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Today is Halloween, a day in which we see many people in workplaces across the country compete for best costume, best carved pumpkin, and so forth.
Many introverts steer clear of participating in these kinds of activities because they don't want to draw any attention to themselves.
At the same time, some may feel awkward if, say, everyone in the department dresses up except them. It's damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Do any of you refrain from participating in contests, events, and other activities for these reasons? Or are there others (e.g., fear of looking dumb, becoming heavily drained when there's too many people, etc.)?
I'm an introvert, but I like performing music, and I like teaching. In both of those, you are being stared at and there is a risk of making stupid mistakes. I like the challenge.
Yes. One time I was asked to start/lead a meeting with very VIP types and nearly passed out. My subconscious had to take over and operated on auto pilot. I could 'hear' my heartbeat; I honestly thought I was going to die at that second.
I can't speak for others but I am very much an introvert in that I crave alone time after parties, meetings, large get togethers, etc. But I don't mind public speaking much at all, which I guess is the "spotlight" while you are speaking. That said, I will never, ever be the loud person at the center of attention at a party, but I'm very comfortable speaking in front of others looking at me.
Today is Halloween, a day in which we see many people in workplaces across the country compete for best costume, best carved pumpkin, and so forth.
Many introverts steer clear of participating in these kinds of activities because they don't want to draw any attention to themselves.
At the same time, some may feel awkward if, say, everyone in the department dresses up except them. It's damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Do any of you refrain from participating in contests, events, and other activities for these reasons? Or are there others (e.g., fear of looking dumb, becoming heavily drained when there's too many people, etc.)?
Only the getting-drained part would bug me. Dressing up is fun! One year we went to a party as 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.' Another as Hanz and Franz.
I'm a middle of the road introvert. I avoid any public speaking even though I was required to speak at the big table (this consisted of all the upper management) whenever I was going to start and when I was finished with any king a cost reduction project. When I had to speak I just sucked it up and did it, but I didn't enjoy it.
But if your costume is effective you wouldn't actually be in the spotlight, right?
Serious introvert here who absolutely loves Halloween and costume design. None of the old easy classics like witches, devils, celebrities, or black cats. I like a stretch...such as a natural phenomenon (thunderstorm, aurora borealis, ice, cloud) or an inanimate object (mysterious mail parcel, osprey nest, bowl of spaghetti, toaster with toast, squeaky dog toy). Once came to work dressed as a local petroglyph. What makes the difference is being able to get out of the spotlight for a recharge.
I enjoy participating in things that are fun, but you're right, typically I don't want to be the focus of attention. Actually, Halloween is the perfect holiday for an introvert (as someone said previously) because you have the fun of playing a role. which is kind of freeing. I remember one year I was Cyndi Lauper (it was the Girls Just Want to Have Fun days) and I died my hair orange, put on tons of makeup and wore a super short skirt - it was great!
I was raised by schoolteacher Mom to get up there and do it. Agonizing.
But like many of you if it's something fun I love it. Getting dressed up for Halloween is especially fun.
My job involved quite a bit of public speaking which I was good at and could do but was about the only time I was voluntarily in the spotlight in my working life. I tend to be a watcher and a listener at parties but give me a group game and I'm right in there.
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