Hi, my name is Janne and I'm an introvert.
No, I'm not saying there is something wrong being an introvert. I'm actually proud to be one. It's just at some point I took it wrong. A bit too literally and let it define who I am. And it wasn't even the right definition.
I didn't know who I was. I was searching myself. And then finally I came across the definition of introvert. Does it feel hard to talk to people? Do you feel exhausted around them? Does social situations make you anxious? Do you prefer being alone? Yes, yes, yes! That's exactly how I felt. Well, then you are an introvert, the silent outcast that doesn't like hanging out with people.
Now, being an introvert doesn't mean you have to be antisocial. It's not a reason to stay a way and remain silent. But that's exactly what I did. I thought: ok, I'm an introvert, I don't have to be the people person. I can't be, so why even try. I let that false definition define who I was.
Being an introvert or extrovert is not about social skills. It's about the energy. Where extroverts gain energy socializing with other people introverts on the other hand need energy for that and rather recharge in silence. In practice yes if you need to use energy to do something it does feel harder. But I can still learn it. I'm just 20 years behind.