So if you truly know me, you would know that I am a very awkward and quiet person normally. There are those few rare times with a small group of friends where I'm outgoing and loud. Anything larger than 5 people, and you can count on me being quiet. For those of you who are outgoing social butterflies, here's what it's really like to be a socially awkward introvert:
1. Sometimes you don't know how to act in social situations.
There are two very different ways that extremely socially awkward people like me act in person: either extremely annoying and obnoxious or extremely quiet and observant. It's one or the other. There's no in between.
2. You get overwhelmed being in a big group after awhile.
I can do big groups for a certain period of time. And what I mean by big group is like 10-20 people tops. After being in a group like that, I tend to shut down and need to go into solitude for a few days.
3. You tend to just observe everything and get called weird for "staring".
I like to people watch. I would much rather watch people and listen to whatever they have to say than participate in the conversation. I've been asked so many times why I was staring at someone while I observe people.
4. You are called names every once in awhile.
Whether it be loner or weirdo, name-calling tends to happen when you're super quiet and awkward. I've been called a plethora of names including the two mentioned above, but it doesn't affect me because they just don't understand.
5. You have issues talking to people face-to-face or on the phone, but not over text.
This might just be something that only pertains to me, but I have such issues talking with people face-to-face and over the phone. I think it's the awkward eye contact and pauses that just makes everything worse for me. I lose all function when I talk to people.
6. Talking with cute guys does not exist without extreme awkwardness.
I already lose all function talking to people in person, but when it comes to talking in person with cute guys, it's a whole other level. With conversing with cute guys comes stupid things said and over-giddiness that is slightly frightening.
These are just a few of the weird quirks about being a socially awkward introvert. I tend to lose all function in any social situation which brings great joy and amusement to others. They love watching me trying to interact with other people because of my awkwardness and my lack of social skills. Sometimes it's a burden, but mostly it's just the way of life.
