Everyone knows that this is an extrovert's world, and rightfully so. In a world as fast paced as ours, you need to find ways to stand up and stand out to set yourself apart from everyone else in the crowd. I only have one question though- if you need to be an extrovert to succeed in today's society, what happens to the rest of us, the introverts?

I'm not going to lie, being an introvert sucks. Not because "it's an extrovert's world and the world is against me" or "nobody understands me," but because people (and by people I mean most extroverts) are so stuck in their beliefs that their way is the only way and refuse to even try to understand other people's point of view. Several people close to me have even told me (several times) that I have "tricked (myself) into thinking (I'm) an introvert."

So what do I do when I need to be alone and introvert for hours at a time? I blast my ears with Broadway! If you're anything like me and prefer getting to know fictional stage characters over actual people, here are introvert lessons from some of my favorite Broadway shows.

1. "The Phantom of the Opera"

Let's start with the introvert of all introverts, the titular character from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera." Even though Webber had previous success with works like "Evita," "Cats," and "Jesus Christ Superstar", it was with his 1986 smash hit "The Phantom of the Opera" that he became a household name. Although, from one introvert to another, it may not be the best idea to kidnap your crush and burn down your place of residence in a hissy-fit. Based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe, and book by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe.

2. "Les Miserables"

As an introvert, sometimes you just want to be alone and cry. And cry, and cry, and cry. When those sometimes happen, "Les Miserables" is the show for you. "Les Miserables" quickly became a household name after its 1987 premiere and is currently the fifth longest running show in Broadway history. "Les Miserables" is an absolute roller coaster of emotion where (*SPOILER ALERT*) everyone dies. I don't really think there is a lesson to be drawn from this show, it's just great for a cry. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, original French libretto by Alain Boublil, and an English libretto by Herbert Kretzmer.

3. "Funny Girl"

Everyone loves Barbra Streisand, and she is without a doubt the queen of musical theater... Along with Angela Lansbury, Mary Martin, and Bernadette Peters. She starred in the original 1964 Broadway cast and the 1968 movie adaptation and solidified her place with the best of the best. Set in New York from 1919-1927, "Funny Girl" follows the life and early career of vaudville star Fanny Brice, along with her disastrous second marriage to gambler and con artist Julius "Nicky" Arnstein. This jewel of the Broadway stage holds many lessons, but I especially love its signature song, "Don't Rain on my Parade." And whenever I have to pull myself out of my Introvert Wonderland, I always blast this song; "Don't tell me not to live just sit and putter, life's candy and the sun's a ball of butter! Don't bring around a cloud to rain on my parade!" Based on the life of Fanny Brice, with music by Jude Styne, lyrics by Bob Merril, and book by Isobel Lennart.

4. "Wicked"

I said before that the Phantom was the introvert of all introverts, and I stand by that. However, there is another Broadway character that fits the bill perfectly- Elphaba from Stephen Schwartz's "Wicked." Otherwise known as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba is a true introvert if ever there was one. I mean, she lived in a secluded castle away from everyone else, refused to live by other people's rules just because they wanted her to, only really ever had two friends, and so on. There are really two introvert lessons I would like to point out here. The first, never underestimate introverts, we can do great things. Elphaba may have been "wicked," but she was destined for greatness. Second, don't fly off the handle. Just don't. Based on "Wicked; The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and book by Winnie Holzman.

In closing, for all my fellow introverts out there, I hope you now a musical theater bestie you can identify with and project yourself onto now; and for extroverts, I hope this has helped to open your eyes somewhat on the inner workings of your introvert brethren.

So, if you hate being around (most) people, just remember- "Fortunately it's also clear, that everybody goes down well with beer!" ("Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," based on the book of the same name by Christopher Bond, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Hugh Wheeler.)