Positively Introverted

As someone who is the poster child for introversion, I’d like to clear up a few misconceptions that even some fellow introverts seem to have.

• No two people are alike.
• Not all introverts see themselves as victims who are put upon by society.
• Not all introverts act strange in social situations. We just don’t feel as comfortable in them.
• Introverts are capable of making friends. In fact, we are really good friends to have. We just are more likely to enjoy those friends in small groups, and not on a daily basis, rather than in large crowds, all the time.
• Being an introvert is not the equivalent of hating humanity.
• Introverts don’t need to be cured of their introversion. (Those who think they do have other issues.)
• While all recluses tend to be introverts, most introverts do not become recluses.
• Introverts don’t need to struggle to succeed, because they’re not failures in the first place.
• Introverts don’t need to change simply because they’re introverts.
• Not all introverts have low self-esteem. Many of us are fine with who we are. In fact, we like ourselves enough to be entertained by our own company. (If you have low self-esteem, please seek help.)
• Not all introverts are profoundly depressed. (If you are depressed, please seek help.)
• Introversion is not a mental illness.
• Not all introverts are angry at the world. (If you are angry at the world, you have other issues to deal with.)
• Not all introverts walk around wearing a crown of thorns because they’re bitter about how they have been treated in the past. Introverts can get past traumas at about the same rate as the rest of humanity. (In other words, with mixed results, but we’re not a guaranteed failure at it.)
• Not all introverts blame everything on past relationships or the idiots they encountered in school. A healthy introvert is capable of realizing when to focus on being his or her best self, because the past isn’t going anywhere, but you still can. I promise.

Yes, I’m an introvert. It is a trait I was born with, like having blue eyes. I enjoy my own company. I have friends. I also enjoy their company, just not on a daily basis. I’m not bitter or angry or a victim. I’m content. I’m happy. I like who I am. I’m not misunderstood by me, and that’s what matters most, but it would be nice to not be misunderstood by you as well.

Do you enjoy my random musings? Then you’ll love my book! http://amzn.to/2mlPVh5

Author: The View from a Drawbridge

I have been a bridgetender since 2001, and gives me plenty of time to think and observe the world. View all posts by The View from a Drawbridge