Introversion as an Excuse

In a world where we are constantly connected by social media, we have learned what it means to be a digital extrovert. Whether we get a new haircut, enjoy a delicious meal, start a new gym routine, or are celebrating a special day with someone, we aren’t that shy to tell the world. Yet, a new breed of people also seem to have emerged: those who proclaim to suffer from introversion.

Is Being an Introvert Just an Excuse?

You may have even shared posts such as “10 Intellectual Traits of True Introverts,” or “Why Introverts are Actually The Most Creative Type.”

It’s all too easy for people to identify with a group: “Are you an introvert, or an extrovert?” one may think and try to put themselves in a box.

The truth, however, is that many often misidentify themselves. They are using the “extrovert” or “introvert” label as a way to categorize either their faults or highlight their traits and blow their own horn on social media.

Those who do this might be subconsciously avoiding dealing with actual weaknesses that should be addressed, escaping into a fantasy, and making excuses about why they can’t change, grow, or thrive.

What Really is An Introvert, Then?

Psychologist Jonathan Cheek says there is not just one single type of introvert, but as many as four. In his “Four Meanings of Introversion,” he names the types as Social, Thinking, Anxious, and Restrained.

Social introverts are those who “prefer to stay home with a book or a computer, as opposed to attending large parties with many strangers,” he told the New York Times.

If you are the Thinking type, “You’re capable of getting lost in an internal fantasy world,” says Cheek. Anxious introverts tend to shy away from the crowd because they have already imagined scenarios where things go wrong. And the Restrained type are the most reserved.

So How Do You Know Which Category You Fall Into?

It takes a good amount of social confidence to get out there and measure yourself. But the humiliation you may only just imagine as a true introvert is perhaps not as bad as in your worst nightmare. In any case, you will not know yourself until you actually put yourself out there.

Gaining more social confidence means being willing to put yourself in social situations so that you can practice your social skills. If you have been using the introvert label as simply an excuse to stay away from pressure, then it may be time you realized how many times this excuse is holding you back from truly living.

How To Do Away with the Introversion Excuse

This starts with knowing and accepting yourself. Only when you do that can you start to create the ideal world for yourself. Then, you need to find the balance. You need both time alone and time together with others.

This is especially true when it comes to relationships. There are no hard and fast rules that introverts will automatically get along with other introverts. In fact, you may find yourself falling for a someone because they are the opposite of you–extrovert, socially capable, and loves the spotlight.

It’s all good. These are differences that we should embrace in relationships. Having the balance of both can actually be more fulfilling.

Digital influencer Hannah Hart has over five million followers on social media. We leave you with a tip from her on how to break out of your shell and stop making introvert excuses:

“My tip for boosting confidence is to remember that everyone feels as nervous as you do. Confidence is just about how you handle it on the outside.”

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