Key takeaways from Introvert Power by Laurie A. Helgoe:

1) Accessible Introvert (pages 42-43): "Cause-oriented people who are well trained in negotiating the social area." Big picture thinkers, friendly to everyone, craving privacy, adopted extrovert culture and chide ourselves for it

2) My space in cyberspace (pages 60-61): "In cyberspace, the rules of engagement favor introverts. We can connect while remaining alone. We can read and write rather than talk. And we can more comfortably network with people who share our interests and ideas." Another perk: We can turn off cyberspace whenever we want. Introverts want "inner action" while extroverts want "interaction."

3) The rhythm of introversion (pages 118-119): Introverts experience higher level of mental arousal on an ongoing basis, which is why we seek reduced stimulation in our environments.

4) Extreme talkers (pages 158-159): An extreme talker are needy and exhausting for the introvert. They talk constantly. Introverts tend to attract them because we rarely interrupt. "For introverts, extreme talking in not cheap at all--it takes a huge toll on us."

5) Loss of community (pages 206-207): "We like communities that are easy, when people welcome us without binding us." ( )

This book is good for any introvert. Helgoe's approach is informative as well as written in a manner to encourage personal growth. The best thing about the book is that she encourages balance between extroverts and introverts. ( )

Hate the title, love the contents. ( )

This book gives a very good description with life examples of what being an introvert is. Which was very fascinating because I am an introvert. In fact I have been an introvert all my life, but it was only the information that I learned in this book that I could put a name to what I was. It also showed me that just because I'm introvert doesn't mean that I'm broken or weird -- I'm just different. Plus by recognizing who I truly am I can accept what I am and how I work and discover how all that fits in with my life, my relationships, and my world.

THE BIG LIE -- The biggest lie is that introverts are in the minority but we are not. The stats have been skewed to say that but introverts are slightly more than half of the population at 57 percent. So this book would also be useful to all those extroverts because then they can appreciate us introverts for our uniqueness and strengths.

There is a tendency to categorize introvert behaviors as mental illness when actually they are a personality type. So when introverts are given what they need -- quiet, solitude, understanding, space, mutual respect -- we become the best introverts that we can be and actually complement extroverts to make everything better as a whole. -- ...as challenging as our extroverts may be, they provide a balance we crave. The introverts I polled described extroverts as "upbeat" and able to "keep things light" and "cheer you up."" (p186)

... His own world is a safe harbour, a carefully tended and walled-in garden, closed to the public and hidden from prying eyes. His own company is the best. He feels at home in his world, where the only changes are made by himself. His best work is done with his own resources, on his own initiative, and in his own way ... His retreat into himself is not a final renunciation of the world, but a search for quietude, where alone it is possible for him to make his contribution to the life of the community. (p14)

The section on SELF-REPROACH was also very helpful. -- "Introverts tend to internalize problems. In other words, we place the source of problems within and blame ourselves." (p174) A list of helps is provided to overcome this problems -- things like 1) notice how you talk to yourself, 2) practice being kind to yourself, 3) give others credit for their part in problems...

One of the best tips in the whole book -- when an introvert arrives home from being gone a long time -- give ten minutes of undivided attention to children/spouses right away. Once they are reassured of your presence they will bet bored and go back to their activities living you alone to relish some guilt-free solitude. (p186) It works. I used to come home drained thinking only of getting away by myself, but family kept intruding on my quiet which led to much stress. Now when I come home I give them my full attention and within 30 minutes they have left and I have peace and quiet to do what I want and relax and recharge.

The section APOLOGIES, EXPLANATIONS, and EXCUSES was also a big help -- it is OK to be an introvert and it is OK to not want to participate in an event and it is OK to say "no" and mean it. When we are hesitant to say "no" and instead automatically say "not this time" we leave the door open to being invited again instead of stopping the conversation with something else like -- "Wow, Yeah, it's just not what I want to do. Sounds like you'll have fun, though." (p195) -- I love the statement made on page 197 -- Americans are programmed to ignore the subtle. -- So now I'm very honest about how I feel and tactfully stand my ground. I'm much happier and have less stress.

Every introvert needs to read the section MEDITATING IN YOUR MOSH PIT (p236-237) which explains the awesome strengths and gifts that introverts have and the impact that it has on those around us. ( )

I want to rate this book more than 5 stars!

Now I know I'm not an alien because :

- I LOVE books
- I NEED to be alone
- I NEED to have my "man cave"
- I NEED to understand how things works and why
- I have to deal with my mind filled with so much ideas, dreams, ...
- ...

While I was reading this book, I had to stop sometimes because I was about to cry. Why? Because I understand that I rejected (almost) what I'm really are for 37 years!

Finally, someone understand what I feel since I was born!
( )