Being an introvert is not a rarity; recent studies claim that anywhere from 25-50% of the world's population are introverts. However, as any introvert knows, it sometimes can feel like everyone else is extroverted. Being introverted is definitely not all bad though, there are plenty of pleasures that we get to enjoy on a daily basis, that will never be understood by the more extroverted population. Being an introvert in college is also a whole different ballgame. Here are some of the things we know to be true, as college introverts.
1. The dread of someone wanting to "go out" with you.
"Going out" means there will be lots of people, lots of noise, and lots of talking. There is nothing in going out that sounds remotely wonderful. Can I bring a book?
2. The horror that is get-to-know-you games at the beginning of the semester or in new clubs.
As much as friends are great, its the "making them" part that is kind of uncomfortable. And by kind of, I mean immensely.
3. The joy of getting out of plans you didn't want to make in the first place.
Don't get me wrong, hanging out with friends is great. But when you've had a really social week with lots of talking and just want to be alone, getting the news that your pal has contracted a cold is a blessing. Hello, me time!
4. You have a repertoire of fail-proof excuses that help you get out of hanging out with people, or hang up the phone after an hour-and-a-half long conversation.
Examples: I'm sick. I have tons of homework. I have a test tomorrow. I have to go grocery shopping. I forgot my laundry!
Sure, this may be considered to be rude, but it's what we gotta do. Saying that you need some alone time is considered to be socially unacceptable, so we have to lie. Extroverts, take a hint!
5. Eating alone is actually therapeutic.
People stare sympathetically, and sometimes, if people are really nice, they might ask if you'd like to join them and their friends. However, what they don't know, is that upon walking into the cafe, you passed eight of your friends. Eating alone provides us introverts a break in our busy days of conversing and being around people to just relax and think.
6. The awful looks people give when you let them in on the secret that you actually hate parties.
"You're in college and you hate parties?! It's because you haven't partied with me". Please, I'm begging you, stop talking.
7. Group projects with people that you have never met before are the bane of your existence.
Group projects are great in the sense that great things come from collaboration. However, for an introvert, facing people that you don't know is daunting and not beneficial in the slightest. I would rather work alone, thank you. That way I can actually put my own input in instead of fearing judgement and being silent the whole time.
8. Living in a dorm is the absolute worst.
Especially freshman year, it's loud 24/7. Chances are, there's a roommate involved too. It's very difficult to be an introvert in college if your roommate always has friends over or people are constantly running around and you have no time to sit alone, enjoy the solitude and peace, and just think.
9. When you hang out with a friend and they invite their friends that you've never met before to join you.
What part of, "I don't know them" don't you understand?
10. You experience college in a totally different way than extroverts, but not in a bad way.
We like to sit and watch. We like to absorb and reflect. Just because we don't enjoy doing the same things as you might like doesn't mean we're crazy or weird, it just means that we're different. So, let us stay in and watch Netflix on the weekends, because honestly that's more fun for the both of us anyways.
