Ranting about the frustrations of being an introvert
In my 21 years in this world, I’ve struggled as an introvert and endured more than I could stand. Every day, I learn new things about myself that have helped in my growth. However, being an introvert has been one of the hardest things for me to live with.
People don’t understand my behaviors, which has given me an inaccurate idea from them. Even my longtime friends may still not comprehend the reasons behind my behaviors. Because introverts aren’t generally open books, I don’t talk to people until they first talk to me.
Ranting about the frustrations of being an introvert
Checking up on people
Since we see each other almost every day, chatting with my friends online during the pre-pandemic was not a huge deal for me. But because I don’t often see them now because of the pandemic, we communicate via Facebook messenger. However, I gradually realized it was difficult to message them, and not because I didn’t care. Just that I have a fear that they won’t respond or that I could annoy them.
I want to be able to check in on my loved ones and find out whether or not they are doing good since I am an introverted empath who continuously feels what people around me feel. I just don’t want to bother them or put them in a situation they might not want to be in. However, if they want to chat, I’m always available.
Overthinking
Being an introvert is probably one of my worst traits. I pay much more attention than most people realize too—every gesture, facial expression, and voice tone. In addition to simply recognizing them, it causes me to second-guess their actions and responses. I give certain things too much thought.
In actuality, I consider almost everything too thoroughly. Sometimes I’m overthinking something and am not even aware of it until I catch myself. The fact that I prefer not to share it with others makes it harder for me since I tend to overthink.
In addition to being mentally exhausting, trying to figure out if someone likes me or not also causes me to recall almost everything they tell me about themselves. I want to keep in mind both good and bad things if I care about someone.
Stepping out of my comfort zone
Even though I’m almost an adult, I still find it difficult to step outside of my comfort zone. Being a broadcasting student who usually handles a lot of production, this became difficult for me to try out various production roles. I’ve been trapped as a writer—I like it and love doing it, though—and I’m still trying out for other roles. I came to understand that it’s because, as an introvert, familiarity gives me comfort. In addition, I keep worrying that I could let my classmates down.
Not telling you how I feel
I already stated that I don’t share my thoughts with other people. I really want to tell others how I feel, but as an introvert, it’s difficult to put the ideas that are always racing through my head into words. That’s why writing is my favorite pastime. It allows me to express myself in ways that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Moreover, saying “I’m OK” rather than sharing my worries and thoughts with others is simpler for me at times.
Shyness
I was a very noisy, playful, and energetic child. When we have visitors, I serve as the family’s “entertainer” since I chat with people all the time. But as I got older, I started to feel shy and did not like to speak all the time.
In addition, I worry about coming across as awkward or saying the wrong thing when I first meet someone. In fact, I enjoy listening more than talking since it helps me understand others and introduces me to diverse perspectives. My shyness lessens as we get to know one another and as I become more at ease, but it never really goes away. I used to despise it, but I’ve come to love it. Admitting who I am is preferable to attempt to be someone I’m not.
People misunderstand you
Simply because I found it difficult to join groups due to my shyness, I’ve had a lot of people misinterpret me as being unfriendly or snobby. I believe the reason is that I primarily observe people rather than engage in conversation with them. And although I often struggle to make small chats when I first meet someone, I don’t mean to be disrespectful. I just want to listen to them since I’m at a loss for words.
For shy introverts like myself, social situations seem so much bigger, therefore people frequently misinterpret my behavior. I feel safer and more at ease inside of my “shell” than outside. Additionally, I have an internal discourse about how disastrously awful a discussion may turn out due to my shyness. I also have my shyness fueling an inner dialogue about how terribly wrong a conversation could go. I could run out of things to say and make a fool of myself.
People frequently misunderstand introverts. Bad intentions are judged, and intentional rudeness is assumed. Truthfully, translations frequently make the true meaning absolutely meaningless. Someone who is offended by an introvert’s actions never takes into account their underlying characteristics.
Avoiding people
Though I’m an introvert, I don’t despise people. However, I much prefer interacting with people when I can prepare for it. Likewise, accidentally running into someone makes me feel quite uncomfortable.
There are times when I see someone I know on the street and, since they haven’t noticed me yet, I make an effort to avoid bumping into them. I also enjoy attending social events, but it takes me days to recharge my social batteries afterward. I always feel more at ease when I am by myself and either working on something or just thinking.
In a nutshell
As I’ve said before, being an introvert is challenging since I’m continuously thinking about countless things and feeling self-conscious. Thus, the world has to be more sympathetic toward introverts. Extroverts are naturally outgoing, whereas introverts are naturally reserved. It is not a trait that can be acquired, and it is extremely difficult to change or even temporarily alter.
My introversion is what makes me who I am. The items on this list are both things I’m loving right now and things I’m trying to grow better at. I’ve never been much better at accepting who I am, but I still have a long way to go. I genuinely simply want to be the best version of myself.
