I always knew I was extroverted. Even before I knew the word to describe it. I could never be alone with my own thoughts for too long or I would just get depressed. Whenever I hung out with people I would get energy and happiness from those encounters. For a really long time, I did not know there were people who were not extroverted. It didn't help that my family is equally as extroverted if not more.
The friends I hung out with were also very extroverted and this just furthered my theory on everyone being extroverted. Then I made a new friend who would tell me that she would not be going out with us certain nights because she needed some time to herself. I really did not understand what she meant by that. I took that so personally. I thought she didn't like me. I talked to her about it and she explained it to me. She said if she is around people none stop she gets depressed and she needs that alone time to recharge. I was so mind blown because I never heard of that and I didn't even know it was a thing. She said the complete opposite of what I felt about being around people.
After that talk with my friend I started being more aware of my surroundings and trying to figure out if I had any other introverted people in my life. I started making more introverted friends and they told me the only reason why they were skeptical to be friends with me was because they thought I might have been too in your face all the time extrovert. That got me thinking.
I reflected on the kind of person I was when it came to my "extrovertedness". Was I draining the energy from my friends in order to get energy? Was I being selfish? I was too caught up with making myself feel good that I forgot about others.
To all my introverted friends I apologize. I am so sorry I did not give you your space when you needed it the most. I am sorry I didn't understand that my overly extroverted attitude can be kind of overwhelming. I am sorry that I made you choose between me and your sanity. I am sorry because I will probably mess up again. I am sorry for past, present, and future mistakes. Please bear with me and keep in mind that I am not used to toning down myself in that way, but if I have to I will.
I value my introverted friends because they teach me to be more aware of others and have I affect others. I think having introverted and extroverted people on this planet is a good balance. I cannot imagine a world where everyone had my extroverted qualities. It would be very crazy and slightly entertaining world.