Intro to Introversion

"Introverts living under the Extroversion Ideal are like women in a man's world, discounted because of a trait that goes to the core of who they are. Extroversion is an enormously appealing personality style, but we've turned it into an oppressive standard to which most of us feel we must conform." Susan Cain

Yes. I am an introvert. Throughout my life, I have been stigmatized by my natural characteristics. People have called me "weird"and "too quiet". Soon, I began to believe it. It really took a toll on my self-esteem. Everything around me told me that I should strive to be extroverted like everybody else. If I magically became extroverted, I would be happy, have lots of fun and a ton of friends. Frankly, I don't feel that introversion is nearly as bad as its portrayed. I never realized the power of introverts. Introverts balance out extroverts.  Throughout these next few weeks of a deeper look into introversion, I want to address different aspects of introversion and hope to impart how to feel empowered by a much-maligned trait. To begin my research, I feel it's necessary to first simply define introversion.

Before we get any further, I just wanted to clarify that I was, in fact, an introvert. So I took the Quiet Quiz and found out that I am a Moderate Introvert, but I was just one point away from being an Ambivert. So, in some ways, I may think and act like an introvert, but at other times, I may be neutral like an ambivert. For example, when I go to a party, I don't go with intentions to make new friends and am somewhat shy if I am introduced to an unfamiliar person. However, if I am just out-and-about on a casual Sunday and begin conversing with a stranger, I am not always so timid and quiet. I would like to point out, though, that my reaction to a certain situation can rely on many factors; I cannot tell definitely how I would react to any situation depending on that certain day.

Now that I self-identify more on the introverted side of the introversion/extroversion spectrum, I wanted a generic definition of what introversion is exactly. According to About.com, "Introversion is one of the major personality traits identified in many theories of personality. People who are introverted tend to be inward turning, or focused more on internal thoughts, feelings and moods rather than seeking out external stimulation." Merriam-Webster's definition is "the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life." And as much as I don't want to admit these definitions are true, they are. I don't want to acknowledge that I am primarily focused on myself and don't seek external stimulus because I still feel like it is bad to be introverted, but I can't deny it any longer.

So, with that, come and join me in my journey of self-acceptance.