Our world often teaches people who are less likely to speak up to say "sorry" a lot, and to conform to a certain line of normalcy that is expected of everyone. We must not be arrogant or overly confident, and we must use our humility in everything that we do. While arrogance is not a good or healthy trait, it is also unhealthy to continually feel like you have to apologize for taking up space and being who you are. It isn't fair. The quieter, more introverted people feel the need to do this constantly, and as someone who has struggled with confidence and accepting myself, I know that this is a huge problem.
I write a lot of articles with a sense of confidence, because I'm able to perfectly articulate what I want to say in writing. I have time to think, and to plan out what to say. In real life, as an introverted person, I used to feel it was better to just stay silent. It wasn't worth the risk of coming off as stupid or having people not like or agree with me. Of course, we always hear people telling us not to care what others think of us, and then turning around and telling us what they think of us. It's a constant circle of struggling between wanting to be more outgoing and confident in what you say and wanting to keep quiet. It's hard not to worry about the judgement of others, and it's something I still struggle with. Perhaps we, as humans, will never fully overcome the need for acceptance by others; that's okay, but we need to overcome the idea that being opinionated, confident, and proud is wrong.
The moment I decided I was going to be proud of myself was when I felt an immense sense of relief wash over me. It may sound easy to simply decide this, but trust me, you know when you're fooling yourself. Once you do decide to be unapologetic for who you are, however, it becomes much easier to say what's on your mind and to let people see the real you.
This isn't to infer that being introverted is in any way a bad thing. On the contrary, I think being introverted gives people a certain strength that extroverted people may not as easily get. Being more drawn into yourself allows more room for observation, for caution, and for stronger analysis of a situation. It makes for an easier path to making a rational decision about people, actions, etc. Being introverted is nothing to be ashamed of, and should be celebrated. It is when your introversion makes you feel like you're prevented from speaking your mind, from being yourself, or from doing something you want to do that a problem arises.
Introverted people: do not let others make you feel like you have to repress your thoughts, feelings, or words. What you have to say is just as important as what anyone else has to say. Your opinions are valid and need to be heard. Don't let the presence of others stop you from being who you truly are.
This is all easier said than done, but the first step is always deciding for yourself that YOU are meant to be heard and that who you are just as important. Once you are able to establish that within yourself, your beautiful, introverted self can shine through.
