2020: The Year of the Introverted
On 24 March 2020, when the majority of Indians went into a state of shock after the nationwide lockdown was announced, there was a small percentage of folks who were rejoicing internally. As horrible the pandemic is, the idea of being forced to stay indoors and social distancing felt like dream come true for some.
Introverts are a special kind of people, who can achieve everything that the extroverts can but get a lot of flak for being themselves. As a fellow introvert, it was a little harder for me growing up. I saw professionally successful and interesting introverted adults all around me. But somehow this trait was considered weird as a child and a teenager.
“Most people who have grown up introverted in this very extroverted culture of ours have had painful experiences of feeling like they are out of step with what’s expected of them.” — Susan Cain
We are not hermits. We do not want to spend our lives in solitary isolation. We do not hate talking. We do not hate people. We do not underestimate the power of human connection. We are not sociopaths. Our batteries simply run out faster with external stimulation and the only way to recharge them is by spending some time alone. Also, being alone and being lonely are not the same.
2020 gave a long due validation of sorts to introverts. Suddenly, we were the more adaptable and prudent ones. We weren’t whining about missing out on parties, in-person office meetings, and doing small talk. Finally, we became the alphas. Interestingly, in spite of all the validation, introverts like being different. 2020 has made introversion so mainstream that we do not feel special anymore.
The introverted way of life may appear dull from the outside, but we have rich, fulfilling, and exciting inner lives. Imagine being so comfortable with yourself that being around people is a choice and not a need. Imagine being so in sync with your thoughts and emotions, that you can spend hours thinking, dreaming, contemplating, and analyzing without having to reach out to anyone for feeling engaged. Yes, sometimes we can get carried away and sucked into the rabbit hole of overthinking and overcomplicating the simplest of things. But hey, pobody’s nerfect!
Since a lot of introverts love to read and observe people, it makes them more capable of separating the BS from the real deal. We would rather talk about our deepest darkest insecurities with the chosen few than boast about having hundreds of friends. Introverts don’t detest talking. Some of the most impressive public speakers, stand-up comedians, creators, actors, and leaders are introverts. It’s not about how much you speak; it’s about how you articulate your thoughts and make it meaningful to whoever is listening.
Anyone who confuses emotional detachment with introversion, needs to be educated. You cannot blame being cold and distant on your introversion. Also, introverts do not dislike extroverts. At times, we feel envious of their social energy and ability to initiate conversations with random strangers. We love the extroverts of our lives and simply want them to understand that we aren’t wired the same way as they are.
As much as I want the pandemic to get over and feel free again, I want the introverts to keep thriving. Avoid pressuring us into adapting to your way of life. We have so much more to offer if you let us be. Celebrate us. Love us. Just don’t make us the center of attention.
“Turns out, embracing their quiet nature does not cause introverts to flee to a shack in the woods. It empowers them to engage with the world — but on their own terms.” — Susan Cain
