Originally Posted by
Cheetah_SA
I gather the extreme extroverts were too busy forcing their world view upon the introverts that they didn't have a chance to read the article referenced in
BAg Lady's excellent post.
^ So glad that somebody read the article. And gets it
Originally Posted by
pianoamit
The majority of posters seem to think that 'talking to a seat neighbour' entails not shutting up for the duration of a 13-hour flight (and I don't condone this at all); a quick smile and a 'hello' are enough to constitute talking to a seat neighbour in my book.
Pianomit, I apologise if I started something unpleasant on this thread, and you got unfairly maligned. That was not my intention. Admitting to being an introvert feels like something to be ashamed of, something abnormal in a society that values extroversion. This thread stirred up some of the frustrations of the introverts on here, and you unfairly took the brunt of it.
I really would like you to understand where I am coming from. I do find people interesting and spend most of my working life talking to colleagues, suppliers and customers. I speak at conferences and am often interviewed by industry media. I lead a public life and to all intents and purposes, most people would think I am an extrovert. However, the only way I can recharge my batteries, and keep doing what I do, is if I have time for myself and can be left alone with my thoughts.
I will always smile at a neighbour and nod my head. However, as soon as I say hello it is usually taken as an invitation to chat. I have met some interesting people in this way, but I have also had my ear worn off by self-obsessed bores. I am too polite to cut them off so suffer on in silence.
In either case, whether I enjoyed the conversation or not, I will have delayed my "alone time" and will not have had the chance to recharge, which leaves my tired and unfocused. So I prefer not to give any indication that I am open to chat when flying. I need the downtime, and I imagine most introverts will feel the same.