When the image didn’t fit reality, I almost lost it. I had to take a good long hard look at myself and do some self reflection. I had to accept that first, I was a good mom. I had to stop the voices that told me otherwise- from myself and those coming from well-intentioned family members. Second, I recognized that my own children, although loud and rambunctious, were creative, sensitive, artistic souls who just needed space to just be themselves.

Fast forward ten years and I have found out that I, too am an INFJ that had grown up in a very extroverted European family- think the movie, ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. I was always the “odd” one because I just wanted to be alone in a room with a good book. Now, I recognize that my daughter is an introvert also. She is young, but a personality test she took said INFP. I kind of think it’s right. Now when people in my family say it’s weird that she doesn’t come out of her room, I push back and protect her. I tell them she is perfectly fine and I make sure she knows that there is nothing wrong with her. She comes on walks with me and we talk about anything she wants or we just walk silently taking in the nice weather. Also, she is always drawing in her sketch book.

Bottom line- life is a journey. You learn. You grow. And you keep finding yourself and finding what makes you happy. I don’t care what anyone says about me anymore. I’m happy being me with all my imperfections. I have my strengths and weaknesses like everyone. I try to improve when I can and let go of things that are out of my control.

I don’t know when this got so long and preachy. Anyway, this was my long winded way of saying thanks for the article. I can relate and I hope you keep on the path you’re going. 🙂

I realised that I only needed to do my best and that was good enough. Besides, as we INFJs like to consume information, it isn’t as comfortable under pressure.

As an INFP i’ve experienced some problems of my own. Also i tried to be as extroverted as possible but the difference is that i didn’t even realise it. Every time i came home i felt drained. Years went by without knowing why. Until i suddenly came across a MBTI test. When i read my result i felt like it had been written by someone who had been stalking me for the past 10 years. I learned that introversion is a thing and started researching it on my own. I encountered a massive amount of blogs like Introvert, Dear and read a few books like The Secret Lives of Introverts by Jenn Granneman and Quiet by Susan Cain.

Today i know i’m an introvert and know what it means. It helped me manage my live in such a way i have more interesting social interactions without risking an introvert hangover.

It is because of writers like you that i learned so much about introversion. There are so many others out there that still need that wake-up call. Keep doing the good work!

For introverts, pushing back and saying no is highly intimidating and uncomfortable. But the truth is that people usually appreciate it when you do this, and respect you for it. And if you do suffer negative repercussions at work, it’s not you; it’s a sign that you’re in a dysfunctional workplace and should either try to effect change there or leave.

All the best in your journey. It won’t always be be easy, but overall it’s rewarding and will improve your outlook and well being.