Introvert Pride

If you're an introvert , there is a good chance you've been perusing the posts on this blog for quite a while.  Maybe you're looking to validate whether you are truly an introvert, or you've already checked that off your list and are now seeking tips for breaking the news to the world. I sincerely hope, however, that you're not so much as entertaining the idea of ridding yourself of your introversion .  It's no secret that the world seems to favor extroverts, especially here in the United States. From job listings that stress "teamwork skills" to open workspaces (whether they make a furious return after the pandemic is anyone's guess), people tend to be less suspicious of gregarious, outspoken types.  Yet, you'd be surprised at just how many people want to come out of the introvert closet. Their reasons for not doing so are the subject of this post. Introverts have been stigmatized as lonely, self-absorbed, or disinterested, so it's no won

Introverts are no strangers to getting hurt.  The vast majority of us are affable, friendly folks who enjoy cultivating deep relationships with a select group of people. When one of those individuals hurts us, however, it can be like getting hit by a car traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour, or having a large pile of rocks fall right on top of us. (Okay, maybe not, but you get the point.) We're left blindsided, if not devastated.  When an introvert decides to let you into their circle, consider yourself special. We're usually slow to warm up to people and even slower to build trust in them.  But once you've earned that trust, you've got yourself a friend for life. Someone who has your back in good times and bad. Someone who will be entirely honest without passing judgment. Someone who will cherish you for who you are, even if they may not always agree with you on everything. The problem is that introverts' tendency to do nice things and expect nothing in return