Hello, I'm an introvert.

I thought my title kind of clever...the idea of an introvert introducing herself with such boldness. It defies the stereotype, but then again-many introverts do.


What we aren't:


1. Shy


Well, some of us are and some of us are not. It doesn't really have much to do with introversion. As a child, I was very shy. Now, I can still be shy. I have bouts of shyness depending on my circle and tend to be quiet in large groups (though less and less over the years.) Among friends, I'm talkative. When I tell them that I consider myself and introvert (100%) they are shocked. Being an introvert does not make you shy. My dad is one of the most amiable, friendly people in the world who makes everyone he meets feel at ease. He's also an introvert who chooses tinkering at Eyrie Park over most anything.

2. Underexposed


We are not introverts because we weren't put in social situations, we are introverts because of our innate personality. I do not accredit my introversion to being home-schooled or living out in the country. I don't accredit another person's extroversion to public education or city-life. I simply do not think that these experiential, circumstantial parts of lives are the root of whether or not we turn out as an introverted or extroverted being. 

3. Hermits


Introverts don't hate people and actually love their friendships. Introverts, in my experience, tend to have small, close circles of friends. We don't have large, outer rings of varying levels of friendships and tend to hang-out in casual settings. Introverts can be very hospitable. Likewise, they can enjoy coming over to your house (don't be afraid to ask us!) or meeting for lunch or coffee. We also enjoy true social situations such as parties, get-togethers, reunions and church events. However, in my experience, we dread the event just before it happens. I am rarely "in the mood" to go anywhere when it is really time to go. Once I get there, I enjoy myself and laugh at my former negativity, but leaving the comfort of one's home for the unpredictable world at large is often unappealing.

What we are:
Energized by time alone, drained by social interaction.


This is the best way I've ever heard it explained and the past few years have proven this evidently in my own life. When I have been around people for a while or even just had one, long conversation with another person, I have a certain kind of tiredness arise inside me that is overwhelming. I am drained, exhausted, used up. I want to go to sleep or watch a silly movie or stare out the window and ponder nothingness. 


Introverts are typically sensitive and become overstimulated by much (or little, depending on the person) conversation, interaction or information.

A bit of advice for introverts:


1. Let yourself wind down.
Just do it. Take a nap. Watch a movie. Stare into space. It's better to take this time to revamp your mind than to make yourself keep going until you crash. It is not wasted time.


2. Say "no."
You don't have to go to everything you're invited to, even if you technically have time. You don't have time to kill yourself over birthday parties. People would rather you attend and enjoy or not attend at all. Attending as a zombie, unless it is a Halloween party, rarely adds to the fun.


3. Take information holidays.
Unplug the computer and stop taking so much in. We have access to too much. Try to spend more time reading complete thoughts rather than tweets of information, but do close that thick book from time-to-time too and let your brain breathe. Engage in more one-on-one conversations and letter writing than large-group small talk. Just like eating, watch your diet and be careful of the portions you're taking in.

Above all, don't judge. I'm an introvert. What are you?


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