No, I don’t actually live under a rock, but I’d say I’m pretty close. Throughout a typical day I interact with more than a few people. Whether it is people involving my job, family or friends, I have regular communication with people every single day. However, when I go home my communication with people dwindles to a cool zero. I find comfort in being alone in a room decorated with tapestries and Bonnaroo posters. I enjoy lighting all my candles and listening to the silence (or Pandora radio). I find happiness in sitting at my desk with a hot cup of coffee while silently working through my assignments. I adore lying in bed with the covers draped over my head while my cat is sprawled out next to me, purring. I am sure some of these things seem boring to the extroverts reading this and that is just fine. Truth is, I wouldn’t have it any other way. So here are a few things I believe that are some of the best things about being an introvert.
1. You aren't stuck in everyone else's drama
I can’t begin to explain how annoying it is to be caught up in someone else’s drama that has nothing to do with me. One of the best things honestly is that you “fly under the radar” and stay to yourself. In some situations, it’s even fun to just sit back and watch people create chaos while you eat popcorn and sit in a lawn chair.
2. People don’t bother you with unnecessary gossip
If you have been an introvert for as long as I have, people already know that you don’t care to entertain gossip. In fact, most people know that you need a certain amount of time alone to function successfully throughout the day so they typically leave you alone anyways. Which is just fine.
3. You are typically more in tune with animals than most people
Personally, I enjoy animals more than I do people. When I see a dog, cat, iguana, caterpillar or any other animal, I kind of freak out on the inside. I can’t explain why I love animals more but there’s just an unspoken connection that is irreplaceable.
4. It gives you the time and space to truly get to know yourself
This takes lots and lots of time. If you are lucky enough to have enough time for yourself to truly find whom you are, then congratulations. It is often difficult to separate who you really are from what you do. So for example, my occupation is coach/student, but I am Courtney, lover of alone time, coffee, sarcasm and the Grateful Dead. See the difference?
5. It provides you the energy and time to focus on things that truly matter
Having ample alone time helps you put time and effort into the things in life that are worth it. Case closed.
6. Being an introvert helps you relax
It is extremely relaxing to just sit and breathe. Life can be hectic and absolutely crazy at times and it really helps to be able to just unwind. It is essential to most introverts’ mental health and happiness.
Being an introvert does not mean that you hate people, it simply means that you are not as social and are just fine with that. Many introverts like to sit back and watch, listen and observe. The fact is, the world needs BOTH introverts and extroverts. Our society is based on a mixture of everyone. So keep on being you, you space-needing-non-socializing-animal-loving introvert!
