I’m an anxious introvert. I have always struggled with being introverted. I wanted to be that girl that was in multiple clubs, that knew all these people and went to many social events, but I will never be that girl because that is not who I’m supposed to be. I've also struggled with anxiety, because I want to do so well in school and in life. I’m struggling with a difficult semester right now, which makes my anxiety fluctuate from very low to very high. Being anxious can trigger me to want to be introverted. Some introverts aren’t anxious, but I know I’m not the only anxious introvert out there. However, in my introvert and anxious tenancies, I have come to accept who I am. This acceptance has a power to it.

Here are some truths of being an anxious introvert that are easily forgotten. I would like to remind you of how truly awesome you are!

Truth #1: Have some alone time, but sometimes force yourself out of your comfort zone and go socialize.

Extroverts thrive off the energy of being around people while introverts thrive off of being alone. It is very healthy to have some down/alone time, but it also is important to step out of your comfort zone. Stepping out of your comfort zone and making yourself socialize will help it not seem so scary. This does take time, but trust me it's worth trying.

Truth #2: It’s okay to be an introvert; it doesn’t define who you are.

Being an introvert doesn’t define who you are, it is just a part of your personality. You define who you are by how you act and treat others. Sometimes it’s difficult being an introvert, but sometimes it can be difficult being an extrovert. I’m sure everyone has moments where they just want to be alone and have a quiet moment. There is nothing wrong with that.

Truth #3: The stereotype that all introverts are “shy” or “quiet” is false.

If you have ever meet me you will know that I’m loud, dramatic, and can be sassy. But I am an introvert. I know, shocking that an introvert is loud and sassy. Not all introverts are super shy or quiet; everyone is different. It is not right to judge someone based on who they are if you don’t truly know them. People can really surprise you.

Truth #4: Introverts don’t have negative personalities and actually like to be around people (just not all the time).

There is a stereotype for introverts saying that they have negative personality traits and don’t like to be around people. That is completely and utterly false. Introverts do like to be around people, just not all the time like extroverts. Wanting to be alone doesn’t mean anything bad, it is just a preference of other people to have more alone time. There is nothing wrong with wanting alone time.

Truth #5: It is not always easy to tell who is an introvert and who is an extrovert.

You may think its easy to tell who is an introvert and who is an extrovert, but sometimes it is difficult. When I first meet a few of my friends at college, they told me I was very outgoing and bubbly. Those sound like traits for extrovert, but I’m an introvert. Introverts can be bubbly, talkative, very social; they just need more down time to “recharge” than others.

I hope these truths about being an anxious introvert (or just an introvert) have helped you realize your true potential in life and how truly awesome you are. It doesn’t matter whether you are anxious introvert, introverted or extroverted. You have the potential to be the best you that you can be.