An Introvert Goes Out

I went out this weekend.

Please, hold your amazement.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am the consummate introvert, preferring to spend time in my house in my comfy clothes over going out to bars or clubs with others.

But very occasionally, I'll venture "outside."

I never thought of it as such a big deal until I surprised a friend at her house party. When I say surprised, I mean that. She opened the door and literally screamed in surprise and excitement when she saw me, hugging me so hard I thought I was going to fall over. She didn't think I was coming because she knew my aversion to large gatherings. That ended up being one of my favorite outings; she and I ended up more than a little tipsy on the couch, talking about everything and nothing. I don't know that we really would have had the opportunity to talk as deeply as we had that night anywhere else, and I'm glad that I went.

My friends know that generally, I don't like going out. Another friend had a day full of birthday activities, and she was pleasantly surprised when I came to brunch. She knew I wasn't coming to anything else, though, and it's great having friends who know me and my personality.

I honestly surprised myself by quickly agreeing to brunch with several of my work friends this past weekend. Mimosas were soon flowing, and I let myself get a little more carried away than I normally would. But I had such a great time. We joked about calling each other by our first names, shared stories, and generally just enjoyed each others' company without having to worry about student well-being or the myriad other responsibilities that teachers have. I surprised myself even more by not going home immediately, walking down the street to a bar, and staying for another hour or two.

Brunch started at 12:45, but I was out until nearly 8 pm. Granted, I needed time to myself afterward to recover after all of the time spent with people, but I didn't regret it at all.

I think that there is this common misconception that introverts don't like people at all; though yes, we joke about it, the truth is that we prefer certain people over others. My friends at work were always listening ears when I was going through things, and I'm proud to call them "real friends" instead of just "work friends." I love the time that I get to spend with them, and the laughter from the things that we share.

To be honest, they have encouraged me to be more of a social person, rather than just staying in my house all of the time. But they know when to push and when to leave me alone; I'm far more willing to go to a house party than out to a club. I admit that I sometimes have the personality of someone much older than I am, but I can't help it! There's something alluring about being comfortably ugly in the house that you've already paid for instead of going out, dressing up, and spending money.

Regardless, these outings have been incredibly refreshing and fun. Not only that, but talking to people that I'm comfortable with has helped me in my storytelling, which is always a bonus. My work friends have become an extension of my family, and they're honestly one of my favorite parts of going to work every day.

It also reminds me that they enjoy having me around too, even if I'm not the loudest or most opinionated person around. Maybe I'm the much-needed balance to all of the bright personalities around me.

Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to the next outing. Who knows? Maybe I'll be adventurous and join them at a club after the next party. (I will not.)