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The Struggles Of Being An Introvert Who Wants To Be Extroverted

Can We Really Have The Best Of Both Worlds?

Cristina Laura Tuser

Dec 19, 2016

Augustana College

The Struggles Of Being An Introvert Who Wants To Be Extroverted

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I love being introverted.

Being shy, keeping thoughts to myself, and staying in are all parts of my personality that I find comforting. There are moments that might suggest that I seem outgoing, but for the most, part, my peers know my quiet tendencies make me happy. I am not alone when I say this - I have observed others who find peace in introversion. Despite the love many of us have towards our introverted tendencies, there are some of us who still desire an extroverted personality. There are a couple of struggles I share with other introverts who want to be extroverted sometimes.

1. Wanting to go out but being too comfortable staying in

When I first got to college, I thought that I'd be out every weekend for the next four years of my life. I was terrified, but secretly loved the thought that I could take advantage of my new-found independence. A lot of my introverted friends and I can agree upon the fact that while we absolutely love staying in, that we wish we were more motivated to go out.

2. Trying to have a conversation but getting interrupted

Do you ever muster up the courage to speak up in a conversation and then get interrupted? Do you ever get interrupted and then shy away from your peers almost instantly? A common struggle of introverts who want to be more extroverted is being shut down in a conversation and then losing the courage to keep speaking up.

3. Constantly comparing yourself to your outgoing peers

When you're introverted but are looking to become more extroverted, it can be easy to compare yourself to your more social friends. You are constantly assessing how you can be as outgoing as them, and while it can help to take notes on their behaviors, it is overall discouraging. Becoming more extroverted starts with you - not with someone else!

While being introverted can be challenging in a world full of extroverted people, it is important to embrace said introversion. Keeping to yourself isn't a bad thing, and while it is perfectly normal to want to be extroverted sometimes, it takes time, patience, and practice.

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