Surviving as an introvert

Elizabeth Joseph

Growing up I was always a vibrant, loud, happy child. I loved living on the edge and I never backed out of a challenge.

A lot has changed since. I started having less friends and I moved more and more into my shell of comfort. This is where I felt safe.

I used to go out to parties with friends and people would always ask, why I am so quiet and if I was okay. This was so annoying! I mean, yes I am fine, I am just observing to see who would judge me less for being an introvert in such a fast, chaotic century.

There is so much going on but I did rather be in bed with a ‘Danielle Steele’ novel and my hair in a mess, is that so bad? Most say: “You’re missing out on so much", "Live a little", "You're so boring". Okay Felicia, why don’t you just lift that glass a little higher and leave me be.

Don’t get me wrong, I love people and being around so many opinions and different personalities, what I just don’t like is the whole 'staying out till 6am because someone's child does not want to sleep' thing.

It is fun and exciting but only for so long. You can only pretend that you're enjoying yourself, when you'd much rather be home watching a silly rom com.

You know your days of being an extrovert are over when you start to wish for cancelled plans. I would agree to plans, just to avoid the catching of feelings and then I would pray that something comes up (by something I mean, the pancake-making date I set with myself a day ago).

Being an introvert is not easy but sometimes we all have to take some time and just spend it with ourselves.

When you are truly at peace with your own silence and hearing yourself think, then happiness is yours. I am not anti-extrovert, but I love being alone with my thoughts. It always gives me perspective.

So how do we survive in this 'thrive' driven society? Just learn to say no.

Trust me this will make it so much easier for everyone. When you say no, you would rather catch up on your favorite series or you prefer to remain indoors.

You avoid so many questions and you also don’t have to think of a thousand excuses to back up your story.

We are not shy, awkward or think more of ourselves, we are just our own best friends and would never pass on the opportunity to spend time alone.

So here's a little guide to surviving a 'not so interesting' get together.

Rule number one, always pack your novel. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is. Second thing that is completely quintessential is to look for a place where you can go for a little ‘you time’ when things get too crazy. Bathrooms always work. And the last, most important rule is to, say NO. If you're not feeling it just say so. You don’t have to make excuses. Do yourself a favor and obey your mind, body and soul.