Being an Introvert

^ Here is me jumping for joy on campus. And yeah, I'm an introvert.

I've been an introvert my entire life. Even in my younger years when I was more outgoing, I loved to sit in my room and read or draw or play with my toys, all by myself. And now as I get older, I cherish the alone time that I have. Even if it's just an hour, I basque in that time of quietness and solitude. Growing up, I always felt a little strange about this. I've never liked confrontation and I totally despise small talk. I'd rather sit and read a book at lunch than be forced to sit in a large group and chat. Most of the time, my comments would go unnoticed anyways. When I was a teenager, I felt weird and out of place. I was surrounded by people who were loud and so comfortable in their own skin, when I just wanted to run home and spend time with my family or hang out in my room. Being in college has made that feeling even more prevalent. It seems like everyone loves going downtown or to frat parties. Or they love the football games and tailgates. But, I've never liked any of that stuff. My week is so busy and full, that by Friday night, all I want to do is sleep and spend time alone. I've also always been drawn to other introverts. We have an understanding about each other. I love the people that I can hang out with without necessarily having to talk the entire time. Sometimes it's just nice to sit with someone, while you are both doing your own thing. For a long time, people made me feel like that was so wrong. People would make comments about how I need to go out more or have more fun... but in my head, what I was doing was fun. Going out was stressful and too much for me to handle.

Emily, my roommate (this is her blog), told me about this TED Talk about introverts that she watched in one of her classes. Immediately, I googled it and watched the entire thing. Never have I heard something so true about myself.

We live in a world of extroverts. A world where being an extrovert is right and being an introvert is wrong. But, being an introvert does not make me lesser of a person or less capabale. It does not make me unusual and it does not make me wrong. Why is the social norm to go out and party? Why is it better to be loud than quiet? Why is my personality looked down upon, just because maybe sometimes I'd rather watch a movie on a Saturday night? And working alone on things is sometimes better than working in groups, and that's okay (or maybe that's just because I'm so controlling...sorry!). I've learned to accept my introversion and know that I am me and that I am not changing. No matter what anyone says they think I should be doing, having a cozy night at home or a spending time with a smaller group of friends will always sound better.

Now, just because I'm an introvert doesn't mean I can't be outgoing and enjoy socializing. My family laughs because here I am, an introvert, yet I was captain of my drill team and live in a sorority house with 4 girls in one room. I am introvert in the sense that I need to be alone sometimes, not in the way that I can't have a conversation or hold a leadership role - I have proven that stereotype wrong my entire life. Occasionally, I do like going downtown and getting dressed up. And yeah, sometimes football games can be fun. I don't like getting put into this box of introversion that means you're shy and a little strange, because that box just doesn't exist. 

This video is just so right. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, watch it! The world needs all personalities, introvert or extrovert. The combination of us is what our world thrives on. 

Here is the video: The Power of Introverts