I’m an introvert, but I love people. To some, I seem to be a walking contradiction. I have a passion and desire to get to know others on a deeper level, but at the same time I have a passion and desire to stay in bed watching Netflix on a Saturday night. Those that know me, really know me, understand what I mean. I love to have time to myself, but I also long for connections with others. I love people. I just really, really love people. But, alas, I’m an introvert.

Something I have grown to realize in the past few years is that our society has greatly dichotomized and stigmatized extraversion vs. introversion. Extraverts are the outgoing people who love being loud, going out all the time and change the world with their charm and demand for attention. Introverts are the angsty, shy, coffee-shop kids who sit by themselves and write poetry.

Well, am I wrong? Is this not how society has depicted the two categories? Is there no middle ground? Are those really our only two choices?

I don’t think so. I think that when Carl Jung developed this idea of trait theory, he had a much broader range in mind. Extraversion, in psychological terms, actually refers to gaining energy from being with others, whereas introversion refers to gaining energy from being alone. This is an important distinction. Yes, I am an introvert. I get my energy from my alone time, but I love people. I really don’t think I can say that enough. I love people.

This societal view is reflected in how people typically respond to my career choice. I’m a psychology major, working with families affected by disabilities. When I tell people about my future and my plans to speak to groups and network with others, they’re always surprised.

“But you’re so introverted,” they say.
“Can you do that?” they ask.

Yes. Yes, I can. Being an introvert does not limit my ability to love others just as being an extrovert does not limit your ability to be self-aware or a deep thinker. Being an introvert does not limit my ability to have fun just as being an extrovert does not limit your ability to be serious.

As I was thinking about this topic this past week, I came across this quote from Rebecca M. Pippert: “Being an extrovert isn’t essential to evangelism- obedience and love are.”

Extroverts make great evangelists. Introverts make great evangelists. People who love people make great evangelists.

We need to stop criticizing people for being introverted or extroverted. We need to encourage one another to emphasize their strengths, rather than pointing out their weaknesses.

I can make a difference, though I am an introvert, by loving.

I may not talk as much as an extrovert, but that means I may listen more. I may not be out and about as much as an extrovert, but when I am, I am charged and ready to go. I may not know as many people as an extrovert around me, but I love and care just as much.

I am an introvert and I am capable.