Shyness is the fear of social disapproval or humiliation, while introversion is a preference for environments that are not overstimulating. Shyness is inherently painful; introversion is not.
Susan CainRead
Most people who have grown up introverted in this very extroverted culture of ours have had painful experiences of feeling like they are out of step with what's expected of them. Parenting can pose unique challenges for introverted parents, who fear that their own painful experiences will be repeated in their children's lives.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Introverted individuals often feel out of place in a society that values extroversion, and this can impact their parenting.
Susan Cain highlights the struggles that introverted individuals face in a predominantly extroverted society, emphasizing how their unique experiences can lead to concerns about their ability to parent effectively. Introverted parents may worry about passing on the challenges they faced growing up, which can create added pressure on them as they navigate their role in their children's lives.
Themes
IntroversionParentingSocietyChallengesExpectations
In practice
Example use cases
During a parenting workshop, when discussing the unique challenges of raising children as introverted parents.
More from Susan Cain
All quotes →We need to do teacher training to educate them about what temperament means. Shyness is painful and you want to help a child with shyness - but the underlying temperament of being a careful, sensitive person is to be honoured, valued and respected.
Susan CainRead
But when the group is literally capable of changing our perceptions, and when to stand alone is to activate primitive, powerful, and unconscious feelings of rejection, then the health of these institutions seems far more vulnerable than we think.
Susan CainRead
We don't need giant personalities to transform companies. We need leaders who build not their own egos but the institutions they run.
Susan CainRead
What if you love knowledge for its own sake, not necessarily as a blueprint to action? What if you wish there were more, not fewer reflective types in the world?
Susan CainRead
[Introverts,] the world needs you and it needs the things you carry. So I wish you the best of all possible journeys and the courage to speak softly.
Susan CainRead
Similar quotes
It's a big enough umbrella, but it's always me that ends up getting wet.
StingRead
I was reminded that it is my obligation not only as an elected official in a pluralistic society, but also as a Christian, to remain open to the possibility that my unwillingness to support gay marriage is misguided.
Barack ObamaRead
I'll make him an offer he can't refuse.
Mario PuzoRead
In traveling, a companion, in life, compassion.
Haruki MurakamiRead
I keep thinking about this river somewhere, with the water moving really fast. And these two people in the water, trying to hold onto each other, holding on as hard as they can, but in the end it's just too much. The current's too strong. They've got to let go, drift apart. That's how it is with us. It's a shame, Kath, because we've loved each other all our lives. But in the end, we can't stay together forever.
Kazuo IshiguroRead
Remember, loving them is the powerful foundation for influencing those you want to help. ... As a companion to that love, trust them. In some cases it may seem difficult to trust, but find some way to trust them. The children of Father in Heaven can do amazing things when they feel trusted. Every child of God in mortality chose the Savior’s plan. Trust that given the opportunity, they will do so again.
Richard G. ScottRead