Can We Stop Pretending It’s Cool To Be An Introvert?

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As anyone who is a part of this world and literate knows, in the past year introversion has made its big debut. It’s the latest fad; “Go Introvert or Go Home!” might as well be plastered across the Internet. Being an introvert, I’m thrilled my need for solitude is finally recognized as socially acceptable. However, the Internet has a tendency to ruin good things, and I fear introversion is one of those things.

1. Being an introvert means being neither shy nor quiet.

Sweet baby Jesus help me if I read another list/article that categorizes introverts as innately awkward people who talk quietly and hate loud noises. Introverts can be shy and/or quiet, but by no means are they in tandem. I’m a card-carrying introvert and I have an embarrassingly loud voice that I have to work to keep in check. It happens. And I used to be shy when I was a kid, but guess what — being shy sucks, so I got over it, which brings me to my next point…

2. For the love of everything that is and ever has been good in this world, stop romanticizing introversion.

Can we please stop acting like introversion is hip? Being an introvert is exhausting. Don’t get me wrong — I love my alone time, books, and introspective tendencies, but it’s not a field of beautiful, quirky flowers. I have to work to keep up with my friends and coworkers amidst thoughts of “Please God let this be over soon all I want to do is get in my bed and watch TV and eat some food and read and sleep and do anything but be with people pleeeeeaasseeee.” Moral of the story: let’s look at things for what they are. This is something that has its ups and downs just like everything else.

3. Being an introvert doesn’t mean being awkward.

Guys, I don’t know when being awkward became cool, but it really helped me out in high school. I mean, it really saved my social life. With that said, it’s not actually cool. It’s gotten tied in with being an introvert, which just isn’t how it should be. As I’ve already said, I’m an introvert. And I used to be awkward. However, I worked my way out of my awkwardness. Yeah, social situations give me anxiety like its their job, but I try not to let that show. I roll with the punches (as far as everyone else can see, at least). Being awkward isn’t good. It makes people uncomfortable. The same should not be said of introversion.

4. People use introversion as an excuse for being rude.

One of the most common bullets I see on lists like “17 Things Everyone Needs to Know About Introverts” is, “Stop asking me if something is wrong! Just leave me alone. Sometimes I just want to be quiet,” or some variation of that. I don’t know if it’s because I’m from the South, but y’all…that’s rude. If someone’s asking you if you’re okay, it’s because he cares. Get over it, accept your friend’s concern, and try looking less miserable in the future.