You know what I'm talking about (and even if you don't, keep reading till the end; there's a prize for you). You're an introvert, and the one place where you can feel totally secure also scares you. This was my entire childhood.
No one tells you how to recharge when you're young--maybe because in the 90s to early 2000s, being introverted or extroverted wasn't a big deal. Instead, you're just shy, weird, or socially awkward if you're an introvert. I'm the youngest of five, so when I finally got to be home alone, I felt like I could breathe. But then, and only then when mom and dad were gone, the house would make the worst creaking sounds I had ever heard, my dog, who never barked unless there was actual danger, would start barking, and strangers would start knocking on my front door. No matter how old you are, that's an introverts' worst nightmare.
I grew up with that peculiar dichotomy of loving to be home alone (because when you don't drive, that's the only recharge time you really get) but fearing to be home alone. These memories translate into my adult life. This past week, I moved into my new apartment. It's everything I could have ever wanted. However, when the sun goes down, I wonder how easy it is for someone to climb up to my floor, break into the window, and steal me away to Romania where I would have to work in a steel factory under the name Daciana, until I finally lead a revolution in the factory and take back the taxes that have been stolen from the Romanian people.
Okay, so I admit I have a vivid imagination, and that's probably my downfall. But if you're like me, sometimes being alone isn't so fun. So why not make it fun? Sometimes, imagining what causes the creaking walls could be can turn into a story. The things you imagine that could happen to you could become the next big horror flick. It's been done before. Your imagination can be translated into something great. Don't let your imagination hurt you. Instead, let it help you. And don't let that knock on the door ruin your one safe place. You don't have to be afraid anymore. Listen to loud music, or dance around, or talk to yourself. Make your alone time your sanctuary. Take it from Daciana, even if it's just imagining something silly like I did It'll make you smile. Just a thought.
(Oh, and as for that prize...for you extroverts...here's Adam West dancing.)
