I’m watching the latest CNN update about the Ukraine. My headphones are soaked from the sweat dripping down my brow. A middle-aged guy I kind of know, a few elliptical machines away, yells something over to me. I yank off my headset, reluctantly leaving Carol Costello in her chic scarlet dress.

“QUIET” he says to me in a very loud voice. “Pardon?” I whisper back to this overly energetic dude, still trying to be polite. “ Am I lifting my heels too loudly for you?”

“No,” he cackles. “Quiet is the name of a book I’m reading by Susan Cain and I think you’ll love it. It’s about the power of introverts and how undervalued they are in society. ”

“Okay!?!” I say with a smirk, wondering if he thinks I’m an introvert in need of empowerment.