Introverts, So Often Misunderstood

Have you ever found yourself hiding from children? Wishing they would be still and leave you just a moments peace and quiet? Not that you don't love them. Do you feel drained and exhausted after time spent at parties or with groups of people? Not that you don't like them. Is time alone necessary to your survival and peace of mind?

Is so, you might be an introvert.

Because who doesn’t love Jeff Foxworthy.

Introverted horses have a lot in common with introverted people. Both are often misunderstood.

Being an introvert doesn’t mean a horse doesn’t like people. They can be very friendly and love attention. Being an introvert doesn’t mean a horse wont run around and play or have bursts of energy and want to run around.

An introvert needs time alone, not all the time, but some time to rest from the exhaustion that comes with people. Or maybe I should at least pretend I’m writing this about horses and say groups of horses. Although people must be just as taxing to their peace of mind.

An introvert holds their thoughts and opinions within. That doesn’t mean they don’t have them just that they don’t feel the need to let the world know about the the way an extrovert does. They need time to think things through and process the information they gather.

Although an introvert is capable of and happy to spend time running about, often they prefer to conserve their energy. More whoa than go is a common staple. When going is necessary we need to make sure not to ask for it just for the sake of going. Endless circles will drive an introvert crazy. Where they may help to calm an extrovert with soothing repetition.

Ask for a behavior once. If the horse gives you the right answer, let them stop. Give plenty of rest time to cement the correct answer given. Keep repetitions to a minimum.

With an introvert is there is a certain stoicism that goes beyond internalizing. It's so much more than needing time to think or be alone. It’s an overwhelming need to avoid showing weakness or vulnerability. Introverts will hide pain and discomfort. Often seeming just fine before blowing up “out of no where”. In reality, the signs were there, subtle and nearly hidden. An introvert needs to be watched for the smallest signals something might be wrong. Things as small as a tightening of the eyes even when the body language says everything is fine.

As one introvert lover said, their horse is constantly fighting “an internal battle between wanting to be included and engaged but needing to have time to think.”

Hesitation to give love freely and instantly doesn’t mean an introvert wont be a loving horse. Give them time to get to know you. Time to think it through and develop trust. Once that has been given and you have earned their regard an introvert will be a devoted partner.

Don’t dismiss the introvert.