Introverts get a bad rap.
When you picture an introvert, it's typically someone who is withdrawn, maybe a bit anti-social and possibly lacking in self-confidence. Although there may be some truth to these characteristics, it's a bit stereotypical to define every introvert in the same way.
There's an entire spectrum of various types of introverts, not just the same shy person we all assume.
There are also a variety of myths associated with introverts. For instance, many assume we aren't very successful, confident or friendly. Everyone has got it terribly wrong.
The truth of it is, not all introverts look or act like the image we have perpetuated in our heads.
As an introvert, I spend a lot of my time and energy feeling guilty, like being an introvert is somehow shameful.
But after much introspection (again, just something that I like to do), I've come to realize there is no shame in being who I am, introverted and all.
1. We legitimately don't get FOMO.
Obviously, the term FOMO was developed by an extrovert because as an introvert, I never feel like I'm somehow missing out by not going to that party, get-together or any other random social situation you may have.
I truly feel the most comfortable when I'm at home in my sweats, binge-watching all the TV shows I've missed throughout the week.
After a busy and long work week, introverts need time to recharge so we can show up for our loved ones as our best selves. And we recharge our batteries by being alone.
By having some quiet time to ourselves, whether it involves a book, a bath and some candles or a solo dance party in leggings and a sweatshirt, we look forward to these moments when we can just be alone with our thoughts.
There are a lot of negative attitudes around introverts. The various myths are that we are all shy, anti-social and rude.
While we may understand all these sentiments are false, it's hard to stop the people-pleasers in all of us to conform to society's beliefs that everyone should be an extrovert to live the "best" life.
This leads to introverts feeling ashamed and embarrassed for not being able to be as extroverted as others. And all this shame and embarrassment results in one burnt out and crabby introvert.
That is why it's so important to know it is perfectly natural and normal to be an introvert. It's time for all of us to dissipate the false beliefs around introversion and begin to expand our beliefs around introverts.
Just like you shouldn't apologize for having blonde hair, you should never apologize for a personality trait, such as introversion. It is not something that ever needs to be changed.
It is a part of who you are, and it's a beautiful character trait that deserves to be nurtured, not condemned.
3. There are so many perks to being an introvert.
Let's just discuss some of the benefits of being an introvert.
First, we typically have an intense intuition since we spend a bunch of time alone with ourselves and our thoughts. Secondly, we are extremely sensitive to the feelings of others. This makes us extremely sincere and compassionate friends.
Third, we are typically very independent people. Fourth, we often have a high appreciation of the little things in life.
If you are an introvert like me, please don't apologize for it. Be proud of it. Embrace it.
If you're an extrovert, you're not better or worse than an introvert. We are all simply different people.
And it's because of these two different personality styles that we can have various interactions in the world. It's exactly the way it should be.