Accepting The Introvert In Me

I am most self- conscious about being quiet and introverted. The word “introverted” comes from the root word introvert. To be an introvert means that a person is shy and mainly concerned with his/her internal thoughts rather than external ones. I feel that being introverted affects my everyday life. It interferes with my social life at times. I think other people have noticed my shyness. I have been told in previous years that some people thought I didn’t want to talk to them or didn’t like them. That has not been true for many of those who assume so.

In the previous years I’ve come across this more than once. The first time was during a class discussion and one girl announced that I was being quiet. It made me feel very self- conscious for the rest of the period. It is never easy admitting flaws. It is like opening up your door to someone whose only objective is to do you no good. I find it uncomfortable to explain to people why I am the way I am. I need to be alone in order to think. It is as simple as that. When I am confronted about being too quiet it does make me feel self-conscious, though at the same time it helps me better understand myself. I have actually come to see that there are fewer introverts than extroverts which also may be a cause for feeling the way I do. It is like inviting a needle to join a hay stack.

I have learned to accept this trait and appreciate it. I learned that I am more productive when I am by myself. I do better and more creative work when I am given more time to think, read, write, and create. I’ve also recently learned that some of my favorite poets, authors, and artists were introverts. I am currently reading a book called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking. This book gives me a positive outlook on being introverted. I am still accepting that being introverted is who I am. Over time it has gotten easier to deal with as I grow up.