Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come

I admit I mostly read this book because the title amused me. An introverted woman spends a year doing extroverted things (talking to strangers, public speaking, improv, throwing dinner parties). Angst and personal growth ensues. This book definitely fits the genre of book that was popular a few years back where writer does weird thing for a year, has personal growth, and writes about it. But it is a cute book and I learned things!

I'm largely resistant to labels, self-mythologising, and platitudes of self-help, but these aspects were balanced out with a respect for embracing uncertainty and Jessica's comic tone.

Where do selfish, godless, lazy people go to make friends? That's where I need to be.

I am a shintrovert. I'm shy, have problems making prolonged eye contact when speaking with people, and I'm miserable in front of a group of more than two people. But here we are, in a world where extroverts are rewarded and introverts are left feeling like they're perpetually at a disadvantage in any social situation. I recognize my weaknesses and try to get better. I put myself out there in small ways, and I swear by the 'fake it until I make it' approach. I want to be the person giving cool, collected updates at meetings, making friends wherever I go, always having something insightful/funny/sincere to say beyond "man it's hot outside".

The author takes this same approach, and dials it up to 11. In one year she's done things I, in the safety and security of my computer chair, would never do. Comedy standup. Giving speeches. Networking events. Taking an impromptu trip solo to a country with no preparation beforehand. A dinner party. I am simultaneously in awe of her and exhausted for her. I can't imagine the energy reserves she burned through doing all that as a shintrovert like me.

This book doesn't have any groundbreaking methods for "curing" being a shintrovert. There's nothing wrong with being who you are. But for people like me who want something just a bit more, there's a lot of inspiration here for keeping up the good fight and maybe saying yes to more events I'd probably say no to before reading this book. The real secret is just to grin and bear it, have a support friend or two to lean on during the journey, and put yourself out there more. That's all.