The question that should be focused on is “What is considered normal in society?” Currently in the world, outgoing or extroverted people are looked as more superior than introverted individuals. However, is being introverted really that weird?
Introverts are people who gain energy from being alone and lose energy in social environments. They tend to enjoy working in smaller groups, be reserved, or value privacy. Being introverted does not equal to being shy.
In schools or public events, teachers and leaders are constantly forcing the more introverted individuals to “speak up” or “stop being shy” because they are going to have to get over it one day. This can be quite stressful as introverts tend to be more reserved. As these individuals are being constantly being reminded that they should be more assertive, some even end up thinking that they are weird and should change their ways.
Being introverted, I know that it can be torturous. I remember going to public interactive events and seeing everyone talk to each other comfortably. However, I would just stay in one spot hoping someone would come up to me first. Additionally, most of my classes required socratic seminars or debates that required each student to talk at least three times. During the seminar, I could feel my heart pounding super fast and I just couldn’t move at all. When I tried to talk, nothing would come out and I received zeroes for most of the debates.
Although being outgoing can be advantageous in the working field or just society in general, being introverted is equally as good. Introverts can be good listeners, think carefully before acting, process more information, and are observant of their surroundings. Some famous introverts include Abraham Lincoln, Bill Gates, Eleanor Roosevelt, and more. Therefore, being an introvert is equally as good as being an extrovert. The next time someone criticizes an introvert, just remember that extroverts are not superior to them.