What It Felt Like Growing up as an Overachieving Introvert
As an overachieving introvert, I kept trying to be someone I wasn’t in order to fit into a world I didn’t feel I belonged in.
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It’s easy to feel misunderstood as an introvert. That doesn’t mean you’re alone — and these firsthand stories prove it. Browse all of our anecdotes, essays, and personal stories from introverts below.
As an overachieving introvert, I kept trying to be someone I wasn’t in order to fit into a world I didn’t feel I belonged in.
Could I have overcome a lesser high school education, a younger age, and an instinct to socialize at every opportunity if I wasn’t an introvert?
I didn’t tell myself that I had to take part in every activity, or do something “fun” every day, or spend every waking moment with my family.
A big fat Indian wedding is all about people, fun, and a show of wealth — which can quickly turn into a nightmare for the bride if she’s an introvert.
The only reason they perceive me as antisocial is because they have created a norm for social interaction.
I wrote a book called “Introverts in the Church,” and now it seems that everything I do has become an introvert punch line.
But the high I get from performing doesn’t carry over to other “people” situations.
I wish I could tell her to enjoy those quiet Friday nights in bed with a book — and that being an introvert is perfectly valid.
I found myself in a crowd of thousands with a giant, eye-catching sign. And who was attached to that sign? An introvert.
I stared at the dance floor. Clearly, there was no place for me here. Just coming to this conference was outside my comfort zone.