Whenever I take one of those personality tests (which is frequently because I'm fascinated by them), over and over again, I confirm the fact that I am an introvert. I have no problem acknowledging that I am introverted and will gladly proclaim it; however, others have a harder time admitting to it because of the bad rap introverts get. We are stereotypically portrayed as reclusive hermits who curl up under a blanket with a book and our cat. I am here to set the record straight by telling you what is and what is not true.

Here are 9 confessions of an introvert:

1. I do love reading.

And it's not because I want to escape reality. I love hearing people's stories, learning new information, and being wowed by how others manipulate and experiment with language. Personally, I am going to be an English teacher, so reading will always be a huge part of my life. Other introverts, however, enjoy a variety of different activities.

2. I do own a half-dozen fuzzy blankets.

Guilty as charged, but I will share with you.

3. I do not own a cat.

Or any pets for that matter. Cats are evil. It is the cat's fault that the family in "A Good Man is Hard to Find" died. Anyway, other introverts love cats, dogs, fish, and many other types of pets.

4. I get embarrassed easily.

As I was writing this article, I waved at someone because I thought they were someone I knew. It turned out that they were not who I thought they were, and from my perspective, an international incident almost ensued. Oops.

5. I enjoy public speaking but need to have time to prepare in advance.

Sharing your ideas with others is invigorating and I really enjoyed my four years of high school speech and debate. However, to this day, I am not great at impromptu speaking. I need to be able to plan ahead for what I am going to say.

6. Sometimes I just want to sit and think.

When I was in kindergarten, instead of building block towers with my friends during recess, I would sit a table by myself. When the recess aide asked if anything was wrong, I simply informed her that I was thinking. It's true. I was. I was brainstorming ideas for stories I could write. The truth is that all introverts need down time so they can reflect on how things are going and make plans for the future. Extroverted friends, please understand that we aren't ignoring you.

7. Working up the nerve to make a phone call is a process.

Most introverts can't just extemporaneously call a number to schedule an appointment or do an interview. We have to sit with the phone in our hand and the number on the table in front of us for a few minutes to mentally prepare for the conversation. Side confession: I was 21 years old the first time I ordered at the drive thru by myself.

8. Sometimes I like to play board games by myself.

Especially Pandemic and Catan. This is primarily because my family and friends don' want to play the same complex game five times in a row. I, however, like this repetition because there are still endless possibilities for what can happen during the game.

9. I do love being with people.

Yes, I need alone time to recharge, but I still love being with other people. I want to help others, build strong friendships, and grow alongside my peers. I want to hear their stories, share mine, play board games, and be creative together.

While it is amusing to poke fun at ourselves, fellow introverts, you have nothing to be ashamed of.