Being one myself, introverts tend to avoid crowds and confrontation, generally at all costs.
College has provided me with plenty of obstacles that required me to crack my introverted shell.
Meeting my roommate.
Sharing a room with a complete stranger is every introvert's dream. You wake up every morning to a stranger's face and, unfortunately, have to interact with their friends as well.
Roommate: Hey, do you mind if my boyfriend comes down for the weekend again? We'll be quiet, I promise.
What I said: Yeah, sure, that's fine.
What I was thinking: I'd prefer he didn't. I only just met you a few weeks ago and would love to not hear you getting busy two feet away from me. Also, pretending that you were "giving him a towel" doesn't explain why you guys stayed in the bathroom for two hours.
Getting invited to parties.
College is full of them! The flyers are attached outside of our doors and you may even get invited to them through social media.
Party-goer: Hey! There's a party tonight with lots of music and dancing.
What I say: Oh! It sounds fun, but I have a lot of stuff that I need to do.
What I was thinking: No, thanks. Crowds make me itch. The things that I need to do are nap and watch Netflix in my underwear in the solitude of my room.
Group work in class.
In my mind, being in class is safe place. This is because, even though you're surrounded by people that you don't know, your fear of having to talk to them goes down the drain because everyone is too preoccupied with the class. Then, the instructor preys on my worst fear by saying, "Let's work in pairs."
Having unexpected visitors while eating in the cafeteria.
To me, the only thing that makes a meal better is having it in peace. Sometimes, people don't always take into consideration that you being by yourself is a choice.
So, to be good Samaritans, they'll take in upon themselves to grace me with their company.
Person: Hey! I noticed that you were here by yourself, so I thought that I'd come sit with you.
What I Say: OK, sure.
What I was thinking: Please don't.
Having to communicate face-to-face.
For various reasons, one might have to have an actual face-to-face conversation with another human being.
However, no matter the reason, I believe that, if the issue can be resolved through email or text message, then that is the route I shall take.
Student: Did you interview that teacher, like I asked?
What I say: Yep! Sure did, and I wrote down all of his/her quotes.
What I was thinking: Yep! Sure did, and I copy and pasted all of his/her quotes.
Everyone needs to get out of their comfort zones sometimes, in order to get what they need. It helps to build up social skills. However, until these opportunities arise, there's no need to break character.
