Sometimes when I tell people that I work with introverts, I get this super irritating response:
“Do you help them become extroverts?”
“No,” I say. “I help them to embrace their introversion and learn how to play to their strengths.”
It’s hard not to get annoyed when people imply that extroverts are better than introverts.
Or when they assume that introversion is some sort of mental illness that needs to be cured.
The problem is that there are a lot of people, introverts included, who still don’t understand introversion.
What people don’t understand about introverts
They don’t know that extroverts are not superior. Both personalities have value.
They also don’t understand that introversion is not something you can cure or fix.
Your BEHAVIOUR can change, but your innate needs and the way your brain works will remain the same.
For example, even if you become more chatty, as an introvert, you’ll still process more information at a given time, leaving you more prone to overwhelm.
You’ll also still find stimulating activities more draining than extroverts. This means that the harder you push, the worse you’ll feel.
That’s why it’s CRUCIAL that introverts and extroverts let go of the idea that everyone should be extroverted.
This is why introverts are awesome
Introverts have many gifts, such as self-awareness, intuition, and the ability to read between the lines. Many introverts are also highly creative and emotionally intelligent.
Even what we sometimes categorize as flaws, such as our quietness, and limited social energy are simply facts of who we are.
In fact, many people are drawn to our calm nature. As I explain in my book The Year of The Introvert:
“[An introvert’s] calmness is a gift, not only to ourselves, but to the people who are lucky enough to find peace in our presence. We are a twilight walk, and a weekend getaway. We make people feel like they can breathe. That is something to celebrate.“
An introvert who embraces their introversion, and all the beautiful qualities that come with it has a lot to offer the world.
While extroverts may seem like the more sparkly, desirable personality, introverts have our own subtle kind of beauty.
This J.D. Salinger quote sums it up well:
“She wasn’t doing a thing that I could see, except standing there leaning on the balcony railing, holding the universe together.”
Love,
P.S. If you’re new to the blog, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Michaela Chung, author of The Irresistible Introvert and creator of this amazing innie community we have here. For several years, I’ve been building up a labyrinth of introvert resources that will take you on a magical journey toward more confidence, connection, and self-love. Start with this free Introvert Connection Guide.
