6 Things Introverts Have to Be Grateful for this Thanksgiving
At some point during most Thanksgiving gatherings, everyone will be asked to reveal what they have to be thankful for this year. When you give your answer, you’ll undoubtedly express your gratitude as an individual and not as a representative for all Introverts everywhere.
Nevertheless, as an Introvert you actually do have many things to be thankful or grateful for. As the holidays approach, it's not a bad idea to sit back and reflect (as Introverts are known to do) about how lucky you are to be an Introvert and how being one has enriched your life.
Assuming you possess the characteristics most closely associated with introversion, here are six things you have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
#1 You enjoy great relationships because you’re all about quality instead of quantity
In their social lives, Introverts dislike the shallow and superficial. They want relationships that are honest, deep, and meaningful. They view small talk as mostly a waste of time and energy and will indulge in it only when absolutely necessary. Introverts prefer to save themselves for more probing and profound conversations, from which the foundations for rewarding lifelong relationships can be constructed.
Your preferences may not allow you to accumulate the widest circle of friends and remain close with all your extended family members. But that’s okay with you, because you pour so much into the relationships you do have that you wouldn’t have any energy left for anything more.
Your determination to build high-quality lasting relationships makes you a great friend, a supportive partner, a considerate family member, and a loyal companion who will be around during both good and bad times. You are the type of friend others are always wishing they could have, which is why despite your introversion your company is always in demand.
Thanksgiving gatherings are generally smaller and more intimate than Christmas celebrations. This will provide you with an excellent opportunity to renew acquaintances with loved ones who you’ve built strong and harmonious relationships with in the past. You’ll genuinely enjoy these encounters, as Introverts do when spending time with people they care about the most.
#2 You’re an excellent listener and that makes you popular
It’s possible to talk too much. But there’s no such thing as listening too much. Refined listening skills are the gift that keeps on giving, as they keep you fully in tune with your nearest and dearest companions.
When you develop your listening skills the way most Introverts have, you’ll quickly gain a reputation as a thoughtful and attentive person. As a skilled listener you’ll always ask the right questions, respond to the answers intelligently, and make contributions to the conversation that are right on point. You’ll be excellent at reading between the lines, correctly understanding what was not said in addition to what was said. That is the hallmark of a first-rate communicator, and it is why people you care about will seek out opportunities to interact with you when they have something important on their minds.
At Thanksgiving observances, your listening skills will come in quite handy. Others who you haven’t seen in a while will be anxious to fill you in on the latest developments in their personal and professional lives, knowing that you’ll appreciate hearing all about it. You can happily let your loved ones take the lead in these get-reacquainted conversations, protecting your Introvert’s need to avoid social overstimulation.
#3 You know how to make the most of your alone time
As an Introvert, you have a deep appreciation for peace and serenity. Your alone time provides you with a golden opportunity to reflect, contemplate, or otherwise explore the fascinating contents of your own mind.
When you’re out and about in the world on your own, the lack of companionship won’t faze you. If you attend a movie, concert, or play by yourself, you’ll feel free to focus completely on the storylines and the quality of the performances. If you like to spend time outdoors you can take full advantage of the opportunity, enjoying the sensory experience to the fullest as you take in the inspiring sights and sounds of nature. There are always great books to read, exhilarating hikes or bicycle rides to take, or thrilling art galleries or museums to visit, and you can enjoy all of these activities immensely whether you go alone or in a group.
Admittedly, you may not have much alone time for a few hours if you attend a Thanksgiving feast planned by family or friends. But if you really need to get away, you can always excuse yourself for an hour to take a long, brisk walk outside. You can probably even retreat to a quiet place to take a nap, since that activity is expected of people who have finished a big Thanksgiving meal.
#4 The world now comes with digital options, which is perfect for Introverts
The Internet was made for Introverts. You can work online, shop online, socialize online, order food online, even attend medical appointments online (if it’s nothing too serious). Rather than always going out into the world you can let the world come to you, customizing your experiences to involve as much or as little direct human interaction as you’d like on any given day.
While you appreciate the added possibilities for privacy it provides, you know the virtual world isn’t a replacement for the real thing. When used properly the Internet and social media can enrich and enhance your daily life, and that’s exactly how you try to use it. You enter virtual environments to increase your knowledge base, broaden your experience level, find new and interesting people to interact with, and supplement your normal hobbies and activities with fun and stimulating online pastimes.
There may be a few of your loved ones who won’t be able to make it to your Thanksgiving celebration this year. The good news is that you can still invite them to attend the festivities virtually, which isn’t exactly the same but is still a big improvement over them not being there at all. Maybe that’s the only way you can attend this year, and if so it likely won’t bother you too much.
#5 You’ve been given the wonderful gift of introspection
The interior world of the Introvert is an active and intriguing place to visit. Fortunately for you, access to that amazing world is open to you all the time.
If you’re the typical Introvert, you never speak or make any decision without thinking it through carefully first. You look at things from every angle and use your creative imagination to conceive of new and interesting possibilities. What’s amazing is that you’ll do this constantly and automatically, whether you’re alone and thinking about serious world problems or having a simple conversation with a family member or friend.
Your introspective nature is your constant companion and your eternal guide. Your reflections will be shaped by your experiences, your observations, your sense of empathy, and your carefully considered ideas and beliefs. Your choices are logical yet forward-thinking as a result, as you seek to strike the perfect balance between practicality and idealism. Your introspective approach helps you find effective solutions here-and-now, but it never lets you lose sight of the better world you’re always working to create.
Your introspective nature will inevitably reveal itself when you’re asked to answer that all-important question, about what you’re thankful for this year. Your answer will be thoughtful, compassionate, and focused on the true meaning of the holiday season. When you express your gratitude and love, you’ll do so elegantly and eloquently, inspiring others to express their feelings in the same way.
#6 You get to celebrate Thanksgiving, the most Introvert-friendly holiday
Compared to Christmas and New Year’s, Thanksgiving is a pretty low-key holiday. That makes it perfect for Introverts, who tend to like their socializing in moderate doses. Thanksgiving is fun and lively, but not so lively that an Introvert is going to feel overwhelmed by the noise and activity.
At Thanksgiving celebrations you’ll be in a social environment. But the people around you will be those you know well and love. If you’re hosting the celebration you’ll be in control of the guest list, putting you completely in the driver’s seat.
There are plenty of tranquil moments during most Thanksgiving parties. People will have quiet conversations as they watch parades or football on TV, and the time set aside to pray or give thanks is always peaceful and contemplative. The weather in most places is still good enough so that people can get outside to walk around or participate in other fun outdoor activities, which don’t necessarily require a lot of socializing.
More than most holidays, Thanksgiving has an intimate feel. As an Introvert you’ll truly enjoy this atmosphere for the most part, giving you a real reason to be thankful for Thanksgiving. You’ll likely leave the event feeling refreshed rather than drained, having enjoyed nice conversations, good food, and close contacts with people who you treasure.
