Introvert's dilemma: How to stem anxiety in the parks?

[amandajune]

I know exactly what you are going through! While I myself am considered a social person- I NEED those downtimes or I get extremely overwhelmed, even if I am just with DH and DD. The previous suggestions of skipping a ride here and there to sit and relax are great. Another PP suggestion of going to the shows to regroup is great. I found even the outdated Country Bear Jamboree was one of my favorites because it was long and allowed me to mentally regroup and face the rest of the day with a more calm outlook.

I have a pushy loud super-social family and I have found that these subtle grabs for alone time have been well received and not questioned much. I'm hopeful by using some of the suggestions you'll get your respite and still enjoy your trip and not miss much! Please don't feel bad for needing this either~ we are all different and by embracing it you'll have such a great trip. Good luck!

 

[lilmama]

I'm an introvert and I usually take time for myself every evening to unwind. However, after two days spent in someone else company I would probably take the third day to do something quieter for myself to be more fully "recharged".

 

[seashoreCM]

Believe it or not, you do not have to keep a conversation going, to keep the ball rolling. You may stop talking when you can't think of things to say. It is okay to give a short answer to an essay question. It's okay to let the other person do most of the talking.

If there is a subject you do not want to discuss, you can say you do not want to discuss that subject. You do not have to give a reason.

Also you do not have to follow along with what the others do all day, although you may let them follow you if they wish to.

Being an introvert can mean different things so I can't second guess on what suggestions to make. Maybe one person describes himself as introverted because he doesn't feel comfortable keeping up with others while touring the park.

One of my pet peeves is people asking the same question using different words because they are not satisfied with my answer that represents the limit of my knowledge or desire. I don't always tell when someone is trying this on me but if I do I sometimes get fiendish and give them the exact same answer which could also be that I did not want to discuss that topic..