I have always identified as an introvert.
When I was younger, I didn’t understand how people could spend days on end hanging out with different friend groups without literally wanting to tear their hair out, but I didn’t have a reason for why I was so exhausted after a social gathering. Now that I’m older, I’ve come to realize it’s just a part of who I am, and it’s not all that bad in the grand scheme of things.
That being said, there are still some situations that are exclusive to introverts, and here are 13 of them:
1. Group projects are an actual nightmare.
I have to take breaks from my own mother to recharge, I do not want to spend hours with people I do not like.
2. You need to recharge after spending a few days with a bunch of people.
I’m not antisocial, I swear. I just need to sit in my room for a few days by myself to recharge.
3. Family visits are both great and terrible at the same time.
I love my family, I do. But, when they visit I have to be “on” literally all the time, and it's exhausting.
4. A “fun weekend” consists of not being around anyone.
Two whole days by myself? Sign me up!
5. You spend hours worrying if that “fun weekend” was worth it.
I missed two whole days that I could have spent with people who love and care about me.
6. When someone you’ve just met asks if you “wanna hang out?”
The answer is no. But it would be rude to say no, and you don’t understand that I need at least a three-week notice before we hang out.
7. You hear, “Are you ok?” or “What’s wrong?” at least 20 times a day.
Nothing is wrong. I am fine. I just don’t feel like talking.
8. You are constantly pressured to be more social, regardless of whether you want to be or not.
It’s not that I don’t love people, it's just that they make me tired.
9. Making plans to go out when you’re well-rested turns into immediate regret the day of.
I swear I wanted to go out earlier this week.
10. Having those same plans being canceled is basically the equivalent of doing drugs.
I'm not sure I've ever been happier than when someone tells me they can't go out because something came up.
11. You carry a book and often pretend to read it so people won’t talk to you, but people still talk to you.
I understand, my book is interesting and if I were in a more sociable mood I would give you a list of 500 reasons why you should be reading it right now, but I brought this book with me so I didn’t have to.
12. People make you feel weird for dining/going to the movies/doing anything alone.
I’m not lonely, I just wanted to stare at my phone and eat my burger in peace.
13. Being in a small group setting is where you excel.
If there are more than three people in a room, it’s too many people.
