Everybody can’t wait to step into the New Year. Except for almost half the population dreading return to the promise of a post-pandemic New Year, unless of course the new variant – Omicron decides to overstay its welcome. According to global studies, introverts make up an estimated 40-46 per cent of the total population, and there are still many fallacies about this personality type. The past two years have been rough on everybody, but it was introverts who found a silver lining. We found more time with ourselves, and less of the personal and professional interactions and engagements that we find so wearing.
But it is also important to note that being an introvert does not mean that you hate people or you are socially anxious or shy. It may come as a shock to most people, but introverts are equally excited about spending time with family and close friends, getting promoted, making a dance reel, having a picture taken, enjoying a drink with their colleagues, dining in restaurants, travelling and doing other fun social activities. But most of us are not interested in forced small talk, the major large-scale parties, noisy pubs, and also bearing the burden of extroverts who think loud is more and introverts should try harder at their personal and professional lives.
Extroverts have little understanding of introversion. They cannot imagine why someone would need to be alone and not enjoy a large gathering. As often as I have tried to explain the matter to extroverts, I have never sensed that any of them really got a grasp of it. For long now I accept the fact that I am an incredibly boring person, something that still is a constant reminder by my social circle and family. I don’t enjoy the crowds, loud noises and strangers all around me. And I know that I am not the only one. There are many of us who would rather stay at home, or have an intimate get-together with family and friends.
We often find that other people try to change us or even suggest that there is something wrong with us, but nothing could be further from the truth. The year that ended was a sign for the need to rebuild, and rethink, about how we are perceived and how that affects us and our choices. We need to save, celebrate and hold close every bit of us to make a sense of a kind New Year.
Reflect On What You’ve Learned
Reflecting on the lessons 2024 taught can give you a lot of clues about what you want your life to look like going forward. Maybe you missed the presence of a certain someone, maybe you did like the occasional parties, or maybe you just like getting dressed up and going to work. Reflecting reinforces some of our personality traits that we often ignore.
Make A Conscious Note Of Your Strengths And The Positives
We often find ourselves questioning why we aren’t extroverts and thinking how we miss out on stuff. Instead, ask yourself what you would miss if you weren’t an introvert. For example, I prefer quality over quantity in conversations, be it at a party or a professional set-up. And this has brought some fantastic people and opportunities in my life. I would never have the life I do right now if I wasn’t the person I was.
See The Word Introvert As A Personality Trait And Not A Diagnosis
Being an introvert is not a medical condition, it is a way of being. It is a part of you just like your love for biryani, punk rock or the need to love and pet every furry stray that you pass. Embrace it and love yourself for it and remember that it actually represents an important skill set.
Never Apologise For Being You And Asking For What You Need
Trust me, this is tough for us, but also necessary. People who care about us, often do not understand our need for solitude, or our preferences in general because they may seem different from the majority. But remember they’re just as legitimate. We can’t expect anyone else to know who we are or what we need until we stop apologising for our authentic selves and start communicating. You don’t see extroverts being apologetic about themselves then why should you?
Set Clear Boundaries
There is a common misconception that communication at home or office is led by extroverts and that is because they tend to be more socially aggressive and loud. If this, by any means, is causing an issue for you, it is time to take some of that power back. Learn to say no to things you aren’t comfortable with, be confident enough to share your reservations, give yourself permission to leave a large event when it feels right for you.
Get Rid Of The Toxic Crowd
Do you have someone around who drains you or makes you feel bad about yourself? Do you have a friend who always makes you feel guilty for not wanting to go out? A family member who refuses to respect that you are actually happy staying in alone on the weekend rather than host them? If yes, then it’s time to cut them lose or at least see less of them. It’s hard to believe in yourself if you have people around you who don’t value who you are.