The perks of being an introvert

Maybe it’s not the most desirable thing to be an introvert for most people. However like everything else in life there has to be some perks.

As an introvert I find:

• You don’t get particularly lonely when you don’t see people for a while. Whilst you may have friends that complain about how much they miss you and need to see you, you are just happy taking a break.
• You don’t always crave attention. Is it only me or is that person who always needs to be noticed quite irritating at times.
• For some reason people think you are rather mysterious and enigmatic. Maybe we introverts do not like letting everyone know every detail of our lives. But a little bit of mystery is always nice.
• You have a group of close friends rather than multitudes of people you simply associate with. Having close and meaningful relationships is really such a big bonus.
• You tend to surprise people. A lot of introverts are cast off as shy and antisocial but when people see the opposite in you they don’t quite know what to think.
• Making rash decisions is not your thing. I’m not saying you will never take risks but as introvert you tend to make rather well thought out and calculated moves.
• As in introvert you usually find you are a good listener. People always appreciate a person who is willing to listen.

Whilst being an introvert evidently has its perks I’m sure there are just as many great things about being an extrovert (If you ask the right person).

Laugh at me, I’m Socially Awkward

Do you ever find yourself in situations where everyone around you starts laughing and you have no idea why? Or have you been looked at funny more than a couple times when you do something you think is totally normal. That is definitely me, I even laugh at myself most of the time.

Okay so coming to the conclusion that I am in fact socially awkward was a rather lengthy process. It definitely takes more than a few lovely people continually pointing it out to make you realise.

The following things prove some degree of my lacking social skills, can you relate to any?

• You might be physically incapable of starting a conversation with new people.
• Being in an environment with a lot of other fellow humans tends to stress you out.
• Occasionally you think you are saying the smartest/funniest thing ever and when you actually say it you realise how stupid you sound.
• You might think you are using trendy words everyone uses but in fact you have been deceiving yourself and people have no idea what you are saying.
• The presence of an even slightly cute member of the opposite sex reduces you to an embarrassing mess, speech may in fact become impossible.
• You always manage to say the most inappropriate things without much thought.
• You think catching the bus can be defined as a social activity(there is so many people).
• You avoid social outings…particularly parties and nightclubs.
• Social etiquette is like foreign language you don’t have time for, if you have any understanding of the concept it’s probably because you have been reading historic literary texts…Which is great if you lived in the 18th century

I really could just go on forever.

Please DON’T be my Valentine

So February 14th is fast approaching.

I wouldn’t call myself a hopeless romantic but I’m not going to lie and say I don’t love my  classics like Jane Austen and a good romantic movie. I think I love romantic notions but I’m too much of a realist to expect these things to happen every day (they probably just haven’t happened for me or my awkwardness destroys any possibility).

But when it comes to Valentine’s Day there is just something about this day and how it’s celebrated that doesn’t sit right with me. No, I am not someone who is bitter about being single and of course I am happy for all the people around me who have something to celebrate. But really is all the fuss necessary? Does every single person have to lament about how they will spend the day alone and does every couple need to stress over the perfect gift for their partner? And do consumers really need to be tricked into spending so much money on things they don’t need (I’m happy with chocolates that don’t come from a heart shaped tin).

In all seriousness if you really love someone I hope you don’t wait for February the 14th to show them how much, there is plenty of days in a year.

On a personal note I will be working Valentine’s Day with absolutely no regrets (actually I volunteered so my friend could go on a date). My way of celebrating this day is to exchange gifts with a dear friend whom after 4 years together with her boyfriend doesn’t really celebrate the day (I guess some couples get over all the Valentines hype).

So back to my point, I mean it when I say “please don’t be my valentine” I think the notion of even saying yes to a potential date on the 14th is frightening. I am certain my awkwardness would destroy any chance of romance! So really this day is not for me.

I wonder, will I ever be a Valentine’s Day enthusiast?

5 things I hate about Uni Break

1- I miss out on all the mental stimulus that uni gives me.

Yes uni is hard work, at some points just overwhelming. But during holidays I find myself wishing I had an assignment to work on or lectures to review. Yes that’s pretty crazy but I’m sure other people must agree.

2-  People expect to see you so often its tiring.

Okay yes I’m on holiday, I probably should make socialising a priority but the fact is I enjoy some alone time (Classic Introvert). Being on holiday doesn’t suddenly give me an urge to go out all the time. People always expecting to see you becomes quite irritating

3- Feeling productive becomes very difficult.

Between the time you spend catching up on your favourite TV series and reading all those books you have wanted to read so desperately throughout semester you just don’t feel like you have accomplished much.

4-  If you are an average student like me it probably means you will be working crazy hours

Holidays usually mean hard work and exhausting hours. Saving up for the coming weeks of uni is critical. That being said work can be quite enjoyable and at least it’s productive.

5-You miss out on the satisfaction of your hard work being rewarded.

I don’t know about anyone else but when I work hard on something at Uni and I get rewarded with a good grade that’s just a feeling I love. Nothing beats getting a High Distinction after countless late nights and plenty of coffee.

I will probably regret everything I have said once classes commence again in 3 weeks and the stress of uni kicks in. I may even have to write about the 5 things I hate about University.

Misconceptions about Introverts

Contrary to popular belief being an introvert does not simply mean you are a shy person, lacking in social skills and avoid social interaction at all costs.

I identify as an introvert and although I may not be a social butterfly I do not hide in the corner at social events (maybe I would avoid more awkward situations if I did).

So really to me being an introvert means that there is only so much of people I can take in a day. A full day of social interaction is just plain tiring. I get home after a full day of work or uni and and its dealing with people that is probably the days most draining task. Sometimes you just need moments alone, definitely more so than your average extrovert counterpart!

Don’t label your introvert friends as shy and socially incompetent (okay they may be) but they may surprise you!

Trying Something New

Okay, well this is all new to me. I don’t know the first thing about blogging. I just need a place to share my stories. I love being someone people can talk to, nothing makes me feel more appreciated but sometimes the people that always listen also happen to have a lot say.