I know which one I am; introvert and Proud! Unfortunately, being an introvert can be looked down upon in our modern, western society, but some of the greatest writers to ever hold a pen or finger jab at a keyboard have been introverts, also many leaders and public speakers. So why do we view it as weird, strange or ‘un-cool’ to be one?
Extroverts are looked up to by introverts a lot of the time in relationships, social circles and the workplace. Certain introverts will cling to the coattails of their favorite extrovert as they bask in their reflective glory. But there really is no need at all to do that my introverted friends! You too are equally as interesting and worthy of a human body. So, be who you've been born to be by the force of nature and embrace it!
I personally grew up with a very extroverted parent, who made me feel slightly at odds with the world growing up, because that’s who I looked to for guidance. And, unfortunately, some of the time extroverts can unwittingly scold the introvert for just being who they naturally are. For example; not getting up to dance at a party, not clapping along to the musical show, not running head first into the crowd laughing and joking as loud as you can to prove you’re equal to it. Okay so the last one is over-the-top, but you get my meaning. Extroverts are driven by their extroverted ways and do not know any other, so they want everyone around them to be the same, or it makes for an uncomfortable environment. But uncomfortable for who? Not for you, in essence. No, you like nothing more than to have a one-to-one deep and meaningful conversation rather than mass chit chat and feigned laughter. No, it’s uncomfortable for them, so do yourself a massive favor and never let that be for you, for you and ‘them’ are different and that’s nothing to be ashamed of!
The worst thing an introvert can do, or allow someone else to do to them, is to feel bad or be made to feel bad for being who they are. Extroverts can get away with doing so as they are deemed stronger character by society. But, they’re not, they’re equally as strong or as weak as the introvert, they’re just different people, with their brains wired in a different way. So trying to rewire your own brain is always going to lead to stress. And we all know where stress leads, anxiety, depression etc..
So again, I say embrace who you are and run with it! If you don’t like large social gatherings where other people appear so at ease, and happy, don’t go. You’re not missing out, you’re only missing the stress you don’t need. Or, if you do want to go, make sure you've had enough ‘you time’ to recharge those internal batteries first. And then, when you’re out and it feels those batteries have been drained again, just say your goodbye and leave with not an ounce of guilt. Never make excuses for who you are, and how you were born to be, just… Be.
We’re all infinite miracles formed of stardust and need to realize and appreciate that on a daily basis, then thrive at what we are. Use our given talents to make ourselves happy, and thus making those around us happy, those around them happy, eventually the whole world happy. “Be The Change.” … But don’t change what you are.
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