For as long as I can remember, people have described me as being "outspoken." According to Merriam-Webster, that means I am "direct and open in speech or expression." I don't really see anything wrong with that statement. I always have something to say, and I've never been one to shy from the possible consequences. Some people consider it rude or arrogant. Others think it is entertaining and humorous. But if I'm being honest, it's a bit of both.
Yes, I do consider myself outspoken. I've never had a social filter, and if you ask anyone who has had a conversation with me, they will agree. I don't like to beat around the bush, and I'm going to be honest with you from the start. The reason? I want you to do the same with me. Life is too short to be tip-toeing around subjects or pretending to be comfortable around total strangers. If you're open with people, they'll be open with you. It's not a fact, but it's worked for me so far.
I love talking. It's one of my favorite things, and I have a lot of things to say. I love that my friends will come to me with questions or to talk about things. It makes me feel valued. They care about what I want to say. I have strong opinions about religion, equality and politics. I shouldn't have to hide my opinion because you are intolerable of anyone's but your own. I am also very sarcastic. I have a dry sense of humor that comes along with the random (sometimes inappropriate) blurting of statements. People either find it hysterical or offensive and either way, you're going to get a reputation. Sometimes it's good but sometimes it isn't.
Everyone has an opinion about outspoken individuals. They are crazy or rude. They are hysterical or confident. But that's not always the truth. A lot of us are panicking.
There are times when we're having a conversation and think, "OK. Stop talking. People don't care." Sometimes, our friends and family who have been around us long enough just stop listening. We might be used to it but it still bothers us. Social gatherings give a lot of us major anxiety. We're constantly worried that we're going to insult someone without meaning to or offend an entire grouping of people. That's why you'll find outspoken introverts. They're rare but they are real.
We're not all confident or funny or rude. We're not here for your entertainment, and our statements aren't for you to just brush over. There is a quote by Angelina Jolie that I think works perfectly here: "I want to be outspoken. I want to say my opinions. and I hope they're taken in the right way. I don't want to stop being free and I won't."
