Celebrating a 60th Wedding Anniversary—Extraverted Intuition Meets Introverted Sensing

Posted 14 July 2016 by
Global Marketing
Back to blog


Hawaii (the Big Island) is like no other Hawaiian island. It has so many different landscapes from one part to the next. As we drive along the newly renovated Senator Daniel Inouye Highway, patches of lava rock intermingle with plants and small trees. We pass a few small neighborhoods as well and dream as we see an occasional “For Sale” sign. As soon as we got on a straightaway, I was sure everyone in the back seat will be sound asleep. Instead, we are all wide awake, looking around and not wanting to miss anything, while still catching up on all that has been going on in our lives over the past few years.

While this trip is about celebrating our parents’ 60th anniversary, it is also the first time the entire family has been together in almost 30 years. Amazing. We all stay in touch via email, phone, and Facebook, but we have not all been in the same physical space in a very long time. As the conversations begin, I’m immediately aware of Kevin’s and my preference for Introversion. When it is just the two of us, Kevin and I can spend a few hours in the car and say little to nothing to each other. We both go into our own space, though I tend to share my “what-ifs” when I’m taking in information (extraverted Intuition). I’ve learned that this can disrupt Kevin’s perceiving experience (he introverts Sensing), so I have learned to temper my approach, and he has learned to take a deep breath and come out of his introverted space to hear me.

Back in the car, Kevin and I listen quietly to Terri, my Mom, and my Dad, and answer questions as they come our way. It’s nice and familiar to be with my family this way. I’m realizing that I need to make sure I get more time with them sooner rather than later.

If you want to read more about my Hawaiian family vacation, check out the previous blogs in this series:

 

Tags