Being an introvert is hard. An introvert can be described as someone who gains energy from spending time alone. Introversion doesn't necessarily mean someone is shy. Introverts can enjoy being surrounded by others, just not for prolonged amounts of time. They need time to "recharge" and relax by themselves. In college, it seems like you're constantly surrounded by others. Here are 19 struggles introverts face in college!
1. Having to recover after a long day.
One of the best feelings in the world is when you can be alone and relax.
2. Meeting new people.
After once being called "unfriendly" by a random person, I realized that first impressions are critical, especially for introverts. Just try your best to seem approachable and pretend you're not as nervous as you actually are.
3. Eating alone.
As an introvert, it's not a big deal eating alone. For extroverts, it seems as if they have to eat with others. To anyone who is uncomfortable eating alone, don't be afraid! It's fine, we're not in high school anymore.
4. Small talk.
I hate filler conversation. I love conversation with meaning rather than just talking to fill the silence.
5. Group projects.
You're either going to be stuck barely contributing to the project or doing the entire project yourself.
6. Needing alone time.
Us introverts need time to recharge.
7. Cancelling plans.
Sometimes you'll be in the mood to do something and go out, then an hour later you'll change your mind.
8. Phone calls.
A.k.a. death.
9. When people ask you, "What's wrong?"
Just because I'm not extremely facially or verbally expressive does not mean I'm sad!
10. Trying to seem like an extrovert.
Whenever interviews, presentations, parties or meeting new people, in general, rolls around you have to put on your game face and at least try to seem sociable.
11. Having a friend visit you for the weekend.
It's all fun and games until you're craving "me time."
12. When you want to leave a party, but your friends aren't done.
*Contemplates leaving a party early, but doesn't want to ruin everyone else's fun*
13. “Why are you so quiet?”
I rather think about what I'm saying than blabbering nonsense.
14. Being around extroverts for extended amounts of time.
If only people came with mute buttons.
15. When people pressure you to open up more.
Let me live!
16. Not being confrontational.
Personally, I hate asking for help or addressing when something is wrong, which is fairly detrimental but I can't help it!
17. People act so surprised when they hear you talk a lot.
Once, a family friend thought I was a mute. I talk! Just not in copious amounts.
18. Consistently being misunderstood.
I'm not a people's person, obviously.
19. When people think you're shy.
Let's get one thing straight: introversion and shyness are two different characteristics. Introversion is a personality trait. Shyness is a learned trait that's caused by anxiety and can have ties to mental health illnesses. You can be an introvert who is not shy or an introvert who is shy.
To all my introverts out there...
Stay real -- don't let others change you!
