Being an Introvert

I never chose this life. The hermit life chose me.

I feel conflicted about the use of the term 'introvert', but my better judgment tells me to heck with the doubt! It happens to be the easiest word to describe my behavior in a way that is relatable. Please notify me if you think otherwise. In the meantime, I want to point out how this personality definer does NOT by any means peg a person as solely anti-social and/or awkward.

The point to take into account is that being an introvert and socially awkward are not mutually exclusive. You can be hella awkward and love being around people all the time. On the other hand, you could absolutely hate people but be able to smooth talk a room full of fortune 500 CEOs with no problem. So check your stereotypes at the door.

I catch myself when I misjudge someone based upon my first impression and automatically attribute a label on how I think they recharge. In the case of the Myers-Briggs personality type indicator, it defines introversion and extroversion as where an individual gains more energy--in solitude or surrounded by people. I think to myself,"Oh, you seem social; therefore, you must be a screaming extrovert because you never stop asking questions."

However, it does not work this way. The point to take into account is that being an introvert and socially awkward are not mutually exclusive. You can be hella awkward and love being around people all the time. On the other hand, you could absolutely hate people but be able to smooth talk a room full of fortune 500 CEOs with no problem. So check your stereotypes at the door.

Werk It

Maybe you already knew everything I mentioned above. So here are some things I know about being an introvert: 1) I hate confrontation 2) My temper flares if I do not allow down-time for myself 3) Too much alone time can also drive me crazy 4) Being around people can actually be good for an introvert, even when you want to retreat. I learned all of this mostly because my three older sisters exhibited tendencies of extroversion when we were younger. My little brother and I leaned more towards the quiet, withdrawn type. I really cannot tell you how many times my mother would pipe up in the middle of family dinners and say, "Oooh what about Sarah?". Ugh, I hated that as a kid. Leave me alone and let me be a fly on the wall puh-lease.

My biggest pet peeve of myself, I'm not entirely sure if that can be a thing haha, but it is for me at least...it happens when I avoid people. Quite obviously too. I tend to stay inside a lot, and my public outings are comparable to Kylie Jenner during her pregnancy. So when I do go outside or out of my comfort zone it requires some motivation. My heart starts pacing if I go for a walk and see someone I know. Or if I am at the grocery store it is like my body tells me to HIDE. I laugh at myself sometimes, but then I notice it's not just me. It's people. We all are awkward human beings, whether or not we are introverts or extroverts!

So, I decide on a daily basis to work with what I have. I literally forced myself this afternoon to walk outside and retrieve the mail from the mailman. I almost didn't do it. The conversation between my shy inner self and the bold Sarah I want to be debated the pros and cons. So I went for it before I could stop myself. It made me laugh when I did it because human interaction is never as bad as our imagination tells us.

It Doesn't Matter

Whether or not you identify as an introvert or perhaps the quiet, withdrawn type, it should not hinder you from going outside of your comfort zone. Embrace unplanned conversations. Stay a little longer. Open up about your personality traits. Let people know when you need a break. But ultimately, do not let your habits define your capabilities to affect/interact with those people who come into your life. Even if they are complete strangers, there is probably a reason why you crossed paths (advice taken from my Aunt B). So pray for them, compliment something you like about them, or even just say hi or smile! I challenge you to greet your mailman. It is one of the least thanked jobs around. It doesn't matter if you "don't like people". It doesn't matter if you are an introvert. You can still be a decent human being.