Quiet

Where Do You Belong?

On some level, Cain can barely stand extroverts – because they impose on her peacefulness – but she shows remarkable compassion for both sides of the fence. Whichever camp you belong to, Cain urges you to maximize your talents, skills and peace of mind by finding equilibrium. Put yourself in the right places or circumstances to access the level of stimulation that works for you, but no more than that if you’re an introvert – and for extroverts, no less.

Imagine you’re reading at home. After a few hours, the words on the pages get blurry. You feel “understimulated.” You call your best – extroverted – friend to meet for brunch. The conversation and surroundings raise you up to your ideal level of stimulation. But your extroverted friend gets a bit antsy and understimulated, and drags you to a block party. The pounding music and loud talk impinge on your consciousness, taking you out of your comfort zone. You feel “overstimulated” and experience a powerful, irresistible need to be alone. You make excuses, run off and return home to your book, which brings you back to your equilibrium, or “sweet spot.”