Confessions of an Introvert

Confessions of an Introvert - Part 1

Here are some things we, introverts, wish everyone could understand about us:

1. I'm not antisocial, I just need "me-time." Often.
There are periods of time where I will not leave my room for days, and that's okay. That doesn't mean I don't want to spend time with my loved ones, just that every now or then I need time to focus on me. I'm happy being by myself. It gives me the opportunity to take a breath and prepare myself for my next task or responsibility. I enjoy being around people from time to time, of course, but I don't require interaction very often.

2. I have to make plans in advance.
A lot of times if you text me asking to hang out in an hour, the answer will be no. I make plans days in advance, sometimes even weeks, and it's hard for me to change that schedule. Even if I'm just going to be laying in bed watching TV for the night, I most likely planned my entire day around that alone time. Every once in a while I'm down for a spontaneous adventure, though, so don't be afraid to ask!

3. Just because I'm not always in the mood to hang out, doesn't mean that the invitation isn't appreciated.
I've lost a lot of extroverted friends simply because they give up very easily on asking me to hang out. However, some of my best friends are in my life because they were persistent in getting me out of my shell. It makes me happy when someone wants to spend time with me, even if I'm not exactly in the mood. Conversely, it upsets me to see a group of my friends going out and doing something together without even inviting me, even if I would have opted out anyway. Sometimes I do get lonely, and it's nice to have friends who will still be there for me when I'm ready to come out of hiding.

4. I have Resting Bitch Face and it's really not my fault.
Chronic Resting Bitch Face combined with my generally quiet nature often make people think I'm a snob. In reality, there's just a lot going on in my mind and I express it internally. No matter what kind of day I'm having, my facial expression usually remains the same.

5. Socializing, specially in large groups, is draining.
Partying is not my thing. Hanging out with more than two or three people at a time is not my thing. Even if I'm having a great time, being around a lot of people is exhausting. I'm not good at talking to people I don't know, specially in a party-type environment. I'm an interesting person, but around that many people I turn awkward.

6. I prefer one-on-one conversations.
Small talk is not something I'm good at, but if you can get me involved in a deep one-on-one conversation, you'll be surprised at how much I talk. I like picking up people's brains and learning about them, and that's easier to do when I'm alone with one or two people than in a big group. Even when I'm at a party, I'll end up running off somewhere with a couple of close friends to talk and even just sit and listen to music. I like being able to give all my focus to one conversation.

7. I wish people wouldn't comment on my quietness.
For some reason, people think stating the obvious will draw me out but this really just makes me feel even more self-conscious.

8. High-energy people exhaust me.
How do they talk so much? Where does their energy come from? After spending time with high-energy people, I need extra time to recharge alone.

9. I'm a slow-texter.
Sometimes I just don't have the energy or I'm not in the right frame of mind to respond immediately. Plus, there's a distinct world inside my mind on which I do focus a lot.
Please know I still value you and I'll respond soon. I try not to be rude or blow off others, but sometimes, specially when my mind is really consumed with something, I need some grace. Texting me repeatedly is not the answer.

10. When I don't sleep well or I'm sick, I become even more withdrawn and quiet.
I promise I'm not annoyed with you. My "people" energy is even more limited when I'm not functioning optimally.

11. I'm completely content with being me.
There are definitely days when I wish I was an extrovert. I wish I could go out every weekend with a big group of people, get all dressed up and jump from party to party, but being an introvert makes me the awesome person that I am. I'm the type of person who takes things one day at a time, giving me the chance to stop and enjoy everything I experience. My friends know they can always come to me because I'm one of the best listeners around, and in return they do the same to me. Although, my favorite thing about being an introvert is that I spend enough time alone to comfortably enjoy my own company.
I love the person I am and my loved ones do as well. I'd never be able to tell the extroverts in my life any of this in person, but the ones who really care about me already sort of know. You can't expect me to be an extrovert. Ever. But I promise I'll prove myself one of the best introvert people in your life.

Thank you so much for reading! 💕