I Know It’s Hard to Believe

People look at my social media today and have a hard time believing that I’m an introvert. But it’s true. Growing up, and through nearly all my life, I was an introvert. Even today, there are times when I withdraw into myself and just want to be alone.

So, are you an introvert or an extrovert? What are you? And how did I go from being an introvert to something closer to an extrovert? It was not an easy process but I realized that that’s exactly what it was, a process. A late in life coming out of my shell process.

I’m Still Not an Extrovert All the Time

There are moments when I really don’t want to talk to anyone. If I go to the mall, I don’t want to talk. Often, depending on my mood and how I feel that day, I just want to be quiet. On those days, I go back to being my quiet, introverted self.

Now, people who know me know I love to talk and really open up to people—but there are also times when all I want to do is sit, people-watch, and take in the world.

Sunsets and People-Watching

Which brings me to sunsets. To me, maybe sunsets are my best friend. I love sitting on the beach and people-watching. I get to see extroverts, introverts, and everything in between, like myself.

Growing up, I was always very quiet in social circles and school. Even though I played many team sports, track and field, soccer, basketball, baseball, you name it, I played it. I was a social person, but an introverted one.

So, What Are You?

So, what are you? How would you classify yourself? How would you rate yourself as outgoing or a homebody? And how did I go from being an introvert to a semi-extrovert?

Social media puts so much pressure on us: to look good, post nice things, or share personal parts of our lives. I’ve always been a private person, especially when it comes to relationships and my personal life… but that all changed when I really got into social media.

The Flip Side of Social Media

Which, in turn, I guess, is the whole point of social media: to be social and connect with others. While there are many negative effects of social media addiction, such as bullying and the pervasive fear of missing out, it kind of had the opposite effect on me. Instead of isolating me, social media opened doors to new friendships and provided a platform where I could express my thoughts and creativity.