We are all different. We’re all going to have different experiences, reactions and opinions about things. That’s fine, in fact that’s great. One of the things that I disagree with the most in this world is that we all have to be a certain way and think a certain way. BUT, in my humble opinion, there are some simple things that everyone can do to make the world more pleasant for themselves and others (and I do believe that we all have some responsibility for this).

I am not pressuring anyone to change. I am suggesting awareness. If one becomes more aware of his or her actions and finds them acceptable, then they are.

I do appreciate your comment because it brings up a good point: as introverts, we’re OK and that not everyone is going to fit in to everyone else’s idea of what’s right.

As an introvert I have two experiences with being “rude”.

It happens that I think about what I said/did later, and hope to learn from it. Of course, I didn’t mean to be rude, I was just being me.

It also happens I’ve been told that I might’ve been a bit rude be someone else.

I’ve also been told, and based on my upbringing, that I am very polite. What I’m trying to get at is what is rude? What might seem perfectly normal to me, but based on your standards it’s rude; and vice versa.

It’s like when someone tells you to be normal. What is normal?

I love reading this blog, but this post seems to sway in the direction of making a introvert change to something he/she isn’t.
I personally feel it’s almost like telling someone with a bad back to stop having a bad back. Sure, with the right help and training they might get better, but in the end that person will always have a different back than you.

“This is one of my pet peeves! I hate it when people say “I’m just introverted” or “I’m an Aspie” just to get out of being rude.”
I couldn’t disagree with you more, Morpheus.
We all know, especially if you are an introvert or aspie, that we are different. Sometimes we don’t always express ourselves as “normals” do. As an introvert I’ve also said ‘I’m an introvert, that’s why I did/say X’. I didn’t say that to excuse myself, I did it to explain who I am.

That’s why one of my favourite characters in TBBT is Sheldon Cooper. He is awkward and can be seen as rude, but in the end he is who he is without feeling the need or pressure to be changed. That’s what I feel should be the goal for all introverts; at least it’s my goal. So far, being who I am in any situation has worked out great for me.

Just my 2 cents.

@ Cheryl – I agree with you about some extreme extroverts seeming to want instant adulation and constant attention. That, in itself, is rude.

@ Morpheus – I have a problem with the compliments thing too and have been trying to work on that.

@ Laurie – Yes, it is an effort to get out of our heads and become what you call “polite, attentive introverts”. It’s worth it when we can balance all that with peace and quiet.