Quiet People in a Noisy World

We live in a world that prefers bubbly rather than reserved, talkative over quiet. Which means that extroverts tend to take center stage. But on Purim, Esther Hamalkah reminds us of the strength that lies in silence.

“We’re downsizing the bar mitzvah,” my best friend says. “It’s going to be just immediate family.”

I try to sound disappointed. I’m glad we’re on the phone and not face-to-face, because an enormous grin splits my features. Great! I think. I don’t have to go to a simchah! I love my friend, and I love her son, but as an introvert, I believe the best social gathering is one that’s been canceled.

It’s not that introverts are against being social; we’re just pro-solitude.