It’s a bit odd for me to be writing about the way to play, as a result of I’ve by no means been superb at it—or, at the least, for years I didn’t take into account myself somebody who “performed.” I’m a basic introvert, which implies that I lose power by being round folks—I renew my power by spending time alone. Which means that I can get pleasure from going out with different folks, however after a few hours I’m able to go residence and recuperate. I’m not that one who goes from home to accommodate or bar to bar on a weekend night.
One other attribute of an introvert is our avoidance of an exercise if we don’t really feel competent to do it. For this reason I at all times hated video games at events, the place I is perhaps placed on the spot. Additionally, many video games require that you simply suppose quick, and an introvert’s psychological processes don’t occur rapidly (this has been documented in scientific research), particularly when within the presence of others. We have a tendency to not be the lifetime of the celebration as a result of we turn out to be tongue-tied on the easiest questions. In case you pose a query to me after which permit me to go someplace to suppose it over, I’ll convey again an excellent reply. However please don’t require me to give you a rhyme or a film title whereas a timer is ticking and 10 individuals are gazing me.
It took years for me to know that play is available in many varieties and that I can uncover methods to play no matter my character sort. I do know that good recreation for me is a stroll alongside the lakefront or by means of a metropolis neighborhood, the place I can go at my very own tempo and soak up what I see and listen to. Usually I’m completely satisfied to do this type of recreation on my own.
My husband Jim and I’ve made a number of tenting journeys with kids and youngsters. I actually loved this, nevertheless it labored higher for me once we had a number of youngsters who might entertain each other at the least a part of the time. And Jim would go along with them to do one thing, leaving me on the camp to work on the meal or normal housekeeping—or I might go along with them for some time, leaving him to grocery store or work on the hearth. (He and I are each introverts.) So we had our household time, however we managed it in order that it was actually leisure for everyone.
I take into account it a type of play after I stroll the canine or get down on the ground with a number of of the cats. It doesn’t take a variety of power, however I’m shifting and having fun with myself and feeling no stress.
Please take into account your temperament whenever you plan your recreation. Don’t permit your self to be pressured into a number of occasions that don’t appeal to you. After all we should all go to occasions out of obligation generally, particularly if we’re with kids or grandchildren. However we owe it to ourselves and to our family members to present ourselves experiences that match our wants and that assist us play in a approach that feels like play.
What have you ever discovered over time about character sort and recreation? Please share your knowledge.
