Introvertism

The other day I came across a hilariously true article written by an introvert. You see, I am also an introvert, and what this girl wrote sums me up pretty darn well. So, I have decided to blog about it and let the world get to know me a little better. Here is the article paraphrased and also with some of my own observations and thoughts added. Enjoy!

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AN OPEN LETTER FROM INTROVERTS 
TO EXTROVERTS

Hi there, it’s us, Introverts. We just wanted to write a quick note to everyone to clear the air. We know that we can be hard to read, a little closed off, and even irritable sometimes, but we do love you. To help you deal with us, we have put together a list of things you should know.

1. WEEKDAYS ARE ME DAYS

“Errr…Book Club is on Mondays? Um. Ok I can’t make it. Ever. Why? Because it’s on Monday.”

We swear it’s not because we don’t like you. And it’s also not just because we want to catch up on on the latest Bachelor. The reality is, we don’t want to have to be “on” for three more hours. Socializing is for the weekends and the occasional Thursday (or every Thursday if you’re in college). We’re up for it then. We’re not up for it on Mondays. Of course we bend the rules for special occasions. So basically, if it’s not your birthday, it can wait ’til Friday.

2. IF YOU CALL ME, HAVE A REASON

Business? We’ll answer. Big news? Ok. Just to talk? Hahahaha. Unless you fall into our “special human” category, we’re probably not answering your phone calls. And frankly even our special humans get screened (sorry, mom). Once again, it’s not that we don’t like you. It’s because we simply do not have the energy to talk for the sake of talking. Texting is our real friend. If you text us, then you have to tell us what you want to talk about, and we like that lots. Phone calls are for catching up and achieving goals. Anything else is considered a no-go.

3. PEOPLE WE KNOW BETTER BE THERE

Oh, kindergarten. So long ago, we were all shoved into a classroom and told to make friends. So, naturally, us Introverts know how to socialize just like everybody else. But don’t mistake this for being extroverted! The difference is, we legitimately feel like passing out directly after talking to other humans. And this is probably why we ask the dreaded question, “Well…who is going?” We aren’t saying you’re not cool, we’re just preparing ourselves. For what, you may ask? For talking to humans we do not know followed by leaving the party early. Sorry we’re not sorry. Being in a room full of strangers, or even just acquaintances, is one of my worst nightmares. 

4. WE ARE OK WITHOUT A BAJILLION FRIENDS

Clearly it makes sense that if we are horribly rotten at meeting new people, then we probably won’t have a ton of friends. Pretty simple logic. And we’re totally ok with that. However, the friends we do have are flipping fabulous. Take me for example! If you are one of my dear friends, then one of three things happened:

1. I met you long ago in school and you liked me enough to stick around

2. You are the most extroverted individual on the planet and could talk to a wall for hours

3. You clawed your way in

I’m not even kidding. That’s how I met all SIX of my lovely friends.  

Moral of the story? If you’re friends with one of us, we love you more than you know, and you’re  fabulous.

5. WE DON’T REACH OUT WELL

Oh, the horror. Here’s the lowdown: we feel desperate or clingy when we ask someone to dinner, fake and slimy when we network, and self absorbed when filling in a distant friend on our lives. That’s no excuse–we have to work on these things, but be patient with us. If these things come easier for you, help a little lost Introvert out! We’re cute, and what we lack in social aggression we make up for with good listening skills. Seriously, in groups I don't like talking about myself. I just let others ramble on about themselves and smile and nod. 

6. WE NEED YOU

Oh so badly. Please, please, PLEASE talk to us and text (not call) us and love us! We must have extroverts in our lives to maintain friendships, get out of the house, and get out of our scary minds. You guys are simply a necessity. Extroverts love keeping in touch with others and they love including others. We need you in our lives. Befriend us. Date us. Marry us. Please. Without your energy, our little introverted hearts become consumed and cluttered and it’s TOO MUCH. Sigh.

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Thank God I married an extrovert. If it were up to me we would stay in every night, watch movies, and go on dates. My sweet husband makes me be social, and most of the time I end up glad I was. But, that is not without basically a whole day of rest afterwards. Being social wears my little introverted ass out! A bachelorette weekend or wedding weekend? I am down for the count for a week. Thank you, honey, for helping to balance me out.