1. I hate the stigma attached to the word “introvert.”

That means a weird, socially awkward person we all want to avoid. To me, an “introvert” is someone who is selective about who they surround themselves with. It’s someone who is comfortable with being by themselves without feeling insecure. We value quality over quantity.

2. I love meeting new people, but only if you approach me first.

If I have to make the first move, it’ll most likely never happen. I’m silently imagining every possible thing that could go wrong and by the time I work up enough courage to do it, I’ve thoroughly freaked you out by constantly glancing your way and you’ve already sprinted for the door.

3. Small Talk for me is not Small Talk to a normal person.

I get deep real fast. I genuinely want to know your life story, what makes you happy, and what makes you angry. Don’t be surprised if I ask you how you really feel about your parents’ divorce within the first 5 minutes of meeting you. I’m not a gossip; I just genuinely want to connect with you.

4. We have a heightened sense for a fake or insincere personality.

Our quiet and reserved nature allows us so much time to observe. I see your fake smile and can tell you just lied to that person. I hear you repeat the same exact joke to every single person you run into. I’m onto you, extrovert.

5. If you point out my introverted-ness, I will silently hold it against you forever and also I probably hate you.

As much as we try to embrace our introverted-ness, many of us are still very insecure about it. You asking an introvert why they’re so quiet only makes things worse. Please stop making us all feel so awkward with this obvious observation.

6. Dear Hair Dresser: Please don’t make me talk the entire time I’m in your chair.

I’m sure you’re a very nice and interesting person, but after a certain point, I simply run out of things to talk to you about. I’m out of witty comments. I can’t think of any more normal questions to ask you. And my stupid comments will begin to emerge (see #9).

7. My ideal Friday night is Netflix binging with ONE or TWO friends.

I don’t want to be alone, but I also don’t want to exhaust myself by socializing with dozens of other people. Can’t we just throw on some sweatpants, make an ice cream run, and sit on the couch?

8. Please never make me to go a club.

What is clubbing even? Why would we go somewhere where it’s so loud I can’t even hear you? I’ll be in the quiet corner trying to engage in meaningful conversation with the other introverts if you need me.

9. Networking events = death.

There is literally nothing I hate more than having to meet new people in an environment specifically created for that purpose. I realize that’s entirely the point of networking events, but I feel so much pressure to make myself sound and look like the most interesting person you’ve ever met. I can only be charming for so long! Pass me a glass of wine and let me mentally prepare myself for this first.

10. If I say something stupid, kindly pretend I said nothing at all.

Rest assured knowing that my dumb comment/question will haunt me for the rest of my life. I’ll lie awake at night replaying the entire conversation in my head. I’ll think of a million other things I could have said instead. I’ll vow never to speak again! This is where my quietness comes from. It’s a vicious cycle.

My Thoughts:

So I posted the whole thing into my blog. Yes that may have been overkill, but I really wanted you guys to read the 10 points (I find them so interesting).

About myself: I consider myself to be maybe 80% introvert. I am not quite as introverted as a lot of people but defiantly tend towards it.

I just wanted to highlight a few things; (I'm basically going to comment on a few that really struck me)

Comments on their Points:

Point 2 - I find this one to be very true for me. In fact, I think it's one of the reasons why I don't have a girlfriend. It's sometimes just so hard to go and talk to someone, and normally by the time that's happened I feel to awkward to say anything as I have been stood there for so long!

Point 3 - Small talk is a massive pain. I often find people VERY boring to talk to, and much prefer talking to older people as they are more likely to talk about something good and heart felt. I think this leads onto point 4 well. I hate being fake with people and talking to people being fake.

I also make a lot of stupid comments or dive in to quick. If I can see someone is worried or stressed, I ask them why! This has caused a lot of problems, it's not really social eticet to ask people "why" but more to ask them how they are (and when they reply with "ok" I hate that, I can see your not...)

I find Point 6 funny. I often run out of things to say to the hairdresser (or situations like this in general) and while I am comfortable just being quiet, it makes me feel so awkward. I hate quiet when I feel like the other person is expecting me to talk. I would rather be talked at so I can listen and learn or zone out then have to try and make conversation about boring stuff.

Oh man, small gatherings all the way. I mean I don't mind a good group of friends (like 6) but once you get lots I find it's hard to really connect with someone, and then it can be odd if you don't talk to them all as some might feel like your ignoring them ><!

Point 10 - the one that rings most with me. With new people I constantly muck up and say silly things. I don't know why! Once people know me I relax more and it's all better.

Any-ways, I thought I would share this with you guys! Give me your opinions and views on the list (and experiences to!)

Thanks for reading!