People who know me from a long time know certain things about me. They know that I'm an introvert. Having said that, you might understand that I like to be alone, I love to read, I like to think about life and that I'm happiest when I don't have to talk in a group conversation. There are so few introverts in today's world that people think that we are a problem. It's not true. Do you say that forests are weird just because they remain apart from the cities? Of course not. Then, how can you say something as horrible as that to a person? Instead of categorising introverts as weird, you should understand how unique we are. I'm a proud introvert and I will never want to be anything else; just like the crowd.
I have started my management course and I knew what it will entail. Such a course is for those who have an outgoing personality. It's for them who love to connect with people. It's a course where a person is trained to become an efficient manager. I knew it would be a challenge to do such a course. I had doubts about it and I was afraid about having a very busy life. Knowing all the risks and facing my fears, I joined.
After joining the institute, I felt like a whole different person. I felt like I can be an extrovert if I choose to. I can have a dynamic personality if I choose to. I came across all these positive vibes. Soon, I made one friend on the first day. And 10 more by the end of the fourth day. I spoke with excellent English because of my love for writing. I talked openly because of reading about it in novels. I realised that I could do so only because of my introvert self.
Today we had the Fresher's party. Usually, I'd have just skipped it but I went there. I participated and enjoyed. But I fled as soon as the DJ came and everyone started dancing. Yeah, I hate that. As I was driving home, I realised that this wasn't a failure. I didn't fail because I escaped from there. I passed just because I showed up and stayed for a solid 3 hours.
So, anyway this whole point of this post was that it's okay to be the person you feel the best at. I'll always be an introvert at heart. I'll always prefer a lecture instead of a party. I'll always enjoy reading books rather than chatting with people. I'll always be the same person who's known for being bookish. I'll always be an introvert. But, now that I'm getting a slight vision of the real world, it's not that bad to talk to people for a change. It's not that bad to survive a party. So, if you're an introvert, let me tell you this. We have been introverts all our life and it's impossible to not be introverts. In fact, it's a privilege to be one. While rejoicing that, also keep your minds open. If you start feeling like you're changing, then let me assure you that you're not. Personalities don't just change in a few days or by being with new people or being in a new environment. They change because we know that we can be someone else with all the newness of things. It's 100% possible that after a few months, you'll sit by yourself in the classroom and love it. Just because you're starting to feel like an extrovert doesn't mean you are one. Just enjoy your life. Read a book and it'll be better.
Thank you for this post. I am also an introvert and can relate to not going to parties, staying home and reading books instead. I also can relate to doing the extrovert things, when I want to. I can go to a party and enjoy it (although if it gets too crazy, I will run...) I have also recently had to get over some of that when I became a supervisor at my job. But I love it. Again, thank you for this post, you are an inspiration to all up introverts in the world!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness!! You are NOT alone! I am also an introverted bookworm! I was the kid who actually got grounded from reading because I was up in the middle of the night with a flashlight trying to finish a story that I just could NOT put down! I am also happiest with just a good book and my time to read and learn. I can be outgoing and friendly as need be (I teach high school - I HAVE to be). For most of my life I thought there must be a little something wrong with me. Then I took one of the Myers-Briggs personality tests and discovered that I am an INFP. The "I" part stands for introverted. Yep! Also discovered that my personality type is rather rare- only about 4-6% of the general population is that. So - Aishwarya - you are not the only one! You got it right - we will always be introverts because that is how we were created!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome story! I love your recognition and acceptance of self yet your bravery and willingness to grow yourself and experience other sides to who you are! I consider myself an outgoing introvert. I love people but I find that when I'm exhausted, stressed, or just poured out, I just need to isolate and be alone. I never quite knew how to process this part of who I am until recently when I realized I'm so outgoing and I do tend to give so much energy, love, encouragement, prayer to others that I feel myself getting drained and that's when I need to break away and recharge on my own. Self realization and self acceptance is really the key to peace!
ReplyDeleteI too am an introvert and people just don't understand. I don't enjoy hanging out in large groups (or hanging out at all) because it just absolutely exhausts me. I understand how it is. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHuman beings are gregarious species. They can't live alone. They need others for sharing. Each person has myriad shades in his personality. At certain moments he may crave to be alone whereas at other moments he may long for company. We must accept all these shades existing within us. When we say introvert it only means that that sentiment is dominant. But it will not prevail all the time. One should not limit oneself by such classifications or categories and should give full scope to our potentialities in order to attain self realisation. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI've recently read a post and apparently I am an ambivert. I personally never thought that introverts are weird. But I am also an extrovert. We are all made differently and that is OK.
ReplyDeleteI'm a librarian and like you, I'm an introvert at heart but I've learned to be an extrovert in certain situations (though it does often cause me anxiety). Interestingly, I went to a leadership conference for young librarians and one of the things that we did was take the Meyers Briggs test. About 80% of the people there identified as introverts - and these were the people that were leaders in the field. So I think it's cool that we can be introverts but still do things like management and leadership.
ReplyDeleteGood for you - you know WHAT you like to do and NOT like to do - and you do it! I think that is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely an introvert too, and it's funny because I am usually the one who will speak up in a class, because though I am an introvert, I am not afraid of talking, or even shy. I would just RATHER be alone than where ever it is that I have to be with people. Though, the socially anxious part of me tends to over share when I do talk to new people.
ReplyDeleteOmg...I understand completely!!!!! I've the same way and I've been in the same place. You just do what's best for you and you'll be fine. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you stepped outside your comfort zone to take the class and attend the party. It can be so difficult to do that! It is definitely worth it many times, though. I, too, am more introverted, but I don't think there's anything wrong with that. The world needs introverts and extroverts. :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, it's okay to be who you are, as long as you are okay with that person. I am like 50% outgoing and 50% introverted. It honestly depends on my mood. I think the older you get is when you start to become perfectly okay with the person you turned out to be.
ReplyDeleteNice post. I'm more on the extroverted side myself, but it's nice to read and learn more about the life of an introvert. We all have our unique and special characteristics.
ReplyDeleteI'm an introvert too. I do sometimes like socialising, but need some down time afterwards. Good luck with your new course!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, everyone. It feels great to know about your feelings and opinions.
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