Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts

by Susan Cain

As he grew older, his preference for these intimate gatherings had an unexpected effect. In college, if someone invited him to a big party, Davis would decline, but he’d quickly suggest something else instead. He would invite the person to meet for coffee the next day or to join him at the art gallery to check out a new exhibit. In doing so, he was making it clear that it was the party that turned him off, not the person. Usually the person accepted his invitation, and these more intimate outings didn’t only appeal to other introverts. He found that his more outgoing classmates, the ones who relished the parties he tried to avoid, also enjoyed chilling out one-on-one. It was a refreshing change from the way they usually hung out with their friends.