She could feel sweat drip down her forehead, her palms wet. "I really don't want to be here" she thought. It was the loud noise coming from the band playing, the chattering from people around, the cloud of smoke above her head, these made her unaware of the minute frown crossing her face.
Ann wanted to have a good time, in fact, she had pictured something different, an evening with a warm blanket on the grassy Highlands, watching the stars above. Unconsciously she grabbed her purse and headed towards the entrance. "Ann, wait!" Bode's voice stopped her, wow, she had totally forgotten bode was there, "I'm so sorry Bode, I need some fresh air, I'll be back in a minute", and she was out the door.
"Was it something I said? , hmm probably an introvert".
Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has very little to do with being an introvert. Shyness has an element of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety, and while an introvert may also be shy, introversion itself is not shyness.
Basically,an introvert is a person who is energised by being alone and whose energy is sapped by being with people.
Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings. They even avoid social situations sometimes because being around people is draining for them. This is true even of they have good social skills.
After being with people for any length of time, they need time to be alone to recharge. src
Being shy and antisocial is quickly attributed to introversion, wrong!!
One of the biggest challenges introverts face is being able to maintain relationships especially with people who they love. Introverts have people who are dear to them and want nothing more than to let these people know what they mean to them.
The essence of this post is not to point out the meaning of introversion and being an introvert, but to give tips on how to manage being an introvert, in other words, how to get the best of both worlds, that is not having to sell yourself short when it comes to making friends.
First of all,
Know yourself
Accept your personility as what God made you, if you don't do this then your actions might come across as fake and might make people not to take you seriously. Know what makes you happy and always put time and effort into it.
Be confident
You do not have to yell or blurt it out every second that you are an introvert but when a situation starts to feel uncomfortable, let it be known although politely that you aren't comfortable and would like for some things to be changed.
Be you..
There is absolutely nothing wrong in letting people know that you want to be alone,some might find it offensive but you know...do you. You don't have to chase people out of your space though (especially if you have a roommate) you can just get a pair of headphones and wear them whenever you need to not talk to anyone, wearing headphones is a very polite way of not having to explain your need to be alone even if there's no music playing.
Take charge
Don't wait for your friends to make all the plans and decisions, beat them to it by being the one to propose a get together or suggest a hangout spot or be the host. Hosting your get-together is best because you get to set the theme or contribute greatly to what the theme of the event will be. Win-win right. All your friends come to you too.
Communicate
In addition to letting your friends know who you are, that doesn't mean you should take their friendship for granted, they have needs too although introverts are known to be excellent listeners. Give them a call once in a while to see how they're doing,to encourage,lend support and to catch up! Learn to forgive,apologise, appreciate people and understand that they probably aren't like you hence, see things differently.
Go crazy
Be willing to step out of your comfort zone once in a while, I know I am.
Attend parties once in a while especially if it's to show support and make sure to have fun while at it, people aren't looking at you or analysing you as much as you think so take advantage of the opportunity to hangout and have fun. Most introverts have their moments though so it's normal to dance like no one is watching and be the loudest in the group.
Be spontaneous
Do not look down on others just because they aren't like you,be willing to hang out with those of a different personality,be willing to leave your comfort zone and be challenged for a change. Greatness doesn't come while in your comfort zone so you should be willing to take on new tasks and challenges.
Love you
Do not put so much effort into being accepted. If they don't like you for you,they probably don't like you at all. It would be really lame to do something you are not comfortable with just to fit in. This is the era of accepting ones attributes and believing the best will come out of them. It would be good to noto that 60% of the gifted population are introverts.
love yourself!
