Why I love being an introvert

I was watching this Ted Talk called “The power of introverts” by Susan Cain. It’s a very well done video, I highly recommend you watch. In the video, she described some of her experiences as an introvert, and also talked about how we live in a society built for extroverts. The way most schools, and workplaces are set up directly caters to extroverts. Despite this, she spoke glowingly about being an introvert. As someone who identifies as an introvert, it got me thinking. Why do I love being an introvert?

People generally classify as either an introvert or an extrovert. However no one is fully introverted or extroverted, but people lean one way or the other. Introverts enjoy, and sometimes crave, time to themselves and can sometimes feel overwhelmed in large social gatherings (like parties). Introverts are generally thought of as being quiet, which can be misinterpreted as them not liking people. However that’s not always the case. It may take them a little while to open up, but introverts enjoy socializing, it’s just usually with a small selective group of people that they’re close with. This is the main reason they prefer to have a small circle of friends (rather than a larger group of friends). Introverts generally don’t like small talk, however they like getting to know people on a deeper level. Introverts generally try to avoid contact with strangers, and people in general, while in public situations. Often times they’ll wear headphones or try to avoid eye contact while walking around in public. Introverts generally prefer expressing themselves by writing or typing instead of in person. They will avoid voicing their opinion in public, social situations (like in class, or a meeting) unless they see their input as absolutely necessary. These traits and characteristics aren’t inherently bad, but they can lead to introverts being misunderstood by more extroverted people.

Growing up I was looked at as being weird for being quiet and wanting to keep to myself. I used to wish I could be like some of the other people around me who were more outspoken. But over the years I began to appreciate my introvertedness. There’s power in the willingness to be alone. That is something that’s at the core of all introverts. People who are more introverted don’t need others to be fulfilled as much as extroverted people. Spending time alone teaches you how to rely on yourself which is the most important part of independence. Spending a lot of time with yourself teaches you things about yourself that you can’t learn otherwise. True self love is one of the most important things a person can attain, and I believe the only way to attain it, is by spending time alone with yourself and your thoughts.

Introverts tend to be more thoughtful and introspective than extroverts. This can be a good and bad thing. The best way to learn from your mistakes is to be introspective and self analyzing. This leads to more growth, however it can also hold you back. Introverts are less likely to make rash decisions, but they are also less likely to try new things. At times introverts may get trapped in their own thoughts, which prevents them from doing things that an extrovert would be more likely to do. These traits lead to introverts being more observant than extroverts. This, along with being introspective and thoughtful can lead to increased creativity as well as thought provoking discussions if they choose to open up to you.

It’s easy to overlook introverted people. Oftentimes they’re the people watching and observing extroverts from the sideline. Amazed by extroverts’ boldness, and willingness to do things that introverts don’t think that they themselves are capable of doing. But introverts are amazing in their own way. While being an introvert has its pros and cons, I wouldn’t want to change anything about it.

Here’s the link to the Ted Talk I mentioned earlier: