Introvert Gratitude

It's Monday of Thanksgiving week in the US, so it seems appropriate to focus on gratitude for my weekly meditation post. This past week has reminded me that there are some pretty special people in my life. It kind of sucks that we are at a point where we see each other at family funerals more than on more happy occasions, but it is also comforting to witness the love and share comfort and memories in those difficult times.

I know that I often write about my aversion to being around people and my preference to be alone. There are many people that have known me for a long time that challenge my claim to be an introvert. In truth, it's not that I don't like people -- I just don't like being around them (most of the time, anyway).
I understand socializing with others and enjoy conversing one-on-one or in small groups. I recognize that some people need and thrive on social interaction. There are people that I really look forward to seeing, even if it means having to be in a larger group to see them. 

Just because I don't really like being around people doesn't make me anti-social, or does it?
I see it as more of a personal preference than an anti-social behavior. I'm not at all uncomfortable around people and sometimes find it enjoyable. I like hearing what other people are doing in their lives, but really dislike meaningless small talk. Being around people is a bit like going to work -- you can like your job, but it's still work.
I am grateful that our society operates with lots of different people, doing lots of different jobs, so that we  can all live our different lives in the same community. Just don't expect me to want to hang around with everybody.

So I don't hate people.
I like people.
I am grateful for people.
I just don't usually want to be around them. 

I am also grateful for my alone time.
Yeah, I am really grateful for that.

John