Struggles of an Introvert
Just be yourself. This is a common phrase heard in society, but can everybody really live by this? Sure, they can. However, will they be accepted? Uhh not so sure. In this world we live in, specifically America, most things are catered to a specific group of people. There are many groups that have privilege in this world such as Caucasians, heterosexuals, cis, and able people. Nevertheless, I want to take a moment to point out the privilege extroverts have.
Extroverts have a slight advantage in being themselves. Their natural self is outgoing and people oriented. Job Interviews, social gatherings, business meetings, all these things are instances where the extrovert can almost easily shine (assuming that they have a decent personality). However, for introverts it takes a little more of a push and sometimes even acting to excel.
Being that I am an introvert and an awkward one at that, I face everyday struggles that no one except for fellow introverts can relate to. Here are some of them.
1. Running into people you know in public and being forced into small talk
"Heyyy, what you doing over here at our local Walmart?"
"Oh buying bread cool, nice seeing you"
*awkwardly leaves and tries to pretend you don't see them 5 minutes later at checkout*
This is something that too many people are familiar with. See, its not that I don't want to see you. Its just that I was not mentally prepared to engage in more than a 5 word conversation with someone at the moment. Sorry :/
2. Going to an event with an extrovert friend then all of a sudden they leave you to socialize.
This situation can seem nearly deadly to some introverts. When you left the house today, you thought hey maybe this social event will be decent since I have a go-to friend to talk to. But no you were not expecting to be left alone with strangers or people you kinda know. Now to not seem weird you are forced to engage in small talk or either stay on your phone until your go-to extrovert returns. I think option 2 shall suffice.
3. Finding someone you genuinely like to talk to and spend time with then all of a sudden they ghost you.
This is one thing that truly sucks about being an introvert. It is not as common for us to find people we connect with, When we do, we hold on to them as best as we can. With that being said, introverts are more likely to form this type of bond with our opposites, extroverts. Conversely, extroverts are people oriented people. So this bond is not as hard to find for them. Which, unfortunately, can result in them losing interest because someone else caught it. Regardless, of whether our partner is a extrovert or not, losing someone because they suddenly lose interest cuts deep for introverts.
4. People thinking you are stuck up or rude for not contributing to the conversation
This is one of the most frustrating thing introverts have to deal with. I am not choosing to not put my two cents in the conversation because I think I'm too good for it. I am choosing not to because either I don't like too many eyes on me, I don't know how to properly insert myself in the conversation, I feel like no one can relate to my thoughts, or I simply have nothing to say. Many people want to hear opinions from introverts from time to time and that is okay. Just casually ask their opinion on something and it might get them to open up a little. Introverts are not always shy people. They just prefer more of a small group setting or even one on one to communicate. Sometimes even with those settings it will still take a little time for an introvert get comfortable with sharing their thoughts. It's not intentional it's literally just in our nature.
Being an introvert in this extroverted world can be challenging sometimes. Society might even make one think something is wrong with them. However, that is most certainly not the case. There are positive things that come along with introversion such as being observant, independent, good listeners, and being more in tune with ourselves. We are simple just different people and nothing is wrong with that.
Are you an introvert? Can you relate to any of these struggles? Leave a comment below!
Being that I am an introvert and an awkward one at that, I face everyday struggles that no one except for fellow introverts can relate to. Here are some of them.
1. Running into people you know in public and being forced into small talk
"Heyyy, what you doing over here at our local Walmart?"
"Oh buying bread cool, nice seeing you"
*awkwardly leaves and tries to pretend you don't see them 5 minutes later at checkout*
This is something that too many people are familiar with. See, its not that I don't want to see you. Its just that I was not mentally prepared to engage in more than a 5 word conversation with someone at the moment. Sorry :/
2. Going to an event with an extrovert friend then all of a sudden they leave you to socialize.
This situation can seem nearly deadly to some introverts. When you left the house today, you thought hey maybe this social event will be decent since I have a go-to friend to talk to. But no you were not expecting to be left alone with strangers or people you kinda know. Now to not seem weird you are forced to engage in small talk or either stay on your phone until your go-to extrovert returns. I think option 2 shall suffice.
3. Finding someone you genuinely like to talk to and spend time with then all of a sudden they ghost you.
This is one thing that truly sucks about being an introvert. It is not as common for us to find people we connect with, When we do, we hold on to them as best as we can. With that being said, introverts are more likely to form this type of bond with our opposites, extroverts. Conversely, extroverts are people oriented people. So this bond is not as hard to find for them. Which, unfortunately, can result in them losing interest because someone else caught it. Regardless, of whether our partner is a extrovert or not, losing someone because they suddenly lose interest cuts deep for introverts.
4. People thinking you are stuck up or rude for not contributing to the conversation
This is one of the most frustrating thing introverts have to deal with. I am not choosing to not put my two cents in the conversation because I think I'm too good for it. I am choosing not to because either I don't like too many eyes on me, I don't know how to properly insert myself in the conversation, I feel like no one can relate to my thoughts, or I simply have nothing to say. Many people want to hear opinions from introverts from time to time and that is okay. Just casually ask their opinion on something and it might get them to open up a little. Introverts are not always shy people. They just prefer more of a small group setting or even one on one to communicate. Sometimes even with those settings it will still take a little time for an introvert get comfortable with sharing their thoughts. It's not intentional it's literally just in our nature.
Being an introvert in this extroverted world can be challenging sometimes. Society might even make one think something is wrong with them. However, that is most certainly not the case. There are positive things that come along with introversion such as being observant, independent, good listeners, and being more in tune with ourselves. We are simple just different people and nothing is wrong with that.
Are you an introvert? Can you relate to any of these struggles? Leave a comment below!
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