Introvert

Before I say anything, I want to share with you a page that someone posted on my cousin's facebook wall. Please read it.


http://www.carlkingcreative.com/10-myths-about-introverts


I have been introverted, to some degree, my entire life. Shocker, right? Hardly. If I wasn't an introvert, would I sit on here and write blog posts all day? No, I would be out there talking to real people, saying everything as soon as the thoughts run through my head.


The hardest part about being an introvert is making friends. It's a lot longer, more difficult and pain-staking process for me than it is for most people. The extraverts see me as quiet and unapproachable and unlikeable and maybe even stupid. I'm sure having a speech impediment doesn't help me sound any smarter, but I was born with that too.


For the record, although introversion and shyness don't necessarily go hand in hand, I have both.


I always want to yell to people, "I actually DO want you to talk to me. I'm acting aloof because I'm shy and quiet. But I do have a personality that might be worth getting to know. And honestly, I want to get to know you. But you're bolder than me. The ball's in your court. Please." And then I feel sad and frustrated with myself. Time to learn how to send messages telepathically.


Reminds me of the dad in Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, when he wore the monkey translator in order to tell his son how he felt and stuff. I tried to find a clip of that scene to show you people but I couldn't.


But seriously. I've been an outcast many, many times. At times I hated who I was, an introvert, because it put me in this position. And I can't help it any more than I can change my height or the rate my fingernails grow or the natural color of my hair. They're just built-in.


I tweeted on March 26 of this year, "I say about 10 words a day. I probably write about 19387489130. And I probably think a zillion times more words than that."


Well, that's pretty accurate.


~~~
However, this year I have finally started to discover ways in which being an introvert can be a very good thing!
1) People trust me more and open up to me.
2) The worthwhile friends actually take the time to get to know me.
3) Solitude is productive time, not at all torturous.
4) Fewer, but much deeper, friendships.
5) I think really deep thoughts without needing to talk through them.
6) Even though I'm not a good oral communicator, I'm a good writer.


Yep,  it's not a very long list; it's a work in progress. But slowly, surely, I'm beginning to like and even feel comfortable with my quiet nature. Besides, as some of you may know, I do come out of my shell a lot once I feel at ease and comfortable with my surroundings and the people around me. It's just a matter of time.


Thanks for understanding. I apologize for not talking to you. 


But for you extraverts out there, next time you meet an introvert, or even just see one, make the first move. You probably won't regret it. :)


God bless