Are you an Introvert?

So its suddenly in style to be an introvert it seems. You’ve probably seen all those fun and silly Buzzfeed and Life Hack quizzes all over your Facebook Feed. There’s even different subsets of Introverts now, like the oxymoronic Outgoing Introvert?!

So what is an introvert? I liked the Urban Dictionary’s definition

introvert

Opposite of extrovert. A person who is energized by spending time alone. Often found in their homes, libraries, quiet parks that not many people know about, or other secluded places, introverts like to think and be alone.

Contrary to popular belief, not all introverts are shy. Some may have great social lives and love talking to their friends but just need some time to be alone to “recharge” afterwards. The word “Introvert” has negative connotations that need to be destroyed. Introverts are simply misunderstood because the majority of the population consists of extroverts.

I don’t remember being born an introvert although I’ve been an introvert for most of my life. I was going along my regular life and then someone decided that I should skip the second grade and then I was instantly SHY. I remember leaving all of friends and being placed in a class of all these older strangers and it was just suddenly super awkward. Later on, in junior high, I was in yearbook class and some of the kids suggested that I was voted shyest in the class! I was indignant and embarrassed and humiliated all at once but I didn’t say anything. Also, every month at assembly, the top kids in the class would get their name called and would be highlighted by walking up on stage in front of the entire school to receive a certificate. I hated that attention so much that I went to my teacher and requested my name be removed off the list so I wouldnt have to go up on stage. Class presentations were terrifying, I would stress out about them for days.

I always wanted to be a performer, which was super paradoxical considering my terror of people and public speaking. Ultimately, this desire to perform really helped me come out my shell though and my stint in import modeling really helped me with people. Nowadays, I can be social and outgoing in social situations, but it can be physically and mentally exhausting for me if it’s required for long periods of time.

I absolutely love to spend time on my own and I need tons of private time in order to recharge. I dont understand the constant need to be around people. I could literally spend an entire month in my house alone with my cat and I would be A-OK.(Note: I am a little overly obsessed with my cat though)

What’s  been interesting is that The Director is a total extrovert. He always has friends over to hang out, he’s very outgoing and chatty, talks to strangers when we are out. He simply doesn’t understand why I never have my friends over and he thinks its  extremely strange and weird.

I found this quiz on Huffington Post and I related to so much on the list!

1. You find small talk incredibly cumbersome. YES

2. You go to parties -– but not to meet people. YES, I can have a hard time meeting new people because you have to get over that inevitable small talk!

7. Downtime doesn’t feel unproductive to you. YES, the only person I can spend 24 hours a day with is the director, but that’s only because we have become very comfortable in silence. I’ve learned as I have gotten older that I usually need one entire day a week to recharge.

8. Giving a talk in front of 500 people is less stressful than having to mingle with those people afterwards. YES, mingling is so awkward! Also performing to an intimate group of 50 people is way more stressful than performing for 5000 people

9. When you get on the subway, you sit at the end of the bench -– not in the middle. IF I EVER TOOK A SUBWAY YES

10. You start to shut down after you’ve been active for too long. YES, YES, YES

11. You’re in a relationship with an extrovert YES, I am mostly way too serious.

13. You actively avoid any shows that might involve audience participation. YES, why should I have to perform at your performance?!

14. You screen all your calls — even from friends. YES! I need to be expecting the call or have scheduled the call or be ready for the call

16. You have a constantly running inner monologue. YES, I thought everyone did?

21. You’ve been told to “come out of your shell.” YES

22. You’re a writer. I BLOG?

23. You alternate between phases of work and solitude, and periods of social activity. YES

Are you an introvert?