Jan. 25, 2023
By Nia Locier
Staff Writer
I’m an introvert, but I’ve always been aware that most people don’t see me as one. And to be honest, I can see why.
I like to be around people, but some things just don’t amuse me the way they do others. Going out with groups of people is one of those things. I enjoy hanging out with my friends every now and then, but I value having time for myself.
For example, on Nov. 9, when LHS hosted a bonfire, everyone around me was super excited about attending, but I wasn’t. The same goes for every extracurricular activity and event that is being planned.
My peers ask me if I plan to go, but I’m usually not interested. It’s not because I dislike anyone who will be there; I just don’t always feel like being around people. Sometimes socializing can be overwhelming for me, but it depends on the way I feel on that day.
I have definitely picked up on my mom’s good social skills, and I’m not scared to meet new people. I attribute that to how my mom raised me, but the introvert in me tends to prefer being alone.
I recognize that I am an introvert because of the contrast between my mom and me. My mom is someone who is constantly on the go. She likes being around people and is clearly an extrovert. She is always friendly, and in this respect, we are very different. I have definitely picked up on my mom’s good social skills, and I’m not scared to meet new people. I attribute that to how my mom raised me, but the introvert in me tends to prefer being alone.
As I get older, I am finding the right crowd of friends, and I am realizing that I benefit from surrounding myself with a mix of introverts and extroverts. Extroverts are definitely fun people to be around. They cheer me up and put a big smile on my face because of their bright personalities.
Likewise, I appreciate having friends who are similar to me in the sense that they don’t always feel like being in a big crowd and going out. I like to surround myself with people who understand and respect my boundaries and the time I need to be quiet and alone.
Even though I appreciate the people in my life, I still enjoy my own company most and feel calmest when I am by myself. The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to know myself. Some might feel shame about requiring a bit more alone time than others, but it doesn’t bother me at all. Being an introvert is part of my identity, and I’m proud of it.
