You might be an introvert if social engagement is exhausting, but you go anyways. Congratulations, you’ve probably been adopted by extrovert friends!

No matter how many times you have to explain it, some just don’t understand.

“Stop being weird”

“You’re such a home-body”

Often, we feel misunderstood, discriminated, and seen as aloof. One of the downsides of introverts is not being known for the skills you are good at. There are several strengths and abilities from being an introvert that even we aren’t aware of…and they (extroverts) don’t get it.

Call it natural instincts perhaps, but we are super-focused and finish our check-off lists with intention. Here are just a few of the abilities;

Listening – active listening, we hear all the details especially the nonverbal. We will listen just because and often are considered “the” great friend because we’re always there for this. No matter how tiring it may be, we listen. We have authentic quality conversations.

And?

Feedback – You’ll get feedback just don’t expect it right away. We need time to process the whole experience to give you feedback. We will provide feedback right down to the smell of the air as we entered a room at your gatherings. We’re observant.

Can I get back to you on this tomorrow? I have to think about it

Writing – not just as in writing content or stories, we can make things look good in written form. We will write down notes, but often to do this mentally without even knowing. We journal our thoughts so we can do something like “this!” Listing our abilities.

Could I take a try at it? Let me just tweak it a bit

Creating – anything really, whether it be painting, photography, ideas, concept, streamline. We create and love the end results even if it takes a few tries. The process of how we got here is an accomplishing feeling with the failures. We study every angle.

Why does it have to mean something? It’s beautiful!

Being Alone – we manage this amazingly, we shut off the world like hermits and this is when we are ourselves best. We are content to just read a book, take a walk, listen to silence. We do this so we can do all the above. We have committed goals.

Why do I have to come out again? I need to finish this chapter.

Being an introvert isn’t easy especially in today’s noisy society. Extroverted people have an upper hand on appreciation. Usually a natural when it comes to being assertive amongst crowd and organizations. Their personality enables them to achieve just a tad more by being able to engage and pull from a variety of social connections. These are the energies that feed them.

Introverts Unite!

Hey Introverts out there, I stand with you! (from the privacy of my comfortable home)  As much as I love being an introvert and nurturing the introversion, I am working on building my people skills because I can’t make movements by myself. Let’s not forget, we are super-focused and do things with intention.

So here’s to the journey,

-Anna MV