“No. I Am Not a Snob”: An Introvert Speaks

I guess being called crazy is a step up from being seen as a snob.

Shared Experience of a Common Misconception

Maybe a lot of you can relate with this experience. You probably have been accused of being snobbish, shy, standoffish, weird, anti-social, or maybe the extremely annoying though jokingly implied, “one with social disorder.”

If you have, you’re probably like me, an introvert.

Although there is no “absolute introversion,” having an introvert personality means that you, unlike two-thirds of the world’s general population, need to be alone and quiet for a few hours every day. It’s necessary for you to seek solitude so you can be energized again. Introverts like being quiet because they pay attention to ideas and thoughts as these are the sources of their energy. Extroverts, on the other hand, get their dose of energy from the stimulation around them.

Here are other things you may identify with if you are an introvert:

• You work better alone. You don’t like group activities.
• You have to be dragged to a party or any social gathering.
• You prefer quiet activities like reading or writing or any solo hobby.
• You’re better at listening rather than talking.
• You get tired after being around people for a long time.
• You prefer being with a few close friends.

It’s not simply about being shy. Most introverts are confident people who can speak in front of crowds, they just prefer not to, but they do it anyway when they have to. Countless scientists, musicians, doctors, philosophers, artists, and writers are introverts. What do Barack Obama, J.K. Rowling, and Gandhi have in common? Well, aside from being famous, they’re introverts too.

We Do Not Need Fixing, Thank You Very Much

But, sadly, most introverts in our generation, and maybe even two generations back, are made to think that we need fixing. Ever heard your folks tell you to be more outgoing, more sociable, more likeable? Wait. I’m not likable because I’m quiet? Most view our introversion as abnormal, and parents of introverts, though done with good intentions, throw their introvert children in various events and activities to “bring them out of their shells.”

One of the reasons behind this is most likely how the world is “designed.” It’s for extroverts!

From group activities in school to the need to be gregarious in the work place to get the attention of the boss, it seems the world is telling us that only extroverts get to be comfortable.

But here’s the thing. It’s okay to be an introvert in this loud extrovert world. We do not need fixing. We are perfectly fine and don’t let other people tell you otherwise.

We take heed while the others take risks. You see, in its rawest sense, we can help people realize that the best way to go about this life is to shut up every once in a while so they can get a glimpse of their inner selves.

Realizing and accepting my introvert traits made me appreciate and love myself more. I understand myself and my needs better, allowing me to improve myself and making me more useful to those around me.

Maybe you’re an introvert too. I say, embrace it!