Hi I'm Lexi, and I'm a self-diagnosed introvert.

This world is loud, and fast and very up front. I am quiet, and patient and slow to speak. How does an introvert live in an extrovert's world?

I've found that the best approach is to "fake it until you make it." In high school, this was difficult, when my small town social skills were notedly underdeveloped, and my desire to interact with others was usually pretty limited. Then, I honestly just thought I was either extremely shy or socially awkward, not aware that there was something in my personality that made me feel this way. I was content with spending my time at home on a Friday night, curled up with a good book. However, there was a part of me that really truly loved being around people. I also enjoyed spending time with friends, going to a movie or having a bonfire or just hanging out and talking as much as I loved being mellow.

Later, I learned that being an introvert does not mean that I am shy, that I hate people, that I don't know how to interact or start up a conversation. It means that I retain energy from being by myself, entertaining myself and not feeling the pressure to entertain others. As much as I loved talking to people, I hate an awkward situation, which I am good at creating. When I came to Friends, there was social gathering after social gathering, and as much as I wanted to make friends and meet new people, my little heart often desired to just be alone, and to not have to approach others. My freshman roommate would be able to tell you about the pep talks she had to give me just to leave the room and "be social."

So how do I survive as an introvert in an extrovert world? The more I've grown as a person and adult, the more I've realized I would be what my boyfriend Aaron defines as "an outgoing introvert," someone who has no problem being with people, but usually gets tired after talking to a lot of different people for an extended amount of time. I usually prefer to listen to the ebb and flow of a conversation, sometimes contributing, but mostly just contemplating and thinking. I love people, but in certain doses, a certain amount for a set amount of time.

I've learned how to set my own limits. I've learned how to prepare myself for a big party, to withdraw for a day when I know I'm going to spend a day with people afterwards. When I spend an extended amount of time by myself, I am able to create my own energy, so by the time I emerge from my cave where I've been reading, writing, Netflixing, etc., I'm ready for good conversation and fellowship.