An Introvert at the Table
Or: Why they call it your comfort zone
To hear the related 5-minute audio file that I uploaded today as my Morning Journal flash briefing for Alexa devices, please click on the play button:
The Morning After
My post-France adventures in cooking took another step last night with a tasty salmon dinner with buttercup squash and beet salad. (Props to my excellent sous chef Darlene for the latter two items.)
Earlier, I had decided to remain at the table after dinner, no matter how long it took for the conversation to wind down to a natural conclusion.
In other words, I had planned to leave my introvert’s comfort zone. As you might expect, I felt exhausted by the end of the evening.
It felt like a failure. How come I can learn to prepare a meal after only four tries, but I can’t sit at the table with three other people without shrinking into the shape of a dried-out turnip?
This morning I figured it out:
When I leave my comfort zone, I feel uncomfortable. That’s why they call it a comfort zone!
After a good night’s sleep, I felt grateful for my discomfort. My world seemed slightly larger this morning because of the time I had spent squirming in my chair, wondering what to say next.
My wife the extrovert and I had a good laugh about it over tea and coffee this morning.
Tonight we’re headed to Portland for more socializing: A vegetarian dinner at the Green Elephant with Darlene’s quilting teacher Susan Carlson, her husband Tom, and two people I’ve never met, from California.
Bring it!
Great piece title! I certainly relate. I used to drink in order to overcome my discomfort in social situations. Now I just avoid social situations! Your piece gives me courage. Keep writing!