Let's face it. I am an introvert, along with about half of the rest of the world's population. Over the last few weeks, I was slapped in the face with just how much of an introvert I am. If you are an introvert along with me, you will probably understand these thoughts that have run through my mind on several occasions.
"I think I'll just hide in my room until all the people are gone."
Yes, its true. I legitimately stayed in my room until the people in my house had left. Sometimes the idea of talking to people you don't know all that well, or even talking to people at all, isn't the most appealing. You are perfectly fine with being in the comfort of your own company to save any awkwardness. Even if that means your stomach is growling because you haven't eaten anything.
"Maybe I can leave this group setting and find somewhere I can just relax."
Whether it's at a party or a family gathering, the extroverts are doing a lot of the talking. So what harm will it do for you to just step away from it all and find somewhere you can be by yourself or hang out with the few friends you have? It's not that the party or gathering are bad, its just that you enjoy quiet time or time with a few close friends much more.
"After all this socializing I need some alone time."
On the rare occasion that you pick yourself up, go to the party, and talk to everyone, you are completely exhausted afterwards. I found myself needing to even take breaks because they were pretty much people in my house all the time over the past weeks, and alone time was a necessity. After expending your energy on talking with all of these people you can be physically tired. You need alone time (or a nap) to recharge and recenter yourself.
"I'd love to hang out, but I have lots to do, including watching my favorite TV show."
I don't care if it seems like I'm "anti-social", when (insert your favorite TV show) comes on, I'm going to be there. Your friends or family may be talking about some event going on but you tell them you have some tasks that need to get done. They may not know that these tasks include alone time, some more alone time, and maybe a little more alone time thrown in there sprinkled in with some ice cream.
These are just a few of the thoughts that have repeatedly run through my mind over the past few weeks. What it all comes down to is always having some alone time squeezed in because, being an introvert, I need that time to recharge. Hopefully you could relate, or at least laugh with me over these honest thoughts of an introvert.