5 Tips for Surviving Cohabitation as an Extroverted Introvert:
Extroverted Introvert: Unlike the Ambivert, who lives happily between extroversion and introversion, and where neither one dominates, the extroverted introvert lives a happy introverted life, but is also social, naturally. It is not forced or contrived, so therefore the extro-intro is able to adapt to social situations effortlessly and enjoy time with others. This allows them to retreat happily to recharge afterwards, without the resentment or frustration that often comes along with socializing. In fact, if not for those necessary times away, friends of the extro-intro would swear they were 100% extrovert.
That 👆🏾? That is 125% me. And prior to joining Remote Year, I structured every aspect of my life to optimize (or so I thought) for this dynamic personality. One of the things I most stressed about prior to signing on was the idea of living with other humans. As someone so often mistaken for a full on extrovert, I felt that sharing space would give permission for others to ALWAYS be in my space, ALL of the time… a terrifying idea 😅
I’m so happy I decided to take the Digital Nomad leap with Remote Year, despite my fears around sharing such intimate space & I’ve compiled a list of my top 5 tips that allowed me to not just survive but to THRIVE through co-habitation. Here They Are! 👇🏾
Create & honor your safe space (s)
Turn your bedroom into your sanctuary; from how you light to how you infuse the scents that bring you joy, being intentional about these things and carving out space, forethought and the pounds in your luggage to accommodate them will make a WORLD of difference!
Embrace the Jomo
Know that, just by simple math, you will not be able to do everything with everyone. Heck, sometimes you may not want to do ANYthing with anyone & that’s okay too! Jomo; Joy Of Missing Out. So, the more grace & compassion you can show yourself when it comes to how you choose to occupy your time, the easier it will be to determine what activities will be sustaining you, and which ones you may want to pass up on. Either way, your housemates will understand!
Over Communicate & Speak With Kindness
People can’t read your mind. If you know you have particular things you want to make sure are considered or clarified with your flatmates; take the initiative to host a squad pow wow, share your questions or concerns and give the others the opportunity to do the same. You have a friend visiting and want to make sure it’s kosher? Put it out there! Need to work from your room most of the time & want to request windows of house quiet time? Put it out there. Closed mouths don’t get fed 😉
Play to Your Strengths
Think about the aspects of you or your personality that make you happy and can be shared with others in a low stress manor. Like to cook? Suggest a house potluck night! Into old films? A house movie night. I love to play hockey & found a league here in Lisbon. When I invited my housemates ‘to be nice’ I discovered one had actually played in youth as well and he was so excited for the chance to come out and play. Sometimes, It costs nothing to invite people to come & share in your space.
Honor Your Personal/Recharge Time or Activities
Inviting people into your space is kind. But as introverts, it is IMPERATIVE to still have that personal time & space to recharge. For me, I know that either my walk to or from the workspace will be a Solo Taylor adventure. Things like a walk to nowhere through the park, taking the scenic route on your way to a date or meet up with friends… all micro-moments in which we can reconnect with ourselves. Take advantage of the moments!
Do you have any other tips you’ve found that help you honor your space?! I’d love to hear them!