If you managed to get through part one and all the fancy lingo…good for you. Quite frankly I’m glad you’re reading the site, it’s less I need to do do to get you here in the first place. Do I sound like an ass? I know I do.
That’s the problem with being an introvert. By being quiet and avoiding social contact you are generally viewed as a uppity jerk. Most people these days have to socialize and need that endless stroking approval of their activities. As an introvert, I cannot provide that. To me, the internet is a extroverts haven. A place where someone can get the social interaction they need, to constantly be “connected.”
Honestly though, I absolutely despise Facebook, Twitter, Stumble and all the other social butterfly networks. To constantly be in touch, liking this or that, sharing all that e-junk….blah. Not me. Give me the information that is deep and calculated and cut the small talk.
In part 1, we discussed the reason why we ride bikes and sail. The best way I can describe this is an experience we encountered on a recent trip. We had been riding all morning and decided to stop by the celtic music museum. After going through the exhibits, our exit happened to correspond with a minor concert. The room kept getting fuller and fuller with more people trying to chat. Eventually there was standing room only. Music started playing, people started dancing and clapping…..and I had to get the bloody hell out of there. Admittedly, my introversion shades towards a smidgen of social anxiety as well.
There were far too many people talking and way too much noise. Jumping on the bike, it felt as though every gear I clicked through and every mile I covered shed that anxiety from my system. Having covered about 50 miles I was able to stop, exhausted but rejuvenated from the wind and engine noise. Had I been not able to leave I would have broken down. I could not take the noise and interaction. Being an introvert is hell if you cannot get away.
So yes, this cruise that we have coming is going to be hell for me. I remember the last cruise. I was ready to stay on an island and let my wife sail off. Hopefully this time she’ll decide to stay with me.
—Raven