Introvert Fridays

It’s 9:04 on a Friday night. As I understand it, many of my peers are just waking up from naps and getting ready to go out. Some of them won’t even think about showing up to their favorite spots until 11:00. My more conservative friends will probably be getting home around that time, but they are nevertheless out and about right now, celebrating the end of their week by, I dunno, doing stuff. This is all crazy to me.

Just like most weeks, this Friday evening finds me chillaxing in my pajamas. I may watch a movie in a bit. I may eat a bowl of cereal. But you better believe I’m not venturing past these four walls.

You see my friends, for an introvert like me, Friday nights are sacred. Let’s get one thing straight first: “introverted” doesn’t mean shy, and “extroverted” doesn’t mean loud. The difference is actually about what energizes you. While extroverts actually gain energy from being around lots of people, introverts need alone time to recharge. At least that’s what the Myers-Briggs taught me. (INFP, in case you were wondering.)

It’s not that I don’t like being around people, because I do. I’ve just found that at the end of the week, I’m pretty darn tired. And call me an old fart if you want to, but I just can’t imagine ending a tiring week by driving all over town to surround myself with crowds and loud music. No thank you. If I did that, I’d need days to recover.

I guess the easiest way of saying it is I just don’t feel like doing much on Friday nights. So, in college I established “Introvert Fridays.” It’s a simple concept, and it really is pretty much just what it sounds like. But I think I’ve given some people the impression that I won’t talk to them after 6 on Fridays, which is certainly not the case.

So, to set the record straight, here are my guidelines for Introvert Fridays:

  1. I want to be in a home. Preferably my own, though family or a good friend’s place can work just as well.
  2. Any activity has to be low-key. Reading or watching movies are the best options.
  3. I’m going to wear sweatpants.
  4. I’ll need a couch or some kind of overstuffed chair.
  5. I would love for you to join me, as long as I’ve met you before and you’re ok with the above stipulations. (Note: Introvert Fridays have a maximum attendance of 5.)

So if I drag my feet when you invite me to do something on a Friday, don’t take it personally. It’s not you, it’s me. Hit me up on a Saturday — I promise I’ll be ready to party.

#Blog Wars 2013

Comments

  1. Ms. C - July 19, 2013 @ 9:58 pm

    I’m INFP as well! And I feel you about Fridays. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I married a giant E. You can wear sweatpants and watch movies at my house anytime. As long as it’s not “Jane Eyre.” :)

  2. Ms. C - July 19, 2013 @ 10:06 pm

    Sorry, I meant “Wuthering Heights!”

    • Erin - July 19, 2013 @ 10:58 pm

      Ha! I was going to have to sheepishly admit that I like Jane Eyre.

  3. Kim - July 19, 2013 @ 10:30 pm

    My favorite part “I would love for you to join me, as long as I’ve met you before” I agree with this statement whole heartily!

  4. Kendra - July 20, 2013 @ 8:42 am

    No wonder you and Berto get along, he’s an ENFP. I think I’ve helped him convert to an ‘I’ though.

  5. Cory - July 24, 2013 @ 10:15 am

    Fellow introvert here (though I’m an ISFJ), just HEARTILY consigning this entire post. The only real question is, “Am I ready to party on Saturday night?” It’s a touch-and-go scenario.

    • Cory - July 24, 2013 @ 10:16 am

      This fellow introvert is also hanging his head in shame for misspelling “cosigning.” Dang.

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