"My" laptop is down
It crashed yesterday. Won't come back up. I know Leo is so busy that it could be some time before I get "my" computer fixed.
Right now I'm using the old laptop. It's up in the guestroom right now, which as of tonight will become my sister-in-law's room. She's coming from China to help me adjust to life with three kids. I am very very glad she is coming, and am even more glad it's her and not my husband's parents (particularly his dad) (because when they were here before it was not great). But I am still anxious about having a long-term guest. I am a mega introvert, not shy and quiet, but very much inward-focused. I NEED time alone, to be alone with my thoughts, or I get very anxious. I don't know what introverts do in China, because there are few people who get to be truly alone simply because of the population and housing issues. This means that I'm not sure my SIL will understand my anxiety, and may think me anti-social, or think that it's her fault. She will be here for at LEAST three months. I don't want this to wreck our relationship.
Kristine at Random and Odd recently had a very unlikely pair of houseguests, and it turned out wonderfully. She recently posted about this, and I'm taking inspiration from her family.
I'm still anxious, but hopeful that it wil work out
Right now I'm using the old laptop. It's up in the guestroom right now, which as of tonight will become my sister-in-law's room. She's coming from China to help me adjust to life with three kids. I am very very glad she is coming, and am even more glad it's her and not my husband's parents (particularly his dad) (because when they were here before it was not great). But I am still anxious about having a long-term guest. I am a mega introvert, not shy and quiet, but very much inward-focused. I NEED time alone, to be alone with my thoughts, or I get very anxious. I don't know what introverts do in China, because there are few people who get to be truly alone simply because of the population and housing issues. This means that I'm not sure my SIL will understand my anxiety, and may think me anti-social, or think that it's her fault. She will be here for at LEAST three months. I don't want this to wreck our relationship.
Kristine at Random and Odd recently had a very unlikely pair of houseguests, and it turned out wonderfully. She recently posted about this, and I'm taking inspiration from her family.
I'm still anxious, but hopeful that it wil work out
posted by Andrea | 10:45 AM
3 Comments:
Unsolicited advice: Tell your SIL how you are, what you need, and that if you disappear, into your room, into the yard, into your head, it has absolutely nothing to do with her. Better to put it out there upfront than to explain it after she's offended. I am like you in this way, and all my in-laws know it now, and most are fine with it, don't take it personally at all.
Here's my unsolicited advice following Susie's:
You might also have Leo talk with her about your need for alone time. This way you can be sure nothing is lost in translation and that he explains it in a way that she may be more likely to understand. That, and since he's your biggest ally, he can put some pro-Andrea spin on it if necessary (and if he doesn't, he can *PAY*! Grin).
If you want to know what (other) introverts do in China, I can tell you how it is for me! I have a studio apartment and I NEVER LET ANYONE IN. Then I go there whenever I want, and sometimes stay in all weekend. If, for some mysterious reason, I actually want to see someone then we meet somewhere out. My inner sanctum is mine. And I totally know what you mean--China, or Beijing at least, is not for the introverted. Everyone looks at you all the flaming time. :P Good luck with things though. Having a new baby ought to be an automatic free pass for anything, as far as I'm concerned. :)
Post a Comment
<< Home