Being an introvert was never my intention. I became ashamed of my introvertedness because people were not afraid to let me know of my “defect”. I put quotation marks around defect because I’ve learned that being an introvert is nothing to be ashamed of.
As I gain more life experience, I’ve found reasons to embrace my introvertedness, and I believe that you can learn to embrace this quality too.
1. Being an introvert doesn’t mean that you can’t form meaningful connections
Some introverts are better at one-on-one or small-group interactions. I know I am. Being surrounded by a sea of people still gives me anxiety (something I continue to work on).
Yet, I can have meaningful conversations in all settings. Depending on who I’m talking to, I can be very talkative, funny, and lively. I also tend to connect with all types of people including all of the people who don’t get along with each other.
2. Being an introvert doesn’t mean that you can’t speak in front of audiences and it doesn’t mean that you don’t have a loud, clear, and firm voice
My job requires me to teach in front of groups of roughly 30 students. When I’m in front of the classroom and during the times that I’ve given presentations, my presenting style keeps audiences captivated.
I have a clear, firm, and loud voice that I get more comfortable using as I gain more teaching experience. Note: I’ve become the teacher that can be heard from the opposite end of the hallway.
I’m good at making connections in order to make topics relevant to my audiences. So take it from me, a life-long introvert can speak effectively in front of large audiences.
3. Being an introvert means that you have callings or passions that require your introvert side
Some of my shyest, quietest, introverted students are the ones who write the longest and best pieces of writings. They also tend to be talented artists. So I find it of no surprise that I have a blog and that I became a writer outside of school assignments.
4. Being an introvert isn’t permanent
With life experience, you gain tools to help you take on the qualities of extroverts. With practice, you learn to build your confidence in using these extrovert qualities. For example,
- I’ve learned to greet people first instead of waiting for them to greet me first, and
- I’ve learned to ask questions and add to conversations instead of being an observer.
5. Being an introvert doesn’t mean that you don’t have anything to say or that you don’t have something important to contribute
It just means that you may be the last one to speak up or the one to speak with fewer words. It may mean that you express yourself best through other mediums like music, art, or writing.
Join the conversation:
What helps you embrace life as an introvert?
The Hummingbird's Journal 
I agree with everything you said. I get it. Thanks.
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Thank you for reading, Lisa! 🙂
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I just wanted to comment to say I really love your blog! I relate a lot to this post in particular, especially since I’m a very anxious introvert. However, uni has taught me to work on my confidence and sometimes I surprise myself with how outgoing and friendly I am around new people. Like you, I also believe writing wouldn’t have become such a huge hobby of mine if I hadn’t had the alone time to reflect and observe my surroundings and inner feelings, so for that I’m grateful 😊
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Love your post. Yes, introversion seems to be treated as a defect, but I am learning from 2 angles: I, too, am learning to greet first and ask questions. I, also, have learned to say, “I need time.” I leave my workplace every break/lunch–sometimes perceived as antisocial. Yet, a coworker commented one day, “You are so happy when you come back from break.” I wanted to say, “No, duh!” I love people. I love talking and listening. But, I have to give myself recover time; I’ve learned to budget my social time, and thus to be more attentive and enjoy it more, too.
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Haha, I really love your story. I feel the same way. Thank you for sharing!
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I still don’t know how it happened, but I believed that I was an extrovert up until adulthood. Every test told me so. And I agreed. But then, something changed. Maybe it was when I became more serious about life. When I realize life is not always sunshine and rainbows.
I can still be an extrovert, but at the right times and with the right people/ in the right settings. It’s just that I don’t feel like spending my energy on trying to outdo those that feel the need to be extra. I’m confident in myself enough that I don’t need outside validation like they do.
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That’s interesting! I like how you point out how outside validation and self-confidence tie in with extroversion/introversion.
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Great post 😁
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