"Why are you spending the day on your computer?" "Don't you want to go out with your friends?" "It's a beautiful day out, spend some time outside and around others." To some, these seem to be normal questions. Why spend the day inside your bedroom when you can enjoy the outside world? To introverts, these questions almost confuse us.

Now, don't consider being an introvert as being lazy, because they simply do not mean the same thing. Being an introvert is defined as "a person predominantly concerned with their own thoughts and feelings rather than with external things."

When I first learned the difference between extrovert and introvert, I automatically labelled myself an extrovert. This was in middle school, and I felt as though I was on top of the world. I had a large group of friends, I was speaking up in my classes, and I played two sports on town and club teams. I was outgoing and social, and I loved to be around other people. As I grew up, things changed dramatically.

I started to lose friends, but it wasn't all at once. I would create such a strong friendship, and I would become so close with someone, but then something would happen. With each friend and each situation it was different. But something happened that caused the friendship to end and for us to stop speaking altogether. This was not just a one time occurrence. After the first "break-up" of friends, I would create another close relationship with someone simply to have it happen again. This lasted throughout middle school and all the way until my senior year of high school.

I finally realized that having these intense friendships was not good for me. My attachment to these people led them to feel overwhelmed and to leave. I do not believe there is blame to be put on them or on me, but I do think my being an introvert was the key factor. I had not yet discovered this when all of these friendships were ending. Since I have grown, I've realized just how much social anxiety I have. I get nervous in simple situations such as ordering take-out, or speaking to professors outside of class. These may seem like everyday tasks to some, but they're difficult for me.

I am most comfortable when I spend time alone. That does not mean I do not want to be around others. I enjoy spending time with the friends I have now, and I like being around my family as well. But, as an introvert, I am happiest when I am in my own thoughts, and it's okay. The next time you call an introvert a loner, or lazy, try to think first. Maybe they have experienced hardship and realize that spending some time alone is what they need. Being outgoing and social is not required to succeed in this world. Sure, it may help. But introverts are just as smart, talented, and as strong as extroverts. Some of us can use this as a skill, as I have taken to writing as a way to express my thoughts. I can spend the entire day in my bedroom, watching television, or reading a book and texting my friends, and I will not feel alone or upset. This makes me happy, and that should be enough to show people that I am not lonely or lazy.

I am an introvert. I can finally say that I am okay with who I am.