Those of you who know me, either in person or online, are well aware that I am an introvert, and in specific Meyers-Briggs terms, an INFJ. You may also remember that I wrote an article debunking the most common myths about introverts back in the fall. As a psychology major, I find learning more about personality theories and differences fascinating; as a person, I have loved the chance to be able to better understand both myself and others. While I do not want to let my personality define me, and certainly will not use it as an excuse to keep me from obeying God's calling for me, it is still a significant part of who I have been created to be, and I am glad of that.

My last article addressed some negative (yet widely held) perceptions of introversion; this time, I want to focus solely on the positive ones. In my opinion at least, introversion is actually pretty wonderful, and here are a few reasons why:

1.) Boredom really isn't a thing for me.

I have just as much fun reading a book in my room as I do having dinner with friends. I love adventures, but home is pretty lovely too. And cancelled plans? Don't worry about me; I'm secretly thrilled for an unexpected night in to relax (except for the occasions where I am restless and in need of adventures with people... but most of the time I am perfectly happy with this). When I am with my people, I'm having fun and enjoying deep and/or hilarious conversations; when I am alone, I'm processing the day's events and constantly dreaming up stories. There's truly never a dull moment, especially not when I am alone and free to spin stories to my heart's content.

2.) I am well-acquainted with my own mind and thoughts.

When you spend a decent amount of time alone, reflecting on various aspects of life, you get to know yourself very well. True, this can have disadvantages (such as when you get too wrapped up in yourself and begin to get frustrated and emotional over everything), but overall I have found this to be a very good thing. I know a lot about my general personality and how my cognitive functions work thanks to Meyers-Briggs; I also have taken the time to look into subjects that get my heart all fired up and form my position on them (i.e. apologetics). I can list my top few favorite colors if you asked me on the spot, as well as a myriad of other favorite things. (But not music. Never music. It's too hard.) I know where my interests and strengths lie... and I know my own weaknesses all too well. This is good for conviction purposes; taking time alone often to reflect on where you are with the Lord is so important. It's nicer when you're a naturally reflective soul anyway. Knowing yourself well can be hard at times-- you get to see the good, the bad, and the ugly-- but I have discovered that it's worth it, as it can lead to so much character growth that I would have otherwise missed.

3.) My friendships may not be very broad, but they are deep.

I am not at all saying that extroverts don't have deep friendships-- but they do tend to have a much wider circle of people they consider friends than introverts do, whether they are particularly close to all of them or not. I have a lot of acquaintances, but not many friends... and I am okay with this, because the friends that I do have, I hold dear to my heart. We don't spend time together 24/7, but we do talk about everything under the sun-- from fandoms to eternity. One thing that I have noticed about my fellow-introvert friendships is that we tend to go very deep and to know each other almost as well as we know ourselves. We're not constantly trying new things and making a bunch of new friends, but we're still excited when we do get to hang out-- and even if we're not hanging out in person, we're still communicating via text or social media. Introvert friends don't just sit in a room and refrain from talking to each other the entire time they hang out (although it is amazing when you find a friend whom you can have comfortable silences with); no, we have a lot of fun, and will gladly talk for hours on end when we're with the right people. I love my extrovert friends and family dearly, but I also treasure my friendships with those who truly get me socially.

There are certainly other lovely things about introversion, but these are the ones that I have seen most in my life and am thankful for. How amazing is it that we all have our own unique personalities-- and that there are so many strengths in each and every one? We are truly fearfully and wonderfully made!