Introvert Pride

When someone deems you rude, weird, or stuck-up because of your introversion, what should you do? Bask in and double down on your introversion, of course! Don't even entertain the idea of changing to appease anyone, whether it be a friend, co-worker, or relative.  People can call you anything they wish, but you know who you are deep inside. As long as you value your introversion, that's what ultimately matters.  Most people don't comprehend what introversion is, even after ill-fated attempts to enlighten them.  In all likelihood, you've tried to explain that introversion has to do with the way we draw energy (inward, of course). Still, they carry on believing whatever they want to believe -- that we're self-centered, socially inept, and so on -- because it requires fewer mental resources. When in doubt, people would simply rather pass judgment.  No amount of explanation will get through to some of these narrow-minded folks.  They simply can't fathom an individua...

If popular opinion is any indication, the following labels are to be ascribed to introverts: Lonely Stuck-up Selfish Antisocial  Withdrawn  Isolated People hater Is this a fair, accurate representation of all introverts? The answer should an emphatic no. While some introverts may possess a couple of these characteristics, one cannot paint them with so broad a brush.  It's like saying that all cheerleaders are airheads. Or that all sports guys are jocks. These are pervasive stereotypes that need to be put to bed!  Sure, introverts might turn down invitations from time to time. If we do make it to the party, you may see us leave early. And somewhere in between, we might excuse ourselves to get some fresh air, smoke a cigarette, or make a phone call. We don't do it to be difficult, or because we're self-absorbed. It isn't that we loathe people.  It's that our battery life is finite.  Large crowds and endless chatter can leave us utterly drained. We're just not...