No, There’s Nothing “Wrong” [With Introverts]
...though living in the world sure does make it feel so.
I finally had a substantial conversation with one of my (7!) roommates. It’s been a month - which proves how often anyone’s home at the same time (or at least a normal time - you’d think that an apartment is somewhere to sleep, though a majority of my roommates apparently prefer either not sleeping or sleeping at a “friend’s” apartment.) So it goes.
And whether it was because of my easy to talk to demeanor or his guatemalan talking speed, the conversation turned into a debate over politics and religion and drugs and alcohol real quick. And considering my more traditional (and so unpopular) opinions on the mix, it was an interesting conversation.
But, as much as I disagreed with so many things, though I honestly do try to understand (an open mind is important as long as you don’t let your own opinions fall out - that’s a saying or something?), there was one thing that basically hit me like a truck, though the truck driver didn’t intend to hit me, yet here I feel the ache still.
“Yeah [roommate #5’s name] is seriously so quiet. I think there’s honestly something wrong with him.”
Alright. Here we go.
If I weren’t talking to you (guatemalan roommate) right now, you’d probably say the same thing about me. So you know what? Even though I’ve only ever actually spoken to “roommate #5” once, and even though he sometimes seems a bit on the suspicious side (hey that’s what people say about me all the time!), I’ve got to defend him. At least on this front.
No. Don’t assume that because someone is not outgoing that there is something wrong mentally. Or psychologically. Or whatever. Sure, there could be something. But nine point five times out of ten, I’d guess that they’re perfectly fine. In fact, if you’re so ready and willing to share your mind like you do, what’s to stop me from thinking there’s something wrong with you? Can’t you control yourself mentally? Do you realize just what you are saying?
I could argue my point all day, though I suspect if I continue I may sound a bit mean. And I don’t want to do that.
Moral(s) of the story (addressed to all (extreme) extroverts):
I've been told I look sad, when in fact I am quite the opposite.
I could never adequately articulate verbally what I am writing right now, it's just not how I work.
I am quite quiet to others, but my mind is constantly speaking.
Quite often I ask myself, honestly, if there is something wrong with me. Do I have some sort of mental illness, but no one tells me or acknowledges it because they want me to continue living a normal life?
I think this all stems form the fact that the world is run by people who are loud and there are far too few people who realize and/or can appreciate silence. Contemplation. Introverts.
Just being real. Since I have so few people to have real conversation with nowadays.
There's nothing better than a real conversation. And I'm thankful that Germans typically agree.
But. I do not deny the necessity of leaving comfort zones, speaking up, being friendly etc. etc. etc. This concept of "introversion" is not an excuse. In the slightest. The only problem is that: since I don't extrovertedly shout out these things for all to know, you wouldn't know that I think these things.
So please, please don't assume. Anything. About anyone.
Especially introverts.
Because chances are, while you're busy speaking your mind to the world (who really doesn't care anyway), us introverts are coming up with the future.
And then, a few laughs. At least for me. Maybe no one else will find these hilarious, but I laughed out loud at a few of them because they are so so true.
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