![\"8643854292_b417a3facc_o\"](\"http:\/\/jenniferswhite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/8643854292_b417a3facc_o.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h3>\nI smile and laugh and playfully enjoy the company of others.<\/h3>\n
I cringe at some of the things that just pop out of my mouth when I\u2019m too at ease in conversation. I buckle under lonely, heartbroken legs when I feel isolated and not cared for by friends.<\/p>\n
I shine and come alive <\/a>in the presence of people who matter in my life.<\/p>\n Yet when I\u2019m sick and not feeling like my sunshiny self, I pull back\u2014I crawl back into my active imagination and, like a sensitive child on a rain-drenched day, I curl up inside of my lonesomeness rather than seeking playmates.<\/p>\n So what should we do when those we love don\u2019t return phone calls or texts?<\/p>\n What should we do when we want to give someone we care for space while still making them feel loved and supported?<\/p>\n We do this:<\/em><\/p>\n 1. Call me and text me, but don\u2019t take it personally if you don\u2019t hear back quickly.<\/p>\n 2. Make sure to tell me that you adore my company, even when I\u2019m gloomy.<\/p>\n 3. Understand that, though extroverted<\/a>, I\u2019m a whole person and I am okay on my own, just like someone who is deeply introverted. While I might garner energy from spending time with others, I too enjoy and need my alone time in order to be a healthy individual.<\/p>\n 4. Ask me what I need. Don\u2019t assume that I want to be left alone. Don\u2019t assume that I want to be bothered either. I\u2019m human and my needs vary, so don\u2019t be afraid to ask me what exactly it is that I need from you.<\/p>\n 5. Understand that simple interactions are meaningful. That hug you gave me; the smile from your eyes to mine; the text that succinctly said \u201cI love you\u201d\u2014all of these made me feel supported and loved when I also felt under the weather.<\/p>\n