3 Reminders for Introverts During World Introvert Day

Ensuring Our Introversion Stays Grounded

It recently came to my attention that January 2nd was now designated World Introvert Day. I never knew this day existed until my extroverted wife provided the knowledge while browsing Youtube alone under a warm, snuggly blanket.

Oh, the irony.

When asked about my thoughts on this development, I told her I had mixed feelings. While I take pride in being introverted, the explosion of chatter over introversion as of late can be troublesome.

A quick web search and one realizes how the introvert moniker is everywhere. Falling into this identity class means there is no shortage of websites or books telling you why people perceive you as strange, painfully shy, or some mythical creature never seen after sundown.

And I get it — stereotypes on the introversion spectrum abound. However, I suspect not as much as it once did.

Honestly, I’ve found the introvert characterizations can border on discussion overkill. I’ve attended countless educational seminars on the benefits of introversion (and, sadly, none on extroversion). It’s like this grand introvert awakening in the educational system.

Which foreseeably is why we introverts now get a calendar day. Granted, it’s not all bad, and I relish any chance to read dry theological books next to a roaring fire. However, by assimilating into the extroverted nature of my in-laws, I have learned to promote healthy introversion.

Below are three important reminders for all introverts to consider — especially as we celebrate our special World Introvert Day.

1. Being misunderstood is real whether you are introverted or not

The reality is we are all misunderstood to a degree and at different times — introverts and extroverts alike.

We introverts are unable to lay sole claim to this reality. Many of my extroverted friends have been miscast and misconstrued into something they are not. So too with others in the middle of the introversion/extroversion spectrum. This reality is part of being human.

So introverts, please be careful whenever identifying as painfully dissimilar from all others. While our interior minds might build majestic thought tapestries impenetrable to many, such doesn’t entail we are more special in our capacity to be misunderstood.

2. Introversion is no excuse for impolite behaviors

Being introverted will never justify dismissing small talk, parties, politeness, or common courtesy. Sometimes we need to grow and push ourselves — even when it goes against our introverted nature.

For example, when a new neighbor moved in across the street, my wife and I did what we thought was customary. We greeted her when she came outside to work on her front yard — a short introduction and welcoming. The awkwardness of our neighbor’s stare and silence to this greeting remains legendary. We couldn’t even arrive at the status of small talk.

When we mentioned this story to a friend, she said how the neighbor was probably introverted and kept to herself. I understood why she arrived at this conclusion but respectfully disagreed.

In this scenario, such behavior bordered on impoliteness. Our neighbor never attempted to greet us (or even wave). Under no circumstances should introverts present this unkind behavior as their introverted self.

No one gets a free pass to be rude or inhospitable.

No one gets to disavow all small talk as mundane (especially since most meaningful relationships start this way).

And no one gets to hide their faults behind their personality type.

3. Being introverted is a not harder path

Forgo making the mistake of thinking introverts have it harder in life.

Yes, there have been countless times where my introverted nature wanted to scream (silently, of course, in a room by myself). After engaging others at work, the last thing I want to do when returning home is to socialize more.

However, for my extroverted wife, a day of staying at home to care for the kids without adult social interaction is just as hard. The last thing she wants to do at the end of the day is sit in front of the television by herself.

The point should be clear — both can be hard. Any circumstance provides difficulty depending on where one sits on the introversion/extroversion spectrum.

Remember to give this consideration to all people regardless of their introversion status.

Introverts are — in so many ways — similar to non-introverted people roaming the planet. And this point is critical to remember. It keeps us in check so that our introversion doesn’t become overblown in importance.

Of course, introverts are beneficial for society, and this recognition warrants a degree of celebration(thank you, World Introvert Day founders).

But introverts must remember how we are all misunderstood people with difficult situations to navigate. We can never hide behind our introversion by failing to recognize this fact.

Which begs the question posed by my wife, When exactly is World Extrovert Day?