Being an introvert
Being an introvert is tough. Today I’m sharing something that introverts don’t really talk about much … mostly because introverts don’t really talk that much.
The stereotype
There’s this stereotype about introverts – being quiet, shy, and anti-social. However, being an introvert or extrovert is all about where you get your energy from, or how you recharge when your mental energy levels are low. Extroverts gain energy from being social and interacting with many people. On the other hand, introverts get their energy from alone time – that is how we recharge.
Workshops and personalities
A few years ago, I was part of a mentorship program at my university. Once every week or so our group got together and an expert in a field would come and talk to us about their topic. One time we had a workshop about “Your personality in the workplace.”
Prior to the workshop, we had to do an online personality test. Surprise, surprise, it said that I am an introvert. I have known for a long time that I am an introvert and I have made my peace with it (if only the extroverts could make peace with it as well).
What took me aback was how I had been in denial about how bad my state of introvert-ism was. That test said that on a scale from one to a hundred I was 78% introvert. 78%!!! That’s a freaking distinction!
Older and wiser?
That was a couple of years ago and I reckoned that I must have changed a bit. I mean, I feel a lot different than back then (personal growth and such). I definitely feel way more confident (thank you, karate). So, I decided to take the test again, seeing as I’m so much ‘older and wiser’.
The results? Mostly the same. I’m still an INFJ, which is a rare personality type. I can’t decide whether that is a good or a bad thing. However, this time I’m only 71% introvert – see, progress was made.
I am the stereotypes
Confession time: I do conform to most of the stereotypes of introverts. I love my alone time, especially when I can spend it reading or writing, I’m a bit shy (especially around strangers), and I guess I don’t talk much. The reason for this is because I like listening and people watching. I love people watching, it’s like watching wildlife.
And now a quick side note: for the love of all things shy, don’t ask the introvert, “Hey, why are you so quiet?” or even worse, the sarcastic “Hey, you’re taking over the whole conversation.” When you ask me that I don’t suddenly feel like talking, I just feel like kicking you in the face.
Now, to contradict what I have just said, I used to teach and now I do one on one tutor sessions, which obviously requires me to interact with a lot of strangers. However, it isn’t that bad for me because the interaction is structured in a way, and if you’re nice and show them that you’re on their side most people can be pretty cool.
We take time to warm up to people
One of my best friends is also an introvert. Do you know what is really awesome? When we started becoming friends and I saw her getting more comfortable in my company, and later she wasn’t shy to show her crazy side. That was awesome.
Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to enjoy some me-time with a good book.
“I like being weird. Weird is all I have; that and my sweet style.” ~ Moss (IT Crowd)
Michelle
P.S. If you’d like to contact me, feel free to comment below, send an email to thatmichelleperson@gmail.com, or follow me on Twitter @M_ClutterBox.
