As an introvert, it is very hard to understand how extroverts function. They're really upbeat and always social. Being social is something that I, as an introvert, tend to run from. Here are five things I have learned from living with an extrovert.
1. They will make you talk.
No matter how bad you hate to talk about anything, especially yourself, they will drag you out of your shell and make you be social, even if it is just to tell them how your day went. As the years go by, I have learned to talk more about myself, even if it is just enough to make them stop asking questions.
2. They will always be there.
Since they love to talk about pretty much anything and everything, I have learned that no matter what I am dealing with, they want to talk about it. Whether it is how I feel about a class or how my spiritual life is going, they are always willing to chat about it. I am the type of person who likes to be with someone most of the time. I will text my roommate throughout the day (when we aren't actually together) and ask where she is or what time she's going to lunch. Since I am dependent on other people, it is nice to have someone who is always there even if they don't want to be.
3. You can teach them things, too.
Not only has living with an extrovert helped me to come out of my shell (sometimes), but I have also learned that I can help them too. When dealing with an introvert, it takes a lot of patience. Sometimes being patient is all that it takes for an introvert to finally talk to you. Being patient with an introvert is very important because they might not be okay with talking right now, but they might be later.
4. They will make you get out more.
As an introvert, I hate getting out of my room and actually partaking in special events. My go-to was always softball and once I quit, my roommate made me join clubs. I'm still not happy about it, but it's alright sometimes. That doesn't mean I ever talk to anyone when I go, that drives her crazy (but at least I'm trying.)
5. You will learn to love each other.
Believe it or not, you will learn to love each other. It took me and my roommate three years, but we finally got this friendship pretty much understood. There are still times when I know I drive her crazy because I don't want to talk or she drives me crazy telling me to go talk to people, but at the end of the day we both can laugh about it and enjoy life together.
