Throughout the past couple days, I have been asked numerous times if becoming more outgoing and coming out of my shell is my New Year's resolution. This is because I happen to be an introvert. Now, I understand peoples' curiosity to ask one another what their New Year's resolutions are, but people don't ask me what it is—they basically tell me what it should be. But no, my resolution is not to become more outgoing and come out of my shell more. My New Year's resolution is to be more accepting of who I am, introverted and all.

Growing up pretending to be outgoing was necessary to make friends in school and not seem weird, but as soon as I got to college, I quit trying to be outgoing and allowed myself to be the shy person I am. For those who are thinking "pretending you're outgoing can help to actually make you outgoing," my response back to that is, no..no no no. For someone who is introverted, pretending to be outgoing is absolutely draining mentally, physically, and emotionally. This is not at all beneficial. So no, I'm not going to do that to myself.

A few things about myself that I, and every introvert, need to accept about themselves and be comfortable with:

1. Word vomit

Yes, I realize I said something that sounds dumb. No, I didn't think it through before I said it. And yes, I am not embarrassed. I say awkward things because I am awkward.

2. I'm not different around different people

Yes, it may seem that around my best friends I am outgoing, loud, and rambunctious, and around others, I am quiet and shy. You're not imagining things, that is extremely true. No, I am not pretending to be two different people. If I feel that comfortable around you to be out there and open with you, then you should know that you probably mean a lot to me because not just anyone can bring that out of me.

3. Yes, I know I take a lot of naps

I get up and get ready for my day, go out, and instantly having to start talking to people, whether it's the girls I live with, the barista at the coffee shop, my professor, or someone I run into on campus. To someone who doesn't know how to socialize not awkwardly and be comfortable around the public, it becomes really exhausting trying to keep up with everyone around me. I return home for a nap almost every single day because trying to put myself in social positions is draining.

4. I would rather read a book at home than go out on a Friday night

I am completely willing to go out on a Friday night with my friends, up until the moment I am done getting ready. At that point, I always end up saying, "I'd be OK with just going to bed now." But, I go out and I have fun even, shocker. After a while, though, I am tired of being around all those people. I am tired of socializing and being touched and talked to. I am ready to be back in my room, in my bed reading a book, all by myself.

5. No, I don't dislike you. I just like to be alone

If I excuse myself to go to my room or to go for a drive, etc, don't think it's because I dislike you. I really probably think you're a cool person, but I don't know how to talk one-on-one very well, and after a while, I feel like I need to get away. I find comfort in being alone. I actually like it.

6. Yes, putting myself in social situations actually hurts

Even hanging out with my friends and having family functions makes me a little queasy. I love going out and having fun like stated before, but after a little while, it actually physically hurts. My skin starts to feel sore and I get headaches, and sometimes my stomach even starts to hurt. No, I didn't just say I wasn't feeling well because I don't want to be around you. I actually do not feel well.

7. Being an introvert doesn't mean I am a homebody

Everyone who knows me knows that I love going for drives, taking walks, sitting in parks, going on rambunctious adventures and vacations. I love to explore and experience things. I don't like to sit at home all the time, although sometimes it is really nice too. I like to be out doing things, but generally doing these things by myself. I get more out of it being alone because I can think more clearly and more comfortably. But, if you want to hop on a train with me and see where it takes us, then by all means do come along on my adventures! I'm more than likely not going to say no. I like your company, but just understand that these adventures on my own are different than when I am with people.

8. No, I don't want to be alone all the time

I do love taking time for myself, but that doesn't mean I always want to be left alone. I might be kind of quiet around you, but it's because I am thinking and taking everything in, not that I don't want you there. I like living with 40 girls and hanging out with all my friends just like everyone else.

9. I'm a thinker, not a talker

When I have an opinion, I usually speak it; there is no doubt about that. But more often than not, I am thinking deeply—thinking about life, about school, about my family. I am mentally asking a thousand questions about this world and all that comes with it. I just don't tend to talk a lot about it. I might not say much to you but that's because I am stuck in my own head and don't know how to get out. That's why I write, because talking is too much work, and it's easier for me to think it and transfer my thoughts to paper.

10. I'm not ashamed

All of the things listed above seem like they should be stuff I want to change about myself. I get why you would think that. But I don't think that, and you have to accept that I am not going to change. Most introverts would love to become extroverts—I don't share that feeling. I enjoy thinking and not speaking. I need to accept that I am OK the way I am. There's nothing wrong with me for wanting to go out and then come home.

So my New Year's resolution is to quit feeling bad that this is how I am—to quit allowing other people to make me feel alienated because I'm not extremely outgoing, talkative, or comfortable in social settings. It's OK to spend time by myself to revive myself. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

So, for all the people who won't stop asking, no, becoming more extroverted is not my New Year's resolution.