I believe that I speak for all introverts when I say that this world is an extroverted one. Don't get me wrong, I realize that humans are social creatures that long for other human contact, but I think people forget that there are times when certain people want to be alone. Crazy concept, I know.

I struggled with this idea growing up. When all my friends got together, it seemed like they could be together forever. They were able to talk seemingly without taking a breath, they would touch or hug one another without end. They would even plan when they were going to hang out again while they were still hanging out. Sure, I liked being with my friends but they would exhaust me after about three hours. Right when everyone was reaching their high, I was ready to go home and lie in bed for hours. Alone. I felt mentally defeated after every get-together, and it was then that I realized I was different. I realized that I was an introvert.

Scary, I know, and it still proves to be a struggle here and again. I live in a world where the sound of my phone ringing gives me more anxiety than a horror movie, where I desperately try to hide behind text messages and emails, and where I have exhausted every excuse for why I am not able to hang out. I live in a world where my greatest pleasure in life is being able to sit down, alone in my room, stare at the wall, and relish in the sweet silence about me. I could do that for days. Here and again I will peek out from behind my door and attempt to rejoin the world for a few hours, but only to come back to my nook of solitude.

That's not a bad thing, yet it still brings unwanted concern. I think all introverts can think of a time when someone has come to them concerned and wondering why they hadn't left their room all day. There's always someone worried about our lack of speech, always stating "you're unusually quiet today." Teachers don't understand our unwillingness to speak up in class every day. Friends don't understand why "no I don't feel like hanging out tonight, I want to be alone," is a good excuse.

Why is it concerning when someone takes themselves out to dinner? Why is it inhuman for someone to go see a movie by themselves? Why must it be that we all must be connected all the time through social media? When will it be okay for me to silence my phone just because I want to ignore all those trying to get a hold of me? Why must we be together always?

For the longest time, I thought I was shy. I was taught to think so. Many assume that because one is introverted they must be shy. Being an introvert does not mean one is socially inept. I can talk when I want to but most of the time I don't. That is something everyone needs to understand. My mom used to tell me, "God gave us one mouth and two ears." Besides stating the obvious, this phrase lends light to one listening twice as much as they talk. I'm not saying extroverts don't know how to listen, I'm pointing out that it's natural for people to simply want to listen, not talk. It should not mean that I am shy or troubled just because I'm alone.

However, I do believe that there have been some small victories for the introverts in this world. Namely the invention of self-check out lines and the ability to buy movie tickets online. Text messaging proves to be a great substitute for calling (although I dream of living in a world where the telephone was never invented), and take-out meals make it a lot easier to have dinner for one without the judgmental stares that come with eating in a restaurant alone. Many popular chain restaurants have even made it possible to order online instead of over the phone.

With my meager 19 years of experience, I believe that there is no better victory for an introvert in this so extroverted world than being comfortable with saying "no." It's one thing to accept the fact of being an introvert, and its another to let yourself be comfortable with it. The ability to say "no" without guilt is a skill every introvert should have in this world, and furthermore, being told "no" is something every extrovert (or fellow introvert) should be okay with. No matter if this world is extroverted or introverted, everyone deserves to be happy. Happy alone, happy together, either way is fine. And respect is necessary.

So, fellow introverts, let us band together in the sanctity of our own homes in a silent consensus to not let the pressures of this extroverted world crush us. Let's make more of our introvert victories and lend sight to our introvert tendencies. Let us shout together into the void, "I want to be alone and that's okay!" Let's make this world a happy one for introverts and extroverts alike, and then we should go take a nap because all that banding together is exhausting.