I don’t think that introversion is outnumbered by extroversion. I just think that since introverts are, well, introverted, we don’t hear much about them. That being said, we have a pretty bad reputation for being stuck up, snobby, awkward, etc. This might be true sometimes, but not always.
So, this one is for my introverted squad out there. Here are some things that we understand all too well.
Hearing “You’re way nicer than I thought you would be!”
This has happened with every great friend I’ve ever had. Surprise, I’m not a monster just because I’m quiet and don’t talk to very many people. Chances are, I do want to talk to people, but I’m so shy I genuinely can’t make myself do it. So, if you take the initiative and talk to me, we’ll probably get along great!
Not relating to your extroverted friends
Almost everyone in my life is an extrovert. My fiancé is the only person whose severe introversion matches mine. My best friends are extroverts, my mom is an extrovert, my coworkers, everyone. I’ve learned to adapt, but I always find myself unable to keep up with their peppy personalities and full social calendars.
Your extroverted friends not relating to you
“Being around people will make you feel better!” No. I can promise you it will not. Introverts don’t take their energies from being with other people, they get rejuvenated by spending quality time by themselves. I like to go out and socialize, but when my “social energy gauge” gets too low, it’s time to bail.
Genuinely dreading any instance where you’ll be around people you don’t know
Stranger danger is a very real fear. If I have to go somewhere with people I don’t know, I’ll cling like a baby sloth to whoever I do know, even if it’s only because we go to Starbucks at the same time every day.
Your friends are shining beacons in a dark world
Since I don’t have a lot of friends, the ones I do have are incredibly special to me. You cared enough to break down the walls of my introversion, and that means a lot to me.
Public speaking = instant dread
I’m not a terrible public speaker. I can give a speech or talk in a meeting, but it’s very taxing. My hands sweat, I feel hot, I bite my lips…it’s all a very unpleasant experience. I’ve gotten complimented on my public speaking, which means a lot more to me than most people because I felt like it was a near death experience.
People are genuinely surprised when you’re funny
For some reason, people assume quiet = boring. For the most part, I find this not to be true. Since we’re so quiet, we’ve got all the time in the world to think of some real zingers.
Going to bed at the end of the day is the biggest relief
When I lay down at the end of the day, snug in my bed in the dark with nothing but my thoughts to keep me company, my entire being decompresses. Really, any time I get to spend a quiet moment alone is a much needed break from the chaos of social interaction.
Keep doing you, introverts!
