Life of an Introvert

Summary

The article "Life of an Introvert" dispels common misconceptions about introversion, emphasizing that introverts enjoy meaningful interactions on their own terms and need to recharge after social activities.

Abstract

"Life of an Introvert" delves into the true nature of introversion, challenging the stereotypes that paint introverts as shy or antisocial. The author explains that introverts do appreciate good company, but only when it involves people they are close to. Socializing with strangers can be draining for them, and they often find themselves fielding intrusive questions about their quiet demeanor. The article highlights that introverts are not shy or quiet by nature; they simply prefer to exist within their comfort zones, which often involves solitude and reflection. Introverts are observers of life, absorbing the world's stories and details that others might overlook. They engage in activities that allow for introspection and connection with their surroundings, such as journaling, writing, reading, and exercising. While they can enjoy social gatherings, they require time alone to recharge, a need that should be understood and respected by others.

Opinions

Introverts are often misunderstood as being shy or depressed, which is not an accurate representation of their personality.
Introverts value deep connections with a select few rather than broad social networks.
Social interactions, especially with strangers, can be exhausting for introverts, leading them to prefer solitude.
Introverts are introspective and find inspiration in observing the world around them, often engaging in activities that allow for quiet contemplation.
Introverts do not necessarily dislike social events but need time alone to recover from the energy expended during such interactions.
The author suggests that introverts should not be judged or questioned for their lifestyle choices, as these are integral to their identity and well-being.

How do we live alone?

There are a lot of stereotypes about us introverts. That we’re shy, depressed and we don’t like people. That’s not exactly how it is.

We actually enjoy a good company. A good company means people we’re close with. If we have to choose between spending time alone, or with people we don’t know — we’ll choose to be alone. Spending time with strangers is cool — if you want to feel exhausted right after you leave them. We don’t like being in the center of affection with questions like — ‘Why are you so shy?’ ‘Why are you so quiet?’. Questions, we had been asking since we remember. And the answer is we’re not shy, or quiet. We are just us. This is how we live. This is our comfort zone. This is how we express ourselves.

I like to just be. Be me, constantly looking for inspiration. Observing the world that surrounds me, understanding its story, thinking about characters on the bus, at University, at work. Think about it as everything would be in slow motion. What you see is a narrow path to follow every day, whatever you’re doing you’re only interacting with things that concern your task. You don’t look what’s beside, you’re focused on your target. But I can see the full picture. I can see the lamps on the streets, hear the music from every bar I’m passing, feel the warmth of the sun, or the ground. The world has so many elements to be aware of, things to think about, and for us, it is important to be aware. We want to know the story, that life is telling. The full story.

During the day we like doing things that not require interacting with people. I like journaling next to the candle every day, writing my novel, reading for hours, staring at the horizon, walking, doing workouts. Doing things slowly, but not in a phlegmatic way. Just to enjoy every moment, to feel all the elements of the activity I’m doing. We can share our moments with someone, but with someone who understands. Someone who knows how we live.

What you need to understand in us is that we might even enjoy spending time with people. We can have fun even in loud, crowded places. The difference is we need to recharge after that. For you it can be resting, but not for us. We might want to leave earlier, not because we didn't have fun — because we lost energy for being around the people for some time. So please don’t be mad at us. Just try to understand.