Why I Love Being An Introvert

I have been an introvert my whole life. I’m a writer, an only child and a Virgo, so there was really no other outcome for me. As an introvert, the world is not designed to meet my needs. Instead, I, and everybody else, must adapt to its rules. Since the dawn of everything, the world has always wanted people to be extroverts. There are courses for it and everything! Not to mention self-help books and video tutorials. How to make friends, how to come out of your shell more, networking do’s and don’t’s, how to be fun at parties, how to be this, that and the other, etc, etc. Which is fine. That is all great. Extroversion will get you further in life than introversion. All the things we need in order to have a fulfilling social life, career, or even a content creation profile in the modern era, will come through being an extrovert for the most part. But being an introvert is awesome too, you know.

We observe. We listen. We give advice. We enjoy the quiet moments in life and we find beauty in most things. And we write everything down. Well, I do anyway.

Most people in my life would probably be surprised to learn that I consider myself to be an introvert, and always have. The social and professional circles in which I move provide a safe enough environment for me, that my shyness doesn't come through too much or too often. These are some of the best friends I have ever had. They make me feel like I belong. Hanging out with them is fun. Talking to them is therapeutic. Being around them is great and something I am always looking forward to. This is what it’s all about. The right place with the right people.

And this is the realization I have come to. Over the years, I have realized that I am an extrovert when I need to be. And I think that goes for most people. Introversion feels like the most natural state of the two, to me. In my opinion, it makes sense that people are naturally introverted, and that extroversion just… happens. You know, in certain situations. In certain moments. And I certainly enjoy those moments! At the risk of being too grandiose about it, it is something we, the human species, need. I think that is the right balance. Yin and yang.

I am actually not as shy as I once was and I sometimes surprise myself with how easy it is for me to adapt, but I am conscious that I'm adapting myself to the environment at large nonetheless. Day-to-day things have definitely gotten easier over time, but I still can't talk on the phone or book my own appointments without preparing myself for it beforehand and that usually takes about five to ten minutes. Maybe not that long, but you get the point. Luckily, most of those things are being done online these days anyway.

Do I wish I were an extrovert instead?

For the most part, no. Don’t get me wrong, I love my extroverted friends. I think extroversion is amazing and I really, really admire people who can be like that! But my introversion has given me a lifetime of material to write about, and much-needed re-charging time to write it in. It has led me to some amazing conversations at parties. It has brought incredible people into my life. It has given me a perspective on life that would have passed me by otherwise. I love my occasional extroversion and I treasure my lifelong introversion.