This particular section of the book really helps describe me:
"The journey of introverts into a community, however, is better conceptualized as a spiral. They take steps into a community, but then spiral out of it in order to regain energy, to reflect on their experiences and to determine if they are comfortable in that community. They move between entry, retreat and reentry, gradually moving deeper into the community on each loop.
"The introverted path into community, much to the confusion of many extroverts, never reaches a point in which the spiraling form is shed. The spiraling shape persists even for introverts who are thoroughly committed to a community. Sometimes introverts feel the need to step outside of a community for a period of time, even after years of faithful participation. Other times introverts may continue to attend events but distance themselves emotionally and socially from all but their closest friends. These outward movements are often not an indication of spiritual atrophy or waning enthusiasm, but they are simply part of normal introverted patterns. In community, introverts follow a rhythm of engage, then retreat. Too much time in social interaction, no matter how satisfying, is disruptive and disorienting for introverts, and they need to step back to rediscover a sense of identity. They can lose themselves in community and need to retreat into solitude in order to be restored into shape and to find the power to give themselves fully to others when they reengage."
As an introvert, the above paragraphs really describe me and my journey in building relationships. I have thought part of my backing off in relationships was due to my past of moving around so much and constantly having to make friends just to lose them next time we moved. However, it appears that part of this pattern is part of my being an introvert and needing to re-charge my batteries as it were.
This book was good overall, but I thought it was directed more to those who are in leadership positions than the average layperson.
