I always preferred being alone to being in groups of people, yet I never identified myself as an introvert until recently. I think a big problem in my life has been that I have failed to recognize the strength in being an introvert. Since I could function in groups, I always attended every social event I could to be with my friends and family, even when every fiber of my being wanted to be somewhere alone. I always thought that my introverted self was something to suppress; that it was a weakness. We so often praise people just because they are extroverts, but the qualities of introverts are just as much something to celebrate. It all comes down to embracing who you are and your natural being to becoming your best self.
“Solitude matters, and for some people, it’s the air they breathe” ~Susan Cain
- we absorb knowledge like a sponge
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Most introverts notice everything. If you’re like me, from elementary school you knew all the gossip but never said a word. According to a WittyCompanion article, “A study conducted by psychologist Marti Olsen Laney found that introverts have higher activity levels in their prefrontal cortex.” The prefrontal cortex has the function of problem-solving and planning in our brains, which means we are more likely to deeply process information before taking action. Another study done by the Gifted Development Center showed that 60 percent of gifted children are introverts.
- we are the best listeners
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Introverts usually let you do the talking. Listening deeply helps us understand our friends and loved ones better and be more compassionate people overall. Introverts will likely find the beauty in getting to know every person, rather than boasting about themselves first.
- We know ourselves best
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This next one (and the most important in my opinion), is that our introspectiveness and comfortability being alone allows us to understand ourselves on a deeper level than most care to look. Introverts will usually find hobbies that connect them to themselves, rather than other people. For example, I might like painting and doing yoga, while an extrovert might like group activities like going to the mall and playing volleyball. Most introverts are not afraid to spend time alone, and that is a beautiful thing that not all people can do. Spending time alone is one of the most important factors in getting to know yourself, and so introverts can find great strength in their solitude and self-understanding.
- We are Extra self sufficient
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When you’re an introvert, seeking assistance is the last thing you want to do when trying to solve a problem or get something done. Introverts usually rely on themselves first, since they are used to doing things on their own. This is beneficial because we are independent rather than dependent on other people to help us.
- we are never overbearing
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Introverts will be the last people to annoy you with excessive talking. Introverts tend to be shy, especially with strangers. You will know an introvert likes you when you have cracked their shell and they use their sacred alone time with you instead. This is a strength because we naturally do not waste other people’s time or try to bother them, we are selective with who we surround ourselves with which allows us to create meaningful relationships.
- We are amazing friends
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Last but not least, introverts can make the most special friends. As stated in my last point, introverts are usually selective about who they spend their time with, meaning that their time spent with you will be put to good use. Rather than being those friends that you only see to go out with, introverts will be the friends you can talk deep with and also just sit in silence with. Doing fun activities at home one-on-one with them will likely be filled with laughter and make the best memories.
