Awkwardly Introverted

  Being an introvert often comes with a whirlwind of misconceptions. 🌪️ People frequently mistake us for being shy or antisocial when, in reality, our inner world is rich with thoughtfulness and observation. 🌌 We thrive in solitude—not because we dislike people, but because we cherish meaningful interactions over surface-level exchanges. 💬❤️ The narrative around introversion needs to change. 🔄 Being reserved doesn’t mean we’re uninterested; it means we process the world differently. 🌟 We notice the subtle things: the tone of a voice 🎵, the unspoken emotions in a room 💭, and the beauty in ordinary moments. 🌸 Small talk can feel exhausting—not because we’re rude, but because we crave depth and authenticity in our connections. 🌊🤝🏾 As the quote beautifully states: “ Yes, I am. I’m an introvert. I’m not shy. I’m a noticer. I am a thinker. I’m an observer. I’m not stuck up. I’m not anti-social. I treasure my solitude. I’m not a fan of small talk. I prefer a few close friends. ...

I don’t know if it’s something about me that people can pick up on without me saying a word or if it’s somehow written across my face, but in all the months I’ve been on campus, I haven’t made any meaningful connections. My professors, advisor, and EOF counselor have been wonderful—understanding and supportive—but outside of that? There’s nothing. Starting over at 37 isn’t easy, but it’s not something I can’t handle. I’m perfectly fine on my own—I’ve learned to enjoy my own company, to find peace in the quiet moments. ✨ But sometimes, I can’t help but think about how nice it would be to have someone to share things with—a friend to laugh with, or even a travel companion for those times I want to explore the world. 🌍 Making friends at this stage of life feels impossible, though. It’s like trying to break into a social circle where everyone already has their place, and I’m just there on the outside, wondering if there’s room for me. Some days, I feel invisible; other days, I wonder if I...

  I recently watched a BuzzFeed video about introverts, and I have to say, it captured my experience with such accuracy that it felt like they were describing my own life. The video highlighted so many aspects of introversion that I deeply relate to, from the need for alone time to the challenge of social interactions. One point that resonated with me was how introverts recharge by spending time alone. This is so true for me—I find that I need quiet, solitary moments to regain my energy and feel balanced. Social gatherings, while enjoyable at times, can be draining, and I need to retreat to recharge my batteries. The video also touched on the struggle of feeling overwhelmed in large social settings. I’ve often found myself feeling overstimulated and anxious in crowded spaces, which is something I hadn’t fully understood until I saw it articulated so well in the video. It’s a reminder that it’s perfectly okay to prioritize my well-being and choose smaller, more manageable social int...