What it's Like to be an Introvert

by - September 03, 2016


Being an introvert person, I sometimes wonder if it would have any difference if I were an extrovert. Sure, it's a known fact that I'm an introvert and that I am shy. But it is sometimes ironic how I express myself to other people because they say I am very frank with what I want to say. I guess being an introvert and being shy is not synonymous. Will I have many friends if I were an extrovert? I often wonder if it would have affected my blogging if I liked spending more time with people. How does it feel if you have many friends as you have no problems hanging out with different people?  

First and foremost.. what exactly is the definition of the word "introvert"? According to www.vocabulary.com, Introvert comes from Latin intro-, "inward," and vertere, "turning." It describes a person who tends to turn inward mentally. Introverts sometimes avoid large groups of people, feeling more energized by time alone.

I hope I can give justice to all the introverts out there by writing this article, but this is just me.  I guess it still varies and it depends on the person's personality.

So here we go.. 

1. I like to spend my time alone

If there's one thing people know about introverts, it is that they love spending time alone. So there you go. But not like all the time. Basically, to be an introvert means enjoying more alone time. I can't speak for all introverts but I guess if someone were to invite me to a party, I would still go provided that the invited people are my friends. I choose my friends wisely and sometimes, although I categorize someone as my friend, I still am not comfortable talking to him or her alone. It requires a deep level of closeness before I overcome my awkwardness in talking to other people. Based on the people that I am close with right now, these people are actually my opposites. They are the ones who reached out to me and sooner, I felt that I can be me when I am with them.

There are also some occasions where I was the one who reached out. Primarily because I think we're the same and that I can be comfortable around them. To help you visualize, I like having coffee in Starbucks (but I order green tea latte most of the time), or tea in CBTL alone. I love to write alone, hence this blog of mine. Sometimes I like shopping alone but it makes my heart melt when someone would volunteer to go with me.  

2. I am awkward, Like all the time

I don't initiate conversations. And don't get me wrong, I know it's not good but I'm working my way there. Small talk for people like me are horrendous. I don't know any stuff about it and if I were to talk to you, please know that it takes a lot of my guts to utter such words. It ain't easy. Most of the time, I will just smile at you. But again, don't get me wrong, I am trying to be friendly.. and I really want to. 

3. It's hard to be spontaneous while being an introvert

Why? Because as I've mentioned, I have limited number of friends. And some of them, I'm not even comfortable to be alone with. So when I want to go somewhere spontaneously, most of my "preferred" friends aren't available. And in the end, I have to go alone, again. By myself. Being a spontaneous person, and a blogger at the same time, it's really hard. Especially when I want to attend events but there's no one among my friends that's available. And don't ever think that my boyfriend can go with me all the time. First off, he's not required to go with me, and second, he also has his responsibilities so he can't just cancel all his appointments/responsibilities just because I need someone to go with me. Though sure, of course, he goes with me from time to time. And being a supportive girlfriend, I understand. 

There are times when I want to try a new restaurants around.. then there are times when I want to go somewhere, but then again.. it's quite hard knowing my friends aren't available. And it's understandable. Maybe it's confusing that I'm asking someone to accompany me whenever I go somewhere but at the same time, I like being alone.. yes, I love being alone. But sometimes, I just want to be with someone too. Like kwentuhan and stuff, you know.

"That's the thing about introverts; we wear our chaos on the inside where no one can see it."
- Michaela Chung | The Irresistible Introvert 

4. I'm the quiet girl in the corner scrolling through her feed for the last 4 hours (or more)

When surrounded by people I'm not really close with.. I'm the girl who scrolls through her feed. Sure, I am trying to socialize.. but after some time, it's evident that I failed, like always. My head is rummaging through all the stuff that I can use as conversation starters but I just can't seem to utter the words. This might be because I am also a shy person. See?? Just how horrible (and beautiful at the same time) to be an introvert while being a shy person too?? I feel like I am a turtle wanting to hide inside my shell. And nope, I'm not exaggerating here! All these are the truth and nothing but the truth!

5. I let other people talk, while I listen 

I don't usually talk or raise my hand because I know some other people are already thinking what I'm thinking. I would just voice out my opinion when someone from the group wasn't able to blurt out what I was thinking. Most of the time, I just listen (I'm a good listener btw!), I don't want to interrupt someone talking because I know how it feels when someone interrupts you. To argue of course is different. We agree to disagree (because we're humans!). Whenever I have something to say, I make sure you get my point, hear it, and most importantly, understand it.  

6. I'm quite fascinated when people actually remembers me!

Because I don't talk that much and I don't feel my presence is needed. This is true mostly when my barkada plans a night out. I don't expect them to invite me but whenever they do, it feels nice. Well, the case is different of course when I'm with my closest friends. My personal group of friends really makes me feel important because I know they're just there and so am I to them. 

What it's like to be an introvert

7. The case is different when I'm in work

Most especially to meetings. I am proactive and I voice out my opinion. I'm quite competitive too. So I guess it helps that I want to be better when I am in the office because it makes me talk to people. Lol! I'm working my way to outgrow my shyness but it looks like it's here to stay for quite some more time. 

8. It's hard reaching out

Especially when you need help. One example I can give is when I started out this blog. My goal for this blog is for it to become successful in terms of organic visits. This goal requires a lot of networking and talking to people. When I first started my blog's Facebook page, I am hesitant because who will like the page anyway? People I know that will actually like it were my friends. But as I've mentioned, I have few trusted friends. I guess it's one challenge that I have to face knowing that I'll never be an extrovert person. And up to this day, I'm struggling to make my blog's Facebook page have more likes. 

9. I am very outspoken, noisy, and bungisngis when I'm with my friends

Yes, I'm always quiet and I love to be alone. But when I'm with my favorite people, I become cray cray too! Good kind of crazy I guess. We love to party too! And do many stuff.. but with our choice of people. :)

This is just me. I can't speak for all introverts. I guess we can now bust the myth that introverts are boring. We aren't boring you know! We just choose whom we can show our real true self. Lol! And yes, it you're that person we can be comfortable with, then you're lucky. Do not ever break our trust.
 
Any ambivert or extrovert out there? What can you say? :)




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40 comments

  1. I can so relate to this! I saw the funniest t-shirt the other day: Introverts Unite! We're here, we're uncomfortable, and we want to go home!

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  2. I'm quit and laid back until get know you. Put down the phone

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  3. Girl I feel you on this! Especially the feeling awkward... all the time haahha! But we make it work ;)
    XOX, Brooke @ Dailylifewithb.com

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  4. Yes yes yes, couldn't agree more

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  5. Thanks for the insight! My husband is an introvert and sometimes it is hard to understand him!

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  6. I am a total extrovert, LOL... so its super interesting to read from the other point of view!

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  7. I like to spend time alone too, and sometimes people don't always understand that when I'm out for dinner by myself I actually WANT to be alone. I relate to this post a lot.

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  8. Great read and a fresh perspective. I'm a total extrovert so when people are shy and quite I often think if I said or did something wrong; so this is a refreshing perspective.

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  9. Couldn't agree more, I can be quite introverted at times too

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  10. Oh, this sounds like you wrote about me!! haha.. it's always nice to read about others who feel the same in different situations.

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  11. Introverts definitely are more reserved, but that is also a good thing! I know so many people who can relate to this article :)

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  12. I'm not really an introvert but it can be draining for me to be in public places or with large groups of people all the time.

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  13. There is a lot of good being an introvert, but the question is, are you really an introvert as you can be bungisngis and madaldal with close friends? Let me give you an example of why introvert is good. Couple of them. In a relationship, the need for a me time or quiet time even when together is important. Introverts are quiet so there you go. Surprised why people remember you? Because you listened to them talk and talk. :)

    http://www.amazinglifedaily.com #AmazingLifeDaily

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  14. My daughter is an introvert and your post really hit home. Thanks for sharing

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  15. Girl I can totally relate to this!

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  16. I can relate to a lot of points! I'm not a total introvert, feel like one day I'm and one day I'm not :D

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  17. Anonymous9/05/2016

    I can completely relate! Thanks for sharing!

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  18. I can relate to this ! Thank you for sharing

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  19. I'm an introvert as well and loved to read your blog. I recognize so many things. At work i'm totally different to. Because there I know what I need to do, and then I just do it because it's my job. I hate going to parties where I don't know anyone. I'm also very bad at small talk when I don't know someone that well. However, I managed to make friends. And sometimes when I'm in a group of friends I can't believe I really made it. That this is me being more comfortable than 10 years ago.

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  20. I'm totally an introvert! Thank you for this wonderful article :)

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  21. Your post made me think a lot about myself. But no one would believe me if I'll say I'm an introvert. It's normal to be shy at first but maybe if you start at the right track you will gain more friends :)

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  22. I find myself an introvert when in high school. I would just prefer to sit in one corner or spend my lunch at the library. Though i have friends, i just find it hard to mingle with the noisy and famous ones. Now, i still find myself quiet at many times. I find it hard sometimes to connect with strangers and start a conversation. But i am more confident in myself. Being quiet or shy isnt being an introvert for me. It is just knowing your place or jusy being careful than tackless and create a not so nice impression

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  23. There is something to be said for enjoying some quiet time. I don't classify myself an an introvert but you've made some great observations. It makes me think there is a little bit of a hidden introvert in us all. It's good to see that you can open up and still be crazy with your friends!

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  24. I'm naturally an introvert and in my older age have learned to embrace it more and truly love it. I've discovered an art of alone that is a beautiful, beautiful thing. :)

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  25. Very insightful. Thanks for sharing. :)

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  26. It's so funny, because online I seem all outgoing, but in person, it takes me a while to warm up to people. I'm the person who sits all awkwardly across from people not knowing what to say when I actually have to speak LOL.

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  27. Can I say I'm an introvert,too? I am also shy and wants to be alone most of the time, I don't want small talks, I feel awkward. But being alone helps me discover my purpose, it helps me know myself more and it gives me my identity. Your thoughts on being an introvert are cool, people will no longer find 'us' weird. *wink*

    gracefulmusings.com
    mommygraceblog.wordpress.com

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  28. I'm not an introvert but I love spending time alone when pressure and life are getting my system. Being an introvert definitely gives you a fair share of advantages.

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  29. I'm super introverted too and could relate to so many of these points you've made! Glad there's someone else out there who can relate ;) xo, sharon

    www.stylelullaby.com

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  30. I am an introvert myself. And I agree with most of what you wrote above. I love being alone, it's the time where I can think, reflect, plan and stuff. I sometimes even talk to myself. I'm also a very good listener so when I talk to myself, I listen carefully. :P

    But I also agree, sometimes, we have to move out of our comfort zones so we could grow and learn new skills or do the job that needs to be done.

    http://thetopknotters.com

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  31. I loved reading this, because I am such an extrovert, It is so good to read about how other people may percieve things so I can be sentitive and aware. Love this post.

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  32. I think this is accurate since I'm an extrovert. Yes, I do spend time alone, but I'm not sane if I don't talk to somebody. I'm spontaneous and I reach out to people. Plus, whenever I'm surrounded with new people, I end up not touching my phone since I make it a point to get to know and bond with the people.

    You have one question that I'd like to answer. "How does it feel if you have many friends as you have no problems hanging out with different people?"

    I, indeed, don't have problems hanging out with different people, but I still seek the company of my genuine friends. And the problem with that is they're only a tiny portion of the thousand. The real friends also have their own lives so I literally have the one to schedule every time since I'm the one always craving for their company. The only good thing that comes out of it is that whenever they're not free, I use the time to blog and write as if I were talking to them.

    Me-An Clemente of yogoandcream.com.

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  33. Great post. Very informative

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  34. I can relate to so many of this! Specially listening to others while I don't even speak.

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  35. I care relate to a lot of those points, I am an introvert too. However, even if I tend to be alone most of the time, I do like to do things with people too. And I get depressed when I don't.

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  36. I want to tell you your presence is always needed. I was definitely an introvert as a child but as I grew up I became more outgoing. I noticed the more confident I felt about myself made it much easier to interact with others. I do still love to have alone time though. Thanks for sharing.

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  37. yes, actually introvert and shy are not synonymous! you can be just an introvert yet not shy. but if you're both, then your social life might just be a little tough. i like to think that while an extrovert enjoys being surrounded by people and they recharge while they're socialising and it mentally drains them when they're alone, we introverts have it otherwise. if there's a need for us to socialise, we can do it as well as an extrovert does! but the only difference is that it mentally drains us (at least it does to me) and we need aloneness to recharge.

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  38. Im an ambivert as well. I want to be alone but then I am forced into seeing someone and I'm all friendly and smily when inside I want them to get the hell away from me. I make plans and then back out. I accept invitations and then have anxiety attacks over the fact that I might have to actually go to whatever I agreed to. its no fun. i feel you.

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  39. As an Introvert, there is this one saying that I always uphold. "Introverts Unite! Separately at our own room." And because there will always be a time when I have to talk to people. They always tell me that I speak rarely, but when I open my lips, I am always on point and does not waste words. I guess, that's one of the perks you can have especially if you are dealing people in a meeting.

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  40. I am an introvert borderline antisocial, arghh. I don't know my next door neighbors and I only have few people that I consider as friends. My partner is an extrovert and it took time for us to adjust cause he's friendly to people and as much as possible I avoid contact to people. I love being an introvert, no dramas in life.

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