Cohousing-L Mailing List: Introverts in cohousing?

[Racheli Gai (racheli]

Hi Becky,
My kitchen window faces the sidewalk.  I spend a fair amount
of time in the kitchen:  I can see who goes by (if I choose to  face that
way), but usually there is no exchange of words,
or any kind of acknowledgement.  If someone goes by who I'd
like to speak to, I can call to them (if the window is open), or run out
and catch them.
Sometimes (every day, actually, these days) I spend time in the front
watering plants.  When community members pass by, sometimes we talk,
sometimes we just say hello: I think by now we know that not everyone is
in the mood to talk at all times.  I imagine that by how someone says
"hi", (and by body language) we let each other know if we are able and
willing to engage, and to what  extent.


I hope this helps.  
R.

>Is it possible for an introvert to be happy in a Cohousing Community?  I
>enjoy people, but I need some time alone and quiet to restore myself.  I
>believe in sharing and cooperation.  I want to be part of a community.  I
>like helping others.  But the idea of my kitchen window opening onto a
>sidewalk where the world goes by and I need to wave or say hello as they
>do is almost apalling.  There are times when I don't even want to talk to
>people INSIDE the house, let alone outside.  I like the idea of being
>able to head over to the community center when I feel like hanging out,
>taking part, playing games, chatting.  But living in something like an
>apt. complex where all the doors are open is a little dismaying.

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racheli [at] sonoracohousing.com (Racheli Gai)
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