Wallflowers unite!

I often wondered how I’m drawn to lonely souls. In a crowd, I almost always approach the outcasts. I feel a kinship towards them; a certain rapport that I find difficult to have with the loud ones. I guess it’s because I don’t want them to feel how I feel. I don’t want them to suffer the circumstances that I do when mostly left alone during gatherings. I seem to have a knack for coaxing shy wallflowers to talk to me. Birds of a feather, I suppose?

I came upon the realization that I’m drawn towards these lonely beings is because I’m one of them. I can’t really put myself out there like those extroverts but I can approach hose quiet souls and make them feel less out of place. I like alleviating their discomfort in a gentle and quiet way instead if mixing with the center of the crowd. I seem to get on better with the marginalized than the popular ones.

It still bothers me sometimes that I have difficulty in blending in with a large group of people but then I realize we all have a place in this heterogeneous world of lively birds and colorful wallflowers. I may try to mix-in with the lively birds but I feel better among kindred spirits and whispering wallflowers.

disclaimer: photo not mine. Click this link for the source

Another introvert post

Some people are probably tired of hearing "introverts are... bla bla bla.. introverts should be treated as... bla bla bla..." But you know what? We say these things because we still encounter people who treat being an introvert like an illness. Some think this disposition can be "cured" like a disease and it annoys me because it's just who we are. We want to be understood, not cured. I'm not asking for special treatment but please stop seeing us as sick people.

Thoughts # 13

...and it's during nights like these, after I'm worn out from dealing with people during the day, that I crave for your warm embrace and silent company to lull me to paradise.

Self-examination on being an introvert

        Introverts are known to be anti-social. We appear that way, yes. A friend even asked if we can be “trained” in dealing with crowds. I believe to some extent, yes. When it goes down to business and work, we socialize according to the demands of the task/s at hand. But at the end of the day, we crave solitude. We need to recharge ourselves in our haven of peace, books, movies, series or whatever solo activity we enjoy.

        Although we can be trained for work that needs to deal with people at times, we struggle more to get used to new people compared to extroverts. We do it out of duty for the most part.

        Moreover, being an introvert is a matter of preference. While we can deal with groups if we have to, our preference still lies in the comfort of a few close friends. I admit, crowds really drain my energy. Instead of going to parties with half the people strangers to me, I’d rather stay at home and read books or watch anime or play computer games. Perhaps chit-chat with a friend and ask them how they’re doing. I can also opt to meet with a friend I haven’t seen in a while or a few close ones for dinner or coffee; just catching up.

        I admit that loneliness seeps in sometimes. But I can deal with that. Better to feel lonely at times than lost in a sea of people. Meeting new people is fun but please spare us the crowd. A few ones at a time is good, thank you very much.

        So now you know that being an introvert is not something that should be fixed. It’s a preference we’re born in. We can adapt to groups and get along well with people, but at the end of the day, we prefer peace. Our preference stays the same. We recharge our reserves through solo activities or time with a few loved ones. On a personal level, we would rather be with a few people, preferably close friends. That’s just who we are.

Being an introvert

We introverts are not antisocial. We are just reserved and prefer to be approached first especially in parties or crowded places for fear that we will impose on somebody or they can't relate to what we have to say. But if you'll be nice enough to accommodate us then we can be the most animated storytellers or the warmest person with a touch of shyness.