I’m an introvert. (Digital Storytelling)

Summary

Angela Menino opens up about her introverted nature, addressing the common misconceptions people have about her being shy or anti-social. She explains how she prefers quieter, intimate settings over loud, crowded environments, where she often feels disconnected. Angela highlights the importance of solitude for recharging and reflects on how listening can be a powerful form of communication. While she enjoys meaningful moments with close friends and family, she also values personal time to recharge. Her story emphasizes embracing introversion and finding balance in both social interaction and solitude.

Takeaways

• 😀 Angela Menino is often perceived as shy or introverted, but she explains this is due to her preference for being soft-spoken and comfortable in small, intimate settings.
• 😀 She describes how people frequently mistake her quiet nature for being anti-social, awkward, or even angry, although she is actually outgoing in the right environments.
• 😀 Angela prefers solitude to recharge, enjoying activities like listening to music, reading, long walks, and binge-watching shows, which help her reflect and think.
• 😀 Despite being comfortable with solitude, Angela values spending quality time with close friends and family, particularly in small, personal settings like tea time, picnics, or hiking.
• 😀 Angela emphasizes the importance of one-on-one conversations and intimate gatherings over large social events or parties.
• 😀 She explains how her social battery drains quickly in big groups, and being surrounded by extroverts can be overwhelming for her.
• 😀 Angela finds listening to be a powerful form of communication, and she prefers to speak only when she has something valuable to add to the conversation.
• 😀 She describes herself as not being interested in being loud or fitting into the extroverted mold, as it often made her feel more socially awkward.
• 😀 Angela believes that spending time alone allows her to reconnect with herself and recharge mentally and emotionally.
• 😀 Through the script, Angela proudly identifies as an introvert, highlighting that being introverted doesn’t mean being antisocial—it simply means recharging through solitude and meaningful connections.

Q & A

Why does Angela Menino get asked if she's okay or bored?

Angela is often asked these questions because people perceive her as quiet, shy, or reserved, which leads them to believe she might not be feeling well or engaged.

How did Angela's mom describe her personality growing up?

Angela's mom described her as soft-spoken, shy, and sensitive, which influenced how she saw herself and interacted with others.

How does Angela feel about being asked why she's so quiet?

Angela dislikes being asked why she's quiet, as it often leads to her being misunderstood. She does not want to be perceived as anti-social, awkward, or angry, even though others might see her that way.

What is Angela's preferred way of socializing?

Angela prefers to stay quiet and listen, letting others do the talking, rather than raising her hand or speaking up in group settings.

How does Angela feel when she's in big groups or parties?

Angela feels overwhelmed in big groups or parties, as she finds it difficult to connect personally with others, and her social energy depletes quickly.

Why did Angela try to act more extroverted?

Angela tried to be more extroverted in an attempt to fit in better with those around her, especially extroverts who appeared more socially comfortable.

What did Angela realize about her attempts to be extroverted?

Angela realized that when she tried to act like an extrovert, she only felt more socially awkward and disconnected from herself.

What does Angela believe is the best form of communication?

Angela believes that listening is often the best form of communication. She prefers to speak when she has something meaningful to add.

What activities help Angela recharge and reflect?

Angela enjoys activities like listening to music, reading, going for long walks, and binge-watching shows, as they give her time to think and recharge.

What type of social interactions are important to Angela?

Angela values quality time with close friends and family, such as one-on-one conversations, hiking, picnics, tea time, and family movie nights.