10 Things You Should Know About Introverts
3. A Night Inside Reading or Watching Movies is Better Than Anything
Once upon a time, I resented my introversion.
I would lie and tell people I was extroverted, even though I knew I wasn’t. I thought introversion was a sign of weakness — a disability that could be overcome with a little elbow grease. Introverts were the shy ones. The geeky ones. The dumb ones. We live in a society built for extroverts, so of course, I believed that.
I grew up and learned to embrace my introversion. It can be a superpower. To be introverted is to have a common human characteristic, and the world needs them as much as it needs extroverts.
It doesn’t mean you’re shy or weak. It doesn’t mean you hate people.
It means you recharge best alone. End of story.
So, if you have friends or loved ones who are more introverted like myself, here’s a list of 10 things you can expect from us.
1. We Get Anxious Before Social Events
I always get anxious before social gatherings.
Like every time.
It’s not crippling or anything. It doesn’t make me not want to go. The anxiety is often drowned out with excitement. I get anxious because I know it’s going to wear me out.
It’s the same feeling I get before jumping in a cold swimming pool. The thought of jumping in sucks, but I also know I’ll be fine once I do it.
2. We Need to Recharge Longer Than You Think
People are coming around to the idea that introverts need to recharge alone, but they get stuck figuring out how long.
A few hours should do, right?
Nope.
I need at least a full day, maybe two.
3. A Night Inside Reading or Watching Movies is Better Than Anything
I’ll admit it. I’ve said no to things without any good reason, which is hard because I’m a terrible liar.
When someone asks, “Why aren’t you coming?” My best response is, “ehh, because I don’t feel like it.”
Ouch.
It’s nothing personal. It’s just when you’re an introvert, it’s really hard to beat a good book and a couch.
4. We Often Can’t Say How We Feel On The Spot
I can’t explain how I’m feeling on the spot. When something crazy happens, I need time and space to process the emotions. I’ll think about it in the shower, journal about it, and then slowly pick the right words to describe what’s going on.
I’m thankful for this quality. It’s more considerate than wearing emotions on your sleeve and saves me from making a lot of mistakes like saying things in a gut reaction.
I’m certain this is why I like to write.
5. We Get Mistaken for Extroverts
There’s a difference between being shy and being introverted.
When you’re shy, you’re afraid of social interactions. Introversion is more like, “Let’s talk. I’m so happy we talked. You’re amazing. I’m so happy we did that. I think I want to go home now.”
The last part throws people off. People think they’re talking to an extrovert, then get confused when they suddenly want to leave.
My mom used to say I’m an introvert that acts like an extrovert. I don’t think that’s right… I think that’s just called an introvert.
6. We Know Isolation Isn’t Good For Us
There’s also a difference between recharging and isolation. The struggle for introverts is finding the balance.
I always know when I spend too much time alone. I feel anxious and even depressed. I get in my head. I get bored.
When I get like this, it’s usually because I’m done recharging and spending too much time alone. Easy fix. I’ll pull myself up, get to a run club, or text a friend to meet up for dinner. A little human interaction always makes me feel better.
Loneliness sucks everyone’s soul—even introverts.
7. We Get Talked Over A Lot
Introverts tend to have softer voices.
I spend more time listening and waiting for others to make their point. When I do speak, it’s in a softer voice, which I guess is an invitation for extroverts to interrupt.
I don’t mind anymore. Just like it’s hard for me to speak when I should, it’s hard for extroverts to tone it down. I’ll wait till they're done, then continue with my point.
8. We’re The Last Ones to Arrive At The Party and First to Leave
This isn’t always the case for me. Sometimes, I have so much fun that I never want the party to end.
However, I’m usually late for parties. Not because I’m busy but because I’m maximizing my alone time. Then, I’ll leave early because I get overstimulated. As my cousin Moe likes to say when she’s had enough of a good time, “Alright, I’ve reached my crap quotient. It’s time to go home.”
9. We Don’t Mind Eating Alone
I ate alone last night, and it was awesome.
I walked to a nearby restaurant called Caza de Lutz. I found a table in the corner. I opened my book and had a fun reading date with myself. It was honestly the best.
10. Finally, Introverts Are Not Weird
Ok, maybe we’re a little weird.
According to some studies, as much as half of the population identifies as introverted. Based on those numbers, you could say introversion isn’t weird at all—it’s common!
We’ve built a society designed for extroverts. The loud, outgoing people get recognized first. They become politicians. They get the most sales. They ask out the pretty girls first. That’s all great, but the truth is, the world needs both.
Extroverts need introverts to help them be patient with their actions. Introverts need extroverts to help them speak up, even if it’s speaking up on other mediums - like writing.