be said for taking your home with you wherever you go.
Susan CainYour tendency to be inward-directed or outward-directed is huge; it governs every part of the way you live and work and love.
Susan Cain