Why Are Introverts Expected To Fit in?

I have always been extremely introverted. Even at an early age, I can remember being forced to try to fit into a world I don’t want to or belong in.

Recently, we were with a friend. I overheard this person in a sort of mocking way saying how someone doesn’t want to do something because she’s introverted. To be perfectly honest, it took a lot for me not to call this person out on that. A friend supports, not mocks. That annoyed me so much I almost said something. This person is so extroverted that I think they need a friend to talk to them while they take a shit.

This is not an attack on extroverts. Sometimes I wish I were more like that. I, on the other hand, am perfectly happy being the way I am. I do not need anyone else.

I can be fine being alone. I actually enjoy it or being around my girlfriend or a very small, select group of people. I can be fine in a group setting too as long as I can sit there and tune everything out and get lost in my head or just listen.

I find small talk tiring and boring. For me personally I say very little and keep things short. I say only what needs to be said. I don’t think that extroverted people understand that. One of the worst things is that they expect you to fit into their world. Some of this stuff I find very overwhelming. Once I am done, I am done and need to go home and be alone to recover and recharge mentally.

As I get older, I become more concerned with my own inner peace and less so about pleasing other people. Fortunately, my girlfriend and I are on the same page with being very introverted.

I am fine in a group of people as long as I can keep interacting with them to a minimum.