Ask Me Questions

Embrace Being an Introvert . . . I Have

I guess I'll start with the definition of an introvert for those of you who don't know. Let's thank Urban Dictionary for this definition.

Introvert - (noun) A person who is energized by spending time alone. Often found in their homes, libraries, quiet parks that not many people know about, or other secluded places, introverts like to think and be alone.

Contrary to popular belief, not all introverts are shy. Some may have great social lives and love talking to their friends but just need some time to be alone to "recharge" afterwards. The word "introvert" has negative connotations that need to be destroyed. Introverts are simply misunderstood because the majority of the population consists of extroverts.

So without further explaining, let's get into signs of being an introvert.

1. You don't enjoy small talk.

2. You have a love-hate relationship with your phone.

3. You wait to text back.

4. You find crowds stressful.

5. You're not anti-social . . . you're selectively social

6. You enjoy being out with a group of people . . . in small doses

7. You are extremely observant and mindful of your surroundings

8. You unlock your hearts for only the most special of souls

9. You are creative

10. You value listening

11. You are highly introspective

12. You think before you argue

13. You are accused of flirting with everybody

14. You enjoy your time alone

15. You are rarely bored

16. You don't trust easily

17. You have a very small group of very close friends

18. You fiercely guard your personal space

19. You are more comfortable expressing yourself in writing

20. You are great at getting stuff done

21. You are a good judge of character

22. You are great at making decisions

23. You retain an air of mystery

24. You are a loyal friend

25. You like doing nothing sometimes

26. You write

27. You plan ahead

28. You've got an old soul -- meaning you tend to be more wise and mature than others your age

29. You know what you like

30. You often feel alone in a crowd

31. Networking makes you feel like a phony

32. You've been called "too intense"

33. You're easily distracted when there's a lot going on around you

34. You start to shut down after you've been active for too long

35. You actively avoid any shows that might involve audience participation

36. You notice details that others don't

37. You have a constantly running inner monologue

38. You don't feel "high" from your surroundings

39. You look at the big picture

40. You've been told to "come out of your shell"

41. Your best thinking occurs when you're by yourself

42. You're the last to raise your hand when someone asks for something from a group

43. You often wear headphones when you're in a public situation

44. You regularly get into trouble for not participating enough in class

45. Sometimes people assume you're being rude or bitchy when you genuinely aren't trying to be

46. You absolutely hate being put on the spot, and need time to think before you give an answer to something

47. You know how to be your own friend

48. You talk to yourself, a lot

49. You often feel relieved if someone cancels plans

50. Meeting new people is not exciting to you

Now let's see how many of these I can rule out. Oh wait . . . what's that? None, every single one of these describes me.