Message from an Introvert

For most people, the word "introvert" refers to someone who is shy and submissive; someone who is afraid of everything and pretty much a loner. However, being an introvert myself, I can assure you that there is much more to it than that (kind of).

First of all, we aren't necessarily shy. Naturally, some of us are and it's a perfectly normal, beautiful part of being human, but you can be the most outgoing, excitable person in the world and still be an introvert. It's all down to how long you can operate for before draining like a battery and needing time to recharge.

I adore spending time with my friends and family and being able to be part of their world, but sometimes being there can wear me out. And when that happens, it's no one's fault and I'm not upset, I just need to retreat to my own world for a while.

For me, and a lot of other introverts I'm sure, my "own world" is my bedroom/apartment; the place that smells like me when I walk in, where I can close the door and be alone but at the same time, not. The noise and chatter fades down to the point where I can hear my own thoughts again and let my true self emerge from within. It's here that the barriers tumble and the creativeness soars.

Pretty dramatic, right? For me, being alone means being away from all the drama and pressure; there's no one to judge me or expect anything from me; no awkward, forced small talk; I can just be me.

It's a pretty simple concept, but we do just need time alone as a way of recharging. It's like when you've been working all week and you build up tension in your shoulders. You get agitated from the stress and can't think straight. But then someone gives you a massage. You relax and unwind, feel the tension leave your shoulders, and in turn, your mind. You can think clearly again and everything comes into focus (I fancy a back massage now).

And it's the same with partners; we love and cherish you and just purr like an adorable kitten when we're with you, but remember that we still are ourselves and not just "so-and-so's partner."

I know, I know, now it just sounds like I'm having a big rant. But, if I'm completely honest, the reason why I'm writing this is because people don't understand why I want to be alone or would rather bury my head in a book or why I really don't want to go to that party. And I'm not saying that everyone should understand, or that people are ignorant or anything like that. I'm just asking you to appreciate the fact that some people need a little more than sleep to feel refreshed.

And it would be a great weight off my shoulders if the next time I choose to stay at home and give some crappy excuse, you don't badger me about it. Just accept that there are times when I need to stay and chat a little longer with the me that no one else sees.