Me, the introvert

I don’t believe in coincidence – I believe in God’s perfect timing.  So when the talk happened today, it couldn’t have been at a more “this has got to be God”  time.

I was taking a brief break from work, and was writing in my journal.  I don’t know what made me want to write, at this particular moment, about this particular subject – but hey, that’s God J
Here’s an excerpt on what I wrote:
I’ve had to grasp the truth that I am in introvert.  It’s odd to say because I use to be so outgoing in my younger years.  Now, I find that I have zero interest in small talk, and honestly, I’m not very good at it.
As I am writing, a coworker comes up to my desk and says something along the lines of “I’m sorry, I know this is weird but can we talk?”  **On a side note – this is a coworker whose name I can’t remember for the life of me (still), and someone who I’ve shared a “ good mornin’” with at most.  I really don’t know this person.**  I have to admit – I hadn’t  clue what this relatively perfect stranger wanted to talk about, so when they escorted me to a private area I was a little confused.  Ok, I was really weirded out.   
The conversation went as follows:
Coworker – I’m sorry, I know this is odd.  But I notice you never engage in conversation with me.  I know we say hello, but you never make the effort to talk to me or engage in anything more than that.  I’m getting the vibe I’ve done something wrong or offended you so I wanted to clear the air.
Me – [oh God you’re a funny one] I have to say your timing is quite funny.  That book I was writing in when you walked up – I was writing about being an introvert and how I genuinely am terrible at small talk.  You’ve done nothing wrong, I’m just not good at small talk.  It’s something I have recognized and am working on it – it’s just hard for me.
Coworker – Ok that makes me feel a lot better.  Maybe we could grab lunch and talk sometime.
So why do I share this?  Because I had no idea that my introverted tendencies were having an impact on someone I barely know.  Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there is anything wrong with being an introvert.  It just didn’t occur to me that maybe this person wants to get to know me, was offended at my lack of [unintentional] engagement but cared enough to say something.  That speaks volumes to me and really opened my eyes on how I carry myself – in a professional or nonprofessional setting.
I’m planning another post that focuses on being an introvert – and some of the struggles I face, but this was a good eye opener for me.
Thanks God, as always, your timing is perfect.
Has anything like this happened to you?

2 thoughts on “Me, the introvert”

  1. twenty-everything.com says:
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    I always wonder how I actually come across to people, versus how I would LIKE to come across to people. I know it to be very true that perceived can be very different from intentional! That is so great that she was willing to have a conversation, and approach you in the way that she did!

    I love God's perfect timing. It is just so, well, perfect!

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