The Social Introvert: Why Your Friends Aren't Actually Having Fun Without You | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

The Social Introvert: Why Your Friends Aren't Actually Having Fun Without You

Dear SIs, I have some advice for you.

1477
The Social Introvert: Why Your Friends Aren't Actually Having Fun Without You
Alex Petty

It’s a feeling that creeps up on you. You’re sitting in the peace and quiet of your own room, reading a book or working on homework when it suddenly hits you. It’s like a beacon in the sky, catching your attention and sending your mind racing. You put down your book and stare off into the distance thinking, “Are my friends having fun without me?”

It’s a common occurrence for many college students. Going stir crazy in your dorm room leads to many people questioning what party is happening somewhere and why weren’t they invited. But what about when an introvert feels left out? The common understanding of introvert’s nature is that they enjoy being left alone, but all too often introverts feel unwanted and unloved.

It’s true that many introverts need their time alone to recuperate after lots of social contact. However, may I introduce you to a new concept: the Social Introvert. The Social Introvert, or SI, is often characterized as an introvert who also craves social contact to feel wanted. SIs often find themselves hoping for an invite rather than planning the party. It’s a tough world for an SI, because the feeling of being left out is one that they encounter often.

So, SIs of the world, I’m here to learn you a thing about feeling like your friends are having fun without you. Simply put, they aren’t.

I’ve struggled with that little voice in my head telling me I’m missing out for years. All throughout high school I would wonder if my friends were having sleepovers while I was watching a "Modern Family" marathon with my brother. When I came to college the voice got even louder, to the point where I craved any attention I could get to make up for my thinking I was missing out.

One thing I’ve learned through my struggles as an SI is that while I’m sitting in my room wishing I could get invited to a fun party, my friends are doing the same. It took me a while to buy into this concept, but I’ve found it to be true more often than not. I know it might be hard to be the one to pick up the phone and make the plans, but sometimes it’s what you have to do if you want to avoid that stomach churning feeling of being left out.

The truth is, everyone in college feels left out and unwanted, even the ones who seem to be surrounded by friends. There’s always some event, some party, some dinner that someone wasn’t invited to, and that’s okay. You have to learn to make your own plans with your own friends, and not rely on people to make plans for you.

SIs, I would like to present you with a challenge today. I would like to challenge you to give someone a call and make the plans for the evening for once. You’ll feel dumb and your hands might start shaking, but the more you try, the better you’ll get at it. Just remember that there’s always another lonely soul that you didn’t realize was struggling as much as you, and by reaching out to them you might form a relationship that could last a lifetime. Good luck, kids.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

83626
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

10213
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments