I’LL SAY IT LOUD AND I’LL SAY IT PROUD!

Just kidding; I’m an introvert. In a world where we’re taught to be extroverts, it’s nice sometimes to be in the minority. Some people see introverts as shy, pessimistic, and sometimes just a buzz kill, but introverts are actually pretty amazing. We’ve got super powers like you’ve never seen! We’re a special genre of people who just enjoy alone time. Here are some reasons to embrace your introvertedness!

1. Introverts are Good Observers

We listen, we watch, and we evaluate the things going on around us. While everyone else is throwing their opinions out in the air we are quietly archiving each opinion, sifting through them to find our own. We sit and gather information and store it somewhere for a rainy day. This can really come in handy with friends or loved ones when it comes to gifts, point of views, or just simple interest. We know them like the back of our hand just from our observations.

2. Let’s Work Together!

Or not...introverts prefer to work on things on their own. They often enjoy the independence of not having to wait on another person when it comes to projects. They often just prefer to do things themselves and like it that way!

3. Introverts Are Indifferent

While I was doing some research on Introverts I came across an interesting study. It said that they took extroverts and introverts and said “subjects saw a series of male faces and every so often a female face appeared. They were also shown pictures of purple flowers interspersed with pictures of yellow ones.” The results were interesting. The results showed that, “introverts, or their brains, might be indifferent to people — they can take them or leave them, so to speak. The introvert's brain treats interactions with people the same way it treats encounters with other, non-human information, such as inanimate objects for example" while the results for extroverts showed “that human faces, or people in general, hold more significance for extroverts, or are more meaningful for them”. So, we don’t really give anyone or anything a more significant treatment, which is pretty cool in world where people are constantly partial.

4. Introverts Are Great Listeners

Introverts tend to internalize their own problems and solve them within, which leaves a lot of room to listen to other people’s problems. We’re always there with a willing ear and an open mind; which makes us wealthy companions, as well.

5. Good Planners

Introverts are great at planning since we’re usually sitting around silently thinking anyways. We have dreams, we just don’t outwardly share them. We sit and think about what we want to do and how to do it. We often crave alone time which allows us to self reflect and consider the pros and cons to plan more effectively!

6. We’re Special

I found an article saying, “Introverts tend to make up 60% of the gifted population, they have been classified as the shy, quiet ones, but they tend to spend a lot of time fine tuning and honing skills.” All of that alone time really pays off. We usually manage time better which gives us more opportunity to works on our skills and passions. We usually fully immerse ourselves as well, willingly leaving the real world behind for a bit.

7. Party of One

We do not fear going out alone. We can go shopping, out to eat, or even to a movie by ourselves. Sometimes, it’s actually more enjoyable than having company because as introverts, we are physically drained by too much socialization. We also can be more efficient and in control of situations when we are by ourselves.

8. Work Ethic

We are great employees to have at work! Why? Because our bosses don’t have to hover over us. We try to learn things quickly so we won’t have to ask again. We often are also very efficient because we don’t waste our time by the vending machine chit chatting during our breaks. We’re at work to make money, not friendships, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

9. Amazing Friendships

When we make friendships, they tend to be very sincere. The funny thing about an introvert is that once you get us talking one on one, we probably won’t shut up. Introverts can talk, they just prefer to not do so in large groups. We often have better friendships because we have fewer friends as well. When you can dedicate more time to one person it is often appreciated more. We also tend to have a special insight into certain subjects based on our keen ability of observation.

10. Expression

We often do not express ourselves by talking or venting to others unless it’s that one on one time with a dear friend. We find other ways of expressing ourselves such as writing in a journal, poetry, music, art, working out, yoga, or just quietly sitting somewhere and internalizing our feelings.

11. We Are A Mystery

Since we often do not share our opinions and thoughts outwardly, we come off kind of mysterious to people. It’s hard for them to gather an opinion about us other than their assumption that we’re shy. Once a topic is brought up that we are passionate about we may chime in with a comment. That is when a window is opened and people are usually shocked to see you really do have interests and opinions. In a world where everyone puts everything out in the open, you remain a beautiful mystery to the outside world.