Hush

On Saturdays, i get my morning coffee outside. I’ve discovered a certain coffee shop in town which i found to be relatively less busy, and with just the right amount of cozy, making it perfect for an hour of decent breakfast and quiet readings.

The nice lady across the counter came up to me one morning to casually ask how i’m doing — not long after, it downgraded to becoming a preface to “Do you already have any friends?” 🙃

I remember a week ago or so, she told me that she often sees me at the park, after office hours (my attire probably a dead giveaway) having coffee and reading. By myself.

Made me think — How do i exactly look from other people’s points of view whilst i comfortably go about “being just by myself”, in what turned out to be a routine i’ve become so accustomed to?

I still find the fun in it, the idea that some might think me lonely (no friends, that is) and maybe even throw me pity. Although honestly, that’s no longer news to me. To quote from a book that’s an absolute personal favorite:

“One of the risks of being quiet is that other people can fill your silence with their own interpretations: You’re bored. You’re depressed. You’re shy. You’re stuck-up. You’re judgmental. You have nothing to say.

…If you’re misinterpreted more often than not, you might need to give some thought to what your quiet is telling people… “Leave me alone” quiet is different from “thinking hard” quiet, which is different from “enjoying watching the scene” quiet, which is different from “I am totally overwhelmed, get me out of here” quiet…” —The Introvert’s Way

That said, i maybe only needed to parse and practice my own “i am basking and thriving in my aloneness” quiet. 🙂

Ps. Introverts of the world, unite and take over 🍻