The Joy Of Missing Out (JOMO) is something every introvert can appreciate. While extroverts are driven by their Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO), introverts see things differently.
We don’t see missing out as a bad thing. After a long week of going out and getting our people on, missing out sounds pretty awesome.
We’re not propelled out the door by a burning desire to seize the day and make exciting memories. We’re happy to laze around in our pyjamas and sift through past memories, or fantasize about the future. Even slipping into a Neflix coma is plenty adventurous for a Friday night.
Don’t get me wrong, there are times when we introverts do like to go out and have new experiences. But we love returning to our cozy home and experiencing the Joy Of Missing Out.
JOMO is the reason that we actually celebrate cancelled plans. It is something we look forward to the moment we know we will have to go out. As soon we receive the invitation, we’re already thinking about how great it will be to come home and chill afterwards.
When we face a never-ending barrage of boring small talk at a party, our mind drifts to our happy place, where we can enjoy the bliss of drawstring pants, WIFI, and fictional worlds.
We’ll let the extroverts wear themselves out, as they give into their FOMO. We’ll be chilling at home with an animal friend, and some Chinese Takeout, relishing the Joy Of Missing Out.
I know that a lot of introverts won’t be able to experience as much JOMO as they would like during the holiday season. This is the most hectic time of the year, and no one — not even introverts — escapes the endless shopping, socializing, and small talk unscathed.
That’s why I’ve put my most popular virtual workshop, Small Talk Quickies For Introverts, on special for the holidays.
The 2-hour workshop recording gives you the tools to naturally turn small talk into interesting conversation. You also discover the secrets to optimize the left and right side of your brain for creative conversations. Go here to learn more about Small Talk Quickies.
What about you, dear?
Are you as into the JOMO as I am? What is your favorite thing to do when you are experiencing the Joy Of Missing Out? Please do share your comments below.
Love,
P.S. This was the first Blogmas post! From now until December 25th, I’ll be posting everyday on the blog. Check back daily to find new articles, cartoons, videos, and innie awesomeness. My talented teenaged nephew, Brandon Chung, created today’s JOMO cartoon, and we’ve got plenty more like it in the pipeline. Let Brandon know what you think of his work in the comments! 🙂
Let Brandon know that his work is remarkable Michaela! It’s authentic, fun, and really goes wonderfully with the amazing article. 🙂
I enjoy listening to music, reading comics, and enjoying the fact I’m not out there.
Yes! When an end of day team meeting is cancelled I stride out the door with a huge grin on my face!
Awesome artwork, Brandon – keep them coming!
My phone…Zelda video game…and Enya in the background
Yes! JOMO! Love it!
Is there such a thing as JOMO when it comes to social media? I know it’s SO easy to lounge around, watch TV and scroll through FB because, for better or worse, I want to feel connected to my friends without, y’know, actually going out.
This is so true!!! Just experienced JOMO this week! With my FOMO friend who invited other people to her party besides me!! So when I couldn’t make it I had JOMO without feeling bad?
You got it in one with this post Michaela. My preference is always to be home & enjoy the quiet. The extroverts that I know, think I’m weird. I didn’t mind going out on Friday & Saturday nights when I was younger, but as I’ve aged I find my preference is for spending time at home alone with my animals & some classical music, I find just having to get my act together to go anywhere is exhausting in itself. (I have health issues to contend with here as well) My preference is for the occasional small intimate gathering/dinner. The last outing I had was for my bf’s birthday, it was brilliant but it took me 2 days to get over it & I didn’t even have any alcohol..So yes we need to look after ourselves this time of year…I’m a great advocate of self care.. Once again thanks for your observations….
Oh so true! Looking forward to getting back home and into comfy clothes from the moment I receive an invitation!
Love Brandon’s comic – reminds me of one of my favorite innie illustrators, Gemma Correll.
Fantastic work by Brandon.
And yes….it’s like a whistle has been blown and they’re off…..the extraverts are in full force. The one time of the year when they are allowed to call you miserable for not wanting to join in. Other times of the year they look at you pityingly and accept your excuse. Even genuine illness is not allowed. Struggle to the party and infect everyone is their FOMO strategy. Why are most my friends extroverts? My calm and quiet makes them feel safe? I don’t know. Why am I so unnerved today? Just had the first invite and I’m already deciding which illness to use as an excuse. Headache? I did that last time. Chesty cough maybe. I shall curl up with the fire raging, pyjamas, the cat and the film I’ve been saving all week but first I’ll reread Michaela’s blog and comments and get a lovely warm glow from knowing it’s not just me. Lots of love from Italy.
I love, love this post, Michaela. I hate to open Christmas-y looking envelopes in my mail for fear it is an invitation to an event. Thank you, and thanks to all who have commented. I feel better every day about being an introvert.
Tell Brandon for me that his work is awesome!!
That’s what I’m feeling out but soon coming to my comfort place where I’m safe and secured then enjoy on net with less close friends
JOMO!!! AWESOME TERM!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! FINALLY I HAVE A NAME FOR HOW HAPPY I AM WHEN I SAY NO!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!
I enjoy going out and socialising and equally I like being in the comfort of my own home. We are a complex people!
Brilliant article, just linked it to a fellow innie friend. She’ll definitely appreciate this. Shout outs to Brandon, he did a splendid job on the cartoon.
So true, Michaela, wonderfully expressed. And three cheers for Brandon, keep them coming!
The silly cat reminds me of ying-yang. What’s his name?