Introverted poster/introvert in life?

[Raindrop]

Does anyone else suffer from this? I visit, I lurk and I post occasionally, usually under the spinning forum because I'm an instructor for the last decade. But, I'm also an outdoor rider that, I guess, feels like I can't offer much to the on-going discussions. I did post my pain when my brother died, and read the responses and appreciated all of them.

I also own my own business (personal training), but have a hard time joining in on the nutrition/diet/training conversations because, although I do well face-to-face, I have a hard time putting my knowledge and personality down in words.

So...it ends up being me, lurking and having conversations in my head.

Are there any other lurkers out there that can empathize with me, or am I the only one?

Forums can be cruel sometimes, and maybe that's where I've gotten sort of gun-shy.

[five one]

No, you're not the only one. I'm very much the same as you and understand completely what you are saying. I tend to be rather quiet (not to be confused with shy) in "real" life. Get me in a group of strangers and I'll be the one listening to everyone and only occasionally speaking up, if at all. I seem to be the same here, posting only once in a while, though I've been around lurking for over three years. I don't really know why. It's just more comfortable for me to read what others write and then log off.

Judging by the numbers of times a thread is read compared to the numbers of postings in that thread, I'd say there are a lot of quiet lurkers out there.

[Thistle]

Hey raindrop i was wondering how you were going?

I do post, but i kind of understand the introverted stuff. Often after i post i think "omg... what have i done, people will think i'm a complete moron"

but i've gotta say... that's what i like about TE... everyone seems to treat everyone's opinion with respect and nobody has told me i'm a complete idiot yet

but, whether you post or just read, i dont think it matters. Just wanted you to know that there are others who feel self-conscious too. I mean i even changed my login cos i know the trouble-maker at work knows i go to this site and i worry about her reading my posts... how silly is that?

oh well, it's just who i am... a worrier with low self-esteem but as i say, no one here has ever made me feel that way, quite the opposite, everyone has been lovely.... which is why i'm still here


so i say post when you feel like it, and some days be brave and post anyway... i love reading other people's contributions!

[Mr. Bloom]

Thistle x 2 here.

THe old 80/20 rule seems to hold up in life, so my guess is that 80% of the posts come from 20% of the users. So, that means ya'll are in the majority, not the minority!

Savor who you are, the strength of your personality as it is...knowing that when you really have something you want to say, you have a safe place to say it.

[Thorn]

Heck no you're not the only one. I think I lurked here for a year before I even built up the courage to register and then a couple more weeks to post! For me, it is the normal foot-in-mouth problem (?keyboard in mouth?)....even if I take the time to think through a post, I still fear miswording something and being misinterpretted (OK, it doesn't help that I have a slightly warped sense of humor and forget the smiley faces).

But, I'm sure Raindrop that more people would post to empathize, but....uh...they're still out there lurking and only thinking about answering :-)

[mimitabby]

at least you guys are consistent.
I use this board to combat boredom at work and a certain amount of loneliness.
(two of my best friends moved away.... and I really don't have any girlfriends in town anymore...)
when you meet me I am very quiet and shy. Quite different from the loquacious soul i am on the forum.

I understand there are many many lurkers and that's pretty normal behavior.
I'm a writer too, maybe that makes it easier for me to post on here (and everywhere!)

[Triskeliongirl]

Forums can be cruel sometimes, and maybe that's where I've gotten sort of gun-shy.

That is an interesting comment. To me TE is anything but cruel. Its very unusual to see a cruel or disrespectful post here, its part of the culture. Obviously I am an extrovert so while I can't understand how you feel from direct experience, I can say participate how ever is comfortable for you, but don't not post because you are afraid of cruel treatment.

[East Hill]

So...it ends up being me, lurking and having conversations in my head.

Forums can be cruel sometimes, and maybe that's where I've gotten sort of gun-shy.

I have my own story to tell about getting gun shy, but to keep on topic, I know there are times when I debate if I want to answer. Sometimes I think that no one wants to hear that, sometimes I think that if I replied in a certain manner, it would be cruel. I often spend five or six minutes writing a short reply, because I preview the message multiple times to see if I've hit what I think is the right tone for the message I'm trying to get across. And sometimes, I look at the message I've written, shake my head, and delete what I've written because I just can't get it right.

East Hill

[snapdragen]

I do that all the time East Hill, and I'm kind of a regular here. Sometimes I'll get something all typed out, and think "nah, I don't wanna share that..."

I'm pretty shy and reserved in real life (shut up jobob!!!)

[kaybee]

Raindrop, you're not alone! I'm pretty shy and just not as articulate as most women here. I lurk more than I post, and usually post on the running thread, because I'm more of a runner than a rider. Like Mimi, I also use this forum to battle boredom at work (thanks for making it so interesting, everyone!). However, this is a very welcoming, supportive group of women, and there's no pressure to post if you don't feel so inclined.

KB

[Teddyparker]

So...it ends up being me, lurking and having conversations in my head.

Are there any other lurkers out there that can empathize with me, or am I the only one?

I totally empathize! Just check out the number of posts I 've made. However, I've been a member since August, and have learned so much. I really enjoy reading the threads. Just once I want to post one of my rides or hang out in the thread drift (they always seem to have fun).