Time Banking for Introverts

One of the great things about modern life is you can conduct so much of it without interacting with other people. OK, maybe not everyone thinks that's "great" — but for introverts, it can often be a huge relief. The Time Bank, on the other hand, is all about folks working together. Does that make it a poor fit for introverted sorts?

Hi, my name is Michael, and I'm an introvert. (Are there group support programs for introversion? Doesn't seem like they'd be well attended.) Being with other people, particularly strangers or large groups, makes me anxious and can be emotionally exhausting. I like to think of myself as a high-functioning introvert: through college, workplaces, graduate school, teaching (yikes!), and living with a partner who wants to socialize with friends and attend gatherings, I learned to manage my nervousness and undertake, even enjoy, things like hosting parties and presenting to large audiences. But I still feel that twinge each time I take the plunge into a new situation.

The Taos TimeBank, though? Worth it. I may be tired after Time Bank events and exchanges, and feeling the need for some alone time, but it's the emotional equivalent of the tiredness after a good hike or DIY project. I feel like I've accomplished something and exercised those social muscles. If they're a bit sore, that's just them toning up.

How can introverts navigate TimeBank participation without feeling overwhelmed? Well, we're all different, of course, but here's what I've found. Individual exchanges are mostly one-on-one, and there's some messaging back and forth beforehand, so they're not a leap into the deep end of the social-interaction pool, just wading in the shallows. You both have the Time Bank in common. And both of you have a reason for being there, so there are concrete, specific things to talk about. No money changes hands — another potential source of awkwardness avoided there. Remember, too, that the stakes are low; this isn't a job or some other major component of your life, merely folks helping one another out.

The Taos TimeBank does host large gatherings for members, and we're all encouraged to attend, but they're not mandatory. New members can choose one of the smaller, online onboarding sessions and Zoom in from the comfort of their own space. If you find it tough to do the large meetings where we talk about the future of the TimeBank and how to improve it, there are other ways you can have a voice, like emailing the TimeBank Leadership Team. As for service opportunities, there are quite a few of those over the course of the year, and while some, like Paseo, involve big crowds, many are just a handful of members doing things like planting trees or preparing food.

So that's my advice. If the idea of Time Bank group activities is off-putting for you, make use of online and smaller options. For exchanges, remember that we're all just neighbors trying to help one another out, and social expectations are light. If you need to, think of it as healthy social exercise that's paying you back, not just in services or time credits, but hopefully a bit of confidence as well. I think that, like me, you'll ultimately find it's rewarding and fun.