I Am an Introvert & I Like It

Yes, it's true. Albeit I am pretty outgoing in nature and personality, under the sheath of my loudness and exuberance is a very, very loud mind who needs her alone time - more than not.

Do I think being an introvert is something that I need "to grow out of?" NO. It's not wrong to be an introvert and there is nothing wrong with me. (There is nothing wrong with you).

Right after high school, I really got terrible about just not communicating with people. I would be on my way to hang out with someone, then get overwhelmed with the idea of having to participate in being social, and I would start to cry or panic. So, I would just no-show. No text, call or heads-up; I just would bail. Sometimes I would bail and let them know - but with no reason.

Labeling myself as an introvert felt like I was having to accept something like a sickness. It has only been recently that I have learned it is not a sickness - it is me! Learning to understand why I get overwhelmed in social situations has helped me with communicating to people why I need to wait 4 hours before hanging out - or why I need to take my own car to parties. Often times, I have found out that they are introverts too, and they get it! 

What's funny, is if you look up "introvert," on Google, some psychology resources label it as a disorder.

It is not a disorder. There is nothing wrong with us.

Being an introvert has allowed me to live alone in Colorado the last 6 months without feeling too lonely. I am happiest when I am doing my own thing. It helps me write, create, plan, process, and live.

I still enjoy socializing - however I'm not going to meet you at a coffee shop just to talk. I'd rather go on a hike up a 14er and talk on the way. I think that is where things differ. I never want to just talk. I get nervous and my mania kicks in, and I will ramble or get awkward. Now, if we are going to be doing something + talking? I'm in...until I want to leave.

So, I encourage any of my fellow introverts to embrace it. You are not alone and there is nothing wrong with enjoying being alone. Also, communicate to people that you are an introvert - you might be surprised as you find out there are more of you our there. :)