I am an introvert. It isn't quite like all the novels and romantic comedies paint it. I don't sit brooding in a corner until some fantastic group of friends adopts me or an Abercrombie and Fitch model guy professes his love for me, sorry to disappoint. Other introverts know the struggle of being chronically shy and socially awkward.
After recently starting college, I realized the first few months of your freshman year can be a nightmare for someone who isn't naturally social. Meeting random roommates for the first time, floor meetings that are mandatory, and all of the welcome week activities, are all a bit much. The pressure to fit into a brand new friend group and find your place in college is daunting. However, I know that if I can survive and actually make friends, anyone can do it! So here is what a year of college has taught my introverted self.
Say yes.
I will say it again for emphasis, say yes. I don't care if you think you won't know anyone, are scared no one will like you, or if you already have a date with your bed and Netflix all planned.
Say yes. Now, hear me out, there are still things you should most definitely say no to. Drugs, weird guys, parties that aren't safe, etc. But your parents already told you that, just know that saying yes doesn't translate into "compromise your morals." Rather, it is opening up to life and its opportunities.
I started saying yes to random lunch plans with people I didn't know all that well. It was one of the scariest things I have ever done because being social comes with the threat of rejection. But I promise you won't regret gathering your courage to try new things. I agreed to attend a campus ministry one night and ended up becoming a part of a bible study group that has changed my life. The girls are now some of my best friends, all because I said yes.
I went on hiking trips, fast food runs, coffee dates, and shopping trips. Suddenly, I had formed real relationships with people and life looked a lot less lonely.
Breaking out of my shell was scary and took a lot of tries, but all I can say is that I would do it again in an instant. So, say yes. Go out and find your own adventures. If you love your life and start pursuing it, beautiful things happen. You meet people with the same passions as you and suddenly you become a person your introverted self wouldn't recognize. You are brave, confident, and connected. Connected to people, your life, and all the opportunities that come along with it.
Stop hiding and say yes, the world is waiting for you.
