Were you a quiet, shy child?

Did you prefer to play alone rather than with other children?

Did your parents try to force you to be more extroverted?

If so, it’s a good bet that you are considered an “introvert.”

“Introvert” They make it sound like it’s a terrible thing, don’t they?

Being an introvert in a world of extroverts can be rather like a square peg being forced into a round hole.

Is life as an introvert difficult?

Do opportunities in life and business tend to pass you by?

Can introverts and extroverts exist as happy partners?

Find the answers to these questions and more at:

Well, it’s happened again. Passed over for promotion for the umpteenth time. George got the job that should have been yours! George! The glad handing blowhard who is phony as a three dollar bill!

He has nowhere near the experience that you do. His work is mediocre at best. His language is foul. His clothes are garish and he often looks unkempt.

And what about last year when Frank got the job you had your eye on? Now Frank was a different story. He’s smooth, has no problem talking to anyone and always seemed to have the upside of any situation. The total opposite of George, he really did earn the job.

But why did

these guys get the promotions that should have been yours? Releasing a huge sigh, you know that was a rhetorical question. It’s also the story of your life.

remember when . . .

Maybe you were the middle or youngest child. Parents sometimes take a quiet child and try to force them to be more like an outgoing sibling. They do it in the most loving way. If a child prefers to be alone, they can mistakenly think their child isn’t “popular” and needs a push in the right direction.

Unfortunately, this strategy can backfire and drive the child into a totally introverted condition. While there is nothing wrong with being introverted, as we can see with the examples above the condition can have long-lasting effects.

The truth is that most of us are a little bit introverted and extroverted. When that condition affects our life adversely it may be time to step back and take stock of our lives.