Oftentimes, I am mistaken for an extrovert. I smile all the time, I LOVE getting together with small groups of friends, and I thoroughly enjoy my job as a cashier. As I mentioned in a previous article, however, I am an INFP. Yes, I am an introvert. This comes as a surprise to some people even after they get to know me, but I think that stems from the fact that when I am out with people I know really well and am enjoying what I do. I can be the life of the party! They don't see the day after the party when I am cocooned in a blanket, watching Netflix in my room. With that said here are a few reasons why I am, in fact, a social introvert:
I like parties... in moderation... with people I know.
Honestly, my idea of a "party" is a few of my close friends getting together to play board games and talk about life. I make jokes, I talk loud, but then I go home. I chill out on my computer. I sleep. There are times when it may seem that people energize me, but if I spend too much time with people I come home absolutely drained. If I am at a party consisting mainly of people I don't know I will most likely plant my butt on a couch or chair somewhere, possibly petting the cat, and end up leaving early.
I love my retail job.
I have worked in the same store for over four years as a cashier. I love interacting with customers, and I have had customers who have become friends. I even love working on holidays. I love the rush. I love seeing smiles on people's faces, and brightening their day, but then I go home. I change into athletic shorts and a T-Shirt, veg out on the couch and catch up on The Bachelor with my mom. The next morning, I wake up slowly, swearing to myself I never want to see people again, but eventually I recuperate and go back to loving my job.
I smile at everyone.
I SMILE AT EVERYONE! This has nothing to do with being an introvert or an extrovert. I am simply friendly and quite possibly nervous. I smile when I see someone, I smile at myself in the mirror, I smile when I am nervous, and I smile when I have absolutely no idea what's going on. That's just me.
I enjoy being on stage.
I have loved being in the spotlight ever since I played Mary in my 7th grade Christmas play. I can easily take on the role of someone I am not, and be totally cool with it. Public speaking, on the other hand, is a different story! I have gotten a lot better at it as I've gotten older, but it used to scare the crap out of me. Though in a large crowd of people I don't know I would generally hate being the center of attention, playing a character on stage is totally different for me. Perhaps not every introvert can relate to my love of the stage, but for me, it is a sanctuary.
Just like with everything, there is a scale of introversion. Perhaps I am not what you picture when you hear the word "introvert" because I am not constantly holed up in my room, in the dark, under a blanket fort...but that doesn't mean there aren't days when I'm holed up in my room, in the dark, under a blanket fort. So the next time you see me in a crowd... just remember I am probably wishing that I was at home playing "The Sims."
