The Top Five Things I’ve Learned from my Bunny About Being an Introvert.

I have a bunny. An English lop to be exact. I adopted her from an animal shelter.

She was named Vanessa, so I didn’t give her a new name. She is a free range bunny and because she is litter-trained, the door to her cage is always open.

Hang with me here.

Vanessa is a Capricorn and I’m a Leo. She’s moody and stubborn, and enjoys a diet of hay, carrots, dark leafy greens, and electrical cords. I’m loyal, caring, and enjoy a diet quiet the opposite of hers.

We’re a mismatched couple. But regardless of our differences we share one commonality – we are both introverts.

Here are Five things Vanessa has taught me about being an introvert.

1.   Alone time. I can’t get enough of this. I’d rather spend my time alone than in a group of people It doesn’t necessarily mean your personality rubs me wrong, it’s just part of being an introvert. Vanessa likes to be by herself in a corner or under a coffee table. She usually comes out at night, when she’s hungry, or when I’m on the couch. She’s not much of a snuggler and a majority of the time she prefers not to socialize. Silly rabbit.

2.   Naps. I take naps. Not because I’m lazy. But as an introvert, my energy is sapped after I use it on something or someone. I need to recharge my batteries. I also have sleep apnea, which makes my daytime lethargy unbearable. My irritability may  be a good indicator that I need a nap. Sometimes I catch Vanessa taking a nap under the end table, one of her favorite spots. Ha ha ha, that picture’s awesome!

3.   Social discomfort. Being in large groups is a challenge for me. I don’t particularly like to go to parties or out for happy hour. I do it when I’m invited. But it’s uncomfortable for me. There are times I’ve told my friends I’m too tired or that I need to put some extra hours in at work. I really prefer to be at home enjoying time by myself. I don’t like to have every second of my day jammed full with something to do. Usually, when I get home from work, I change into something comfortable and I’m in for the rest of the night.

Vanessa just flat out is not social at all. Being around people is a challenge for us because we would rather do something by ourselves. Vanessa’s reason is probably more for survival. The fear of being hunted for food has been in her genes for hundreds of years. In the picture see that white thing in her eye, towards her nose? That’s her third eyelid? That’s one of her bodily reactions when she is nervous. Like when she is being held or around people. You don’t see it except when she is worried or nervous. Kind of like, “Leave me alone human. I’ve had enough of your friendliness.”

Either way, if we spend time with someone, especially in large groups, we will need a nap afterwards.

4.  We have certain spots where we are most comfortable. Vanessa has two spots at home that she has claimed. One is a hiding spot on top of a crate containing my camping gear. And the other is under this end table. I think she likes it here because the floor is cool as well as the fact that she is protected and sort of hard to get at.

One of my favorite spots is at my kitchen table. I like to get up at zero-dark-thirty and  do my devotions there. I do my artwork there also. It’s a place where I can regroup and refocus. It keeps me grounded. My other place of comfort and nourishment is at the beach. This picture pretty much explains why…

5.  Artistic. We both have a creative side. I own a side business and create upcycled beach decor. Again, this is an activity that gives me great joy and is a positive outlet for my energies. Sometimes Vanessa helps me.

Are you an introvert? What can you identify with or add that would help us understand our unique selves? INTROVERTS UNITE!