Simply Introverted In An Extroverted World
I’ve been called shy, quiet, a gentle giant, weird, strange, and a loner. When ever my naturally introverted nature has been the topic of discussion it’s always with a tacitly implied negative connotation.
There is a real imbalance within the American culture when it comes to introverts and extroverts. We are told literally by everyone in our lives that it is far more desirable to have extroverted characteristics over having introverted tendencies. I’ve always been pegged as an introvert within seconds of someone meeting me. Even if I’m completely silent something about me screams, “I’m an introverted intellectual!”
The crazy thing is, my whole life, I’ve tried not to be introverted. I’ve forced myself to participate in parties, school events, public speaking engagements, thespian productions, and many more events that forced me to overcome my crippling “social disability,” but to no avail.
Recently, though, I’ve realized that being an introverted sort of Being is actually not a thing to be disdained or embarrassed about. In fact I’ve noticed more and more introverted people finding their voices and adding true value to the human experience.
I’ve even witnessed introverts teaming up with extroverts on shared projects to bring about incredible leaps of innovation. The introverts learning to “speak up” when they have valuable insights and the extroverts learning to “actively listen” when another person has something important to communicate.
Many introverts are also learning to “contribute to the human conversation” in other ways. Personally I really like blogging because I can take as much time as I like gathering and simplifying my thoughts that I feel could be of value to others then I can release them out into the universe.
True value is imbedded within the true meaning behind our words, not the individual words themselves. A book should not be judged by it’s cover because that is just a superficial facade. Instead it is important to look deeper to find the valuable truth. It is true that “still waters run deep.”
The question is, as introverts, how do we get others to dive into the depths that we are so familiar with? Simplicity is the Key to good communication. The clearer and simpler an idea is conveyed the more likely it will be received and properly understood.
Sadly when one is an introvert they may have a difficult time speaking publicly, their nervousness will show in their body language as well as through their voices and it will distract from their message.
That is why so many introverts have found ways to communicate online. No longer do introverts need to feel so entirely exposed if we want to talk about the subjects that interest us.
All of my life I’ve been mostly surrounded by extroverts and for a long time I really did think that something was wrong with me, but being an introvert is nothing to be ashamed of. I’m most comfortable when I’m by myself, thinking my own thoughts, and feeling my own feelings, and that’s entirely okay.
We all have the right to be ourselves without feeling like there’s something wrong with us!
We all have the right to express ourselves in the most comfortable way as possible!
No longer do we need to force ourselves to be in uncomfortable public situations and apologize for being a little awkward.
If I need to take a nap after going to a public place for an hour or two, I have every right to take that nap and not feel embarrassed about it.
No longer do we need to feel ashamed when someone calls us out in a social setting. We can say, “yes, I’m an introvert, and so what?”
I truly believe that so much can be gained if we adopt a viewpoint of mutual respect and understanding between introverts and extroverts!
Each of us brings something truly special to the table. We are different but equally valuable. Balance is not only possible but preferable and it All starts with Us.
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