Clarissa Hansen

“An introvert may feel asocial when pressured to go to a party that doesn’t interest her. But for her, the event does not promise meaningful interaction. In fact, she knows that the party will leave her feeling more alone and alienated. Her social preference may be to stay home and reflect on a conversation with a friend, call that friend, and come to an understanding that is meaningful to her. Or she might indulge in the words of a favorite author, feeling a deep connection with a person she has never met. From the perspective of a partygoer, this introvert may appear to be asocial, when, in fact, the introvert is interacting in a much different way.”
― Laurie Helgoe, Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength

“Because extroversion lines up so well with American values, we introverts often deprive ourselves of what we most enjoy and thrive on. So, for all of you who draw energy from inside, behind, underneath, or away from it all, welcome home.”
― Laurie Helgoe, Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength

“When introverts sense invasion, we instinctively shut down to protect our inner resources. But in doing so, we lose access to ourselves. From this defensive position, we may feel that our only options are to practice extroversion, go underground, or go crazy.”
― Laurie Helgoe, Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength

“I heard, for the first time— nothing. I danced and did somersaults, lay down in a bed of grass, felt the breeze.

And for the first time, I heard my heart, and I knew who I was.”
― Laurie Helgoe, Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength