Assumptions That Extroverts Have On Introverts

To you, you’d think that this whole quarantine situation is a walk in the park for us. We’ve always been quarantining! But that’s not the case. We miss the fresh air just as much as you do. Doing things we thoroughly enjoy outside is rewarding to us and very therapeutic but we also like to take the time to do indoors as much as outdoors and that's where you and I differ. I can stay inside and have just as much fun as I would outside or you, it’s reverse and that’s okay.

When I grab a coffee, when I'm walking in town, when I'm at work in the office, when I'm pretty much in any social setting, I tend to get awkward stares from people. I'm deemed as the “quiet one” because I don't make conversation with everyone. The thing is, I really do like to socialise! But with individuals who I am comfortable with. It’s sometimes difficult for me to open up completely to someone because I’m aware of how judgmental the world as a whole can be. So i'm the type to suss out my surroundings first before I feel at ease with my environment and the people in it. You have a skill of getting to know people collectively. I can get to know people in groups also but I prefer to get to know people individually. It's less overwhelming and easier for me to appreciate each and every characteristic of you.

Having a social life may be a priority to you I mean, I get it, we all need that one person to fall back on if we ever need to. Going to popular events, keeping up with the latest trends is something that’s important to you also. I like to do the same when I get the desire to. Making memories is something i've always adored but within that, I find it very important to be in my own company. I NEED “me” time. I honestly appreciate my own company. I find myself getting bored when I'm around people for long periods of time. I always have a set duration for how long I can be around people before I get the urge to go home and be around myself again. My company is my sanctuary!

I think the general misconception is that if you're an introvert, it's assumed that you mustn't be confident and if you're an extrovert, it's assumed that you are. I'm here to tell you, that is false. In fact, it can very much be vice versa; you can actually be an extravert and not be confident or an introvert and ooze with confidence but it's not even that straightforward! There's different ways that confidence shows. You don't need to have a loud, vibrant personality to be confident. Some express their confidence this way, but some express their confidence through their silence. Me being toned down and reserved is how I choose to articulate myself because that's just the trait I have. I'm not big on being the centre of attention and being the talk of the town. I'd do and say very little unless I feel in myself, to be more vocal but I actually admire people that are the opposite. It's intriguing to see such a contrast and being able to healthily compare both forms of confidence.

For both you and I, social media can be a great way of interacting with others as well as expressing our emotions but do I want to be on such a platform all of the time? No. I need a mental break! I need to get my laptop out and instead of checking who’s liked my picture, I need to write a poem or short story about whatever has popped into my mind. Instead of facetiming someone, I'd rather play ‘Word Cookies’ on my phone and have a good laugh about how long it's taken me to guess the most simple words. It's not that I don't prioritise you so don't ever take it as if I just don't care, I just don't want to speak in that moment in time or be that connected to the virtual world when there's so much beauty in the real world.

How many things can make you shiny? Sit here and take a good guess. Already I can think of three things; 1. The sun 2. A spotlight light 3. My makeup highlighter! My point is, there's different ways one can shine. Some may shine through their looks, others way shine through their personality. The fact is, I don't like to have the spotlight, have all eyes on me… physically. But I do like to shine through my writings and the way I express myself through my writing even if it's one person, I'd like for them to acknowledge me as someone that works hard at their craft and appreciates the way I write. I like to shine through my inner thoughts, my inner being, my inner gems.

Thank you for reading :) x