The Other Side of Ben Rainey

You know there are two sides to Ben Rainey, and it seems to take people by surprise. There is the outgoing, up front, comfortable Ben Rainey that seems the world's most natural extrovert, and then there is a completely different side. The other side is quiet, reserved, and introverted. It's not that I put on an act in one situation and am who I "really" am in the other. I am "really" the same guy in both situations minus one; information.

I naturally enter new situations, projects, or relationships in a very quiet way. While in this side of my personality I'm gathering information. I want to know what the social rules are. I discern who's are the peaceful people, who are the agitators, and everyone in between. What are the topics of conversation, and what can I add to the mix. After I reach a comfort level with those rules I come out and display the other side of Ben Rainey.

I think it takes people by surprise especially because many people meet me through my work with the church. In that setting I know all the rules that make up the whole enchilada so they see the outgoing side. Then when I show up in another setting, they're expecting one thing, and get something else.

This weekend my friend Diane learned that about me. I attended a great party that she threw. But because it was a new environment, I quieted down and she noticed.

I know it seems strange but the popular and unbridled Ben Rainey is really the other side of Ben Rainey.

--Ben

Please note that while I write about myself in the third person, I seldom speak that way of myself.