Being an Introvert in a Extroverted World…

I remember the day I found out I was an introvert. I remember thinking, “I finally know why I’m different than the rest of my family.” Everything just clicked into place. I finally understood why I didn’t like opening presents in front of people and why I always felt so drained after being with people for awhile. So today I want to talk to my introverted friends out there (if  you’re an extrovert then here is some insight to an introvert’s brain). You may feel alone but I’m here to tell you that you’re not, and this blog is for you!

Sometimes in my life I’ve often said to myself, “Why can’t I just be extroverted? My life would be so much easier!” We should not think these things. God has made us the way we are for a reason.

I’m the only introvert in my family so some days are hard. Part of being an introvert is caring deeply and making sure the people around you feel loved. When I would do things like this and get nothing in return, it used to make me feel unloved. Then I would allow Satan to get in my head and tell me things that are simply not true. Such as, “No one understands and you should just give up because you have nothing left to give.” Now when I hear that voice I tell myself this, “God put me into this extroverted family because He knew I needed them and they needed me.” God created both introverted and extroverted people, so they could balance each other out.

Now that I have shared some of my story with introvertedness, I want to give some advice for my fellow introverts out there. So here is something I like to call, “The Survivor’s Guide to being an Introvert.”

1. It’s okay to say no! It’s okay to say no if you don’t want to go somewhere or do something. Just explain to your friend why and hopefully they will understand.

2. If you are out at a party or special event and you’re starting to get overwhelmed, go to the bathroom and regroup. You can also use that time to pray and ask God to give you strength to keep going. I have done this several times in my life and I am always amazed at what God can do.

3. Use your introvertedness for God. Listen to your friends’ wants and needs. Ask your friends how you can pray for them. Be a good friend and understand who your friends are. Thank the Lord for putting those people in your life.

To close off this blog I want to say one final thing. If your friends or family ever ask why you always want to be alone, say this: “Jesus went to solitary places, so why can’t I?” (Mark 1:35 and Psalm 139:14).

Alyssa Rasor

P.S. I am raising money for Wigs for Kids. If you would like to donate money, please see my mom’s Facebook page, or if you live close to me and my family, I am baking and selling one delicious brownie for one dollar. Any donations would be highly appreciated!  Thanks!