Introverts are misunderstood (and underappreciated). We are often mistaken as anti-social, timid, follower-type individuals. Though acutely observant by nature and at home in solitude, we carry exceptional power in leadership. American culture has been designed for the extrovert, though, which is trying for those of us who innately reflect inwardly.

If you like to sit back and observe others rather than jump in, everyone thinks something's wrong. When you didn't raise your hand in class, teachers expressed concern to your parents. You've always despised group projects. You feel truly exhausted after a full day of socialization. Of course, this is all normal among introverts, but by modern American culture standards, it isn't, especially as a woman.

Now let me be clear about a few things. Even though I'm an introvert and love my alone time, I'm not anti-social. Meeting new people is my jam. I sincerely cherish my family and friends. I love to engage in conversation with new people and nurture the growth of my ever-widening perspective. In fact, I even love being a leader.

For quite a while I was insecure because I wasn't like everyone else - I didn't love mingling day-in and day-out. I preferred mostly to watch and listen to others. I felt legitimately drained by too much social stimulation. But girls are supposed to be ever-bubbly, always going out together and constantly wanting to be with their BFFs, right? That wasn't really me. I used to wish that I could change these things about myself, and occasionally I still do, but the truth is that I love my introversion.

There is no better feeling for me than leaving a crowded place once I've had enough so I can curl up on the couch with my familiar friend - the paperback. Or going out to a cafe alone, sipping an iced coffee, and fully immersing myself in my environment. Or going home after a long day and just sitting in the quiet, alone, no TV or phone.... just quiet.

I've even been known to virtually "ghost" the world for a week or two at a time even when nothing is wrong, deleting social media from my phone and generally staying home. This is ok. It's crucial to consistently renew the self. When an introvert does this, respect that s/he wantsto be alone and needs this time to reflect, relax and renew.

If you haven't already, I encourage you to fully accept your introversion. By doing so, you further embrace and become your truest self, despite standards and expectations. Something I can't reiterate enough is that introversion is not limiting. It is, contrarily, rather empowering. Regularly reflecting into ourselves means that we are incredibly in tune with our thoughts, emotions, bodies, and mental state. We know ourselves, and there's no power more gratifying than that. Taking time away from others opens our schedules for some serious self care, too.

A word for extroverts: please stop pitying us! We like being this way. We aren't "special snowflake" types either, and don't want to be treated like it. Also, pressuring us to go out will not make us want to go out. Let us withdraw into seclusion in peace! Oh, and we love extroverts, and we don't know how you guys do it, but props.

To the introverts reading this, accept yourself. Even more, embrace yourself and your introversion. There's nothing wrong with you. You are powerful. You are creative. You are necessary. You may not look like the "typical" leader, but chances are that you are one.