Member-only story
The Introvert and the Dog
The unexpected outcome of owning a four-legged friend.
When I decided to get a dog, Lola, I had many motivations — to have dotey furry little friend, to get more purposeful exercise, and to have something to care for with extra cuddles. However, I did not anticipate the attention that she would bring.
Now, I’m not a shy person. Perhaps, I’m a bit awkward, but small talk, ‘networking’ and introductions were never really my strong suit. I usually would draw a blank in social situations about what was permissible in conversation. Even if I could find a few words to string together about the weather, my face holds all my cards, and I find small talk both stressful and boring.
Lola, on the other hand, with her endless puppy energy, friendliness and teddy face, was an open invitation for such interactions.
Please don’t get me wrong here either — I am not unfriendly. I have plenty of friends and have no issues making them. I never saw the point in randomly talking to other people about things that I considered trivial or being forced into a conversation that did not occur organically.
You can imagine what an adjustment it was when Lola would run to anyone who would have her, throwing me into situations that I would have completely avoided them.
