I’ve always been shy. I remember back in elementary school when I would dread the beginning of the year because there were new teachers, new students, new friends. That feeling never went away, and even today I still feel nervous and anxious when meeting strangers or being in unfamiliar situations. And try as I might, I can never shake that feeling. Continue reading
Tag: Introvert
Shyness, Introversion, and Social Anxiety: Similar, But Not Really
These three terms are often used interchangeably, or at least are a little confusing (especially to people who don’t fit into any of the three categories). And although they all deal with a person’s desire for solitude, that’s pretty much where the similarities end. But first off, what do they all mean, exactly, and why is it important to know the differences between them? Continue reading
Dear Corporate America: Introverts Matter Too
Quick test: When you look at this photo, what kinds of emotions are you feeling? Excitement? Happiness? A sense of togetherness? Or, if you’re like me (and probably a lot of other introverts too) are your feelings more along the lines of panic, dread, and an immediate need to be alone? Welcome to being an introvert in the modern workplace. Fun, isn’t it? Continue reading
Aren’t Vacations Refreshing? *Insert Sarcasm Here*
Summer is in full swing, and you know what that means…lots of vacations! Now, don’t get me wrong, vacations can be a refreshing break from the daily grind. But when you’re an introvert, they (like many other aspects of life) aren’t always a time to recharge.
Just a couple of weeks ago I went on a cross-country road trip with my parents and siblings, where we stopped at various cities to visit family and friends.
And it was the definition of “stressful.”
Of course I love seeing family who I only visit once a year or so, but over the two and a half weeks I had very little “introvert time.” When I have to spend too much time with people, like all introverts, I need some time to recharge my batteries by taking some time for myself. Continue reading
“Why Are You So Quiet?”
I choose option #4
The question all of us introverts have surely heard far too many times. “Why are you so quiet?” This question can come in many forms, including but not limited to: “Is there anything wrong?” “Are you mad at me?” “Are you bored?” “Why don’t you speak up once in a while?”
The truth: I’m a quiet person. It’s ingrained in my DNA, and I can’t change it. I tried for years to change, thinking that because so many people commented on my silence it must be weird for me to be quiet all the time. But when I attempted to be talkative and outgoing I got grumpy. Really grumpy. People began asking what they did to offend me or why I was so upset all the time, which wasn’t any better than people asking why I was so quiet all the time. Continue reading
Yeah, If People Could Stop Thinking I’m a Sociopath, That’d Be Great
There’s not much that annoys me more than people (read: extroverts) completely misunderstanding my introversion. I’m used to getting strange looks when I tell people I’m not lonely when I spend all day home alone, or that my ideal weekend involves me, a book, and maybe a movie or two. But when I’m compared to a murderer, that’s where I draw the line.
Let me explain. Continue reading
