We're not really weird, antisocial creatures. We just like some alone time. We still like you even if we don't talk for a few days. There are just some things we want you to know.
1. Don't be mad at us when we tell you we don't want to go out.
When you ask us to go out and we say "no", it's not that we don't like you. Don't think that. We want to be your friend, even if we don't show it very well. We're down for midnight ice cream runs any time, but those wild college bangers just aren't our thing.
2. We don't have low-self esteem.
Most of us are actually really confident. We don't "hide" because we dislike ourselves. We just like to be alone sometimes. We actually like ourselves quite a lot. Really. I promise.
3. We like to keep our private lives... private.
If we don't want to open up at the moment, don't pester us. It'll come with time. We like to keep our deepest, darkest secrets... well, secret. We're the type of people who would rather have Facebook not know about all of the details to our latest break-up. It's personal.
4. We're actually really friendly.
If you're extroverted, you may not always get that vibe at first. We tend to be quiet and don't typically wear our emotions well. But we really are sweet people. If you're talking to us, we really do appreciate it, and we'd love to be your friend.
5. We like our alone time.
Most introverts need to have some peace and quiet. We need to be alone. We tend to like activities that are difficult to do when a lot of people are around. Like reading or writing. We'll come back around, don't worry. We just won't be by your side 24/7. It's kind of exhausting for us.
6. We tend to be intellectual.
It really is a common misconception that introverts don't talk a lot. We do, but we don't want to be bothered with small talk. Talk to us about something more interesting than the weather. Tell us about a cool book you just read or a neat fact you learned in science class. We can talk for hours about that.
7. We do not need to "get out more".
If you've ever said this to an introverted friend, please do us a favor and never say that again. We do not need to get out more. Forcing us to go to parties with you will not change our personality. It'll just make us feel uncomfortable. When we're ready to go out, we'll come out. Please stop pestering us. Please stop making us feel bad.
8. We actually get out quite a lot.
We are adventurous. Ask us to go for a hike through the park and we'll be all for it. We like going out into the city, too. Big groups of people don't bother us as long as we're not forced to interact with them. We still enjoy a trip to NYC. There's a difference between being introverted and having social anxiety. Some of us have both, but a lot of us just like to keep things to ourselves. We're not afraid of people. We even go out by ourselves sometimes.
9. We make the best friends.
We're really good listeners and we care a lot about the people we let into our lives. We also don't tend to gossip so your secrets are always safe with us.
10. We're very passionate and loving people.
We don't always show our emotions, but we're actually very sensitive. When we love, we love with our entire heart. If we like you enough to keep you in our life, just know we care a lot about you and your friendship is never unappreciated. We're really glad you like us for who we are. We like you for who you are, too.
Next time you're talking to one of your introverted friends, just keep these things in mind. We're not that hard to understand. We just need a little privacy now and then.
