Call me lazy. Call me boring. Call me narcissistic. Call me a diva. Call me a homebody. Call me what you want, but there is nothing I love more than being home in my bed curled up with my laptop, a face mask on, soothing music and in my comfiest pajamas. And I’ve never felt more alive.
If you we were friends prior to me just saying that, you’ve probably been rejected by me on an occasion or two because I actually wanted to stay home instead of go out. (like normal teenagers my age do) Actually, I had the inspiration for writing this because I chose to stay at home tonight, but enough of that.
There’s just something about being alone that I love. I’ve been practicing yoga for about 3 years now and I think that’s what brought the self-awareness into my life I needed. I’ve been in and out of relationships like most people in high school do, I’ve had my heart broken and I think the heartbreak I suffered from it is what helped me finally realized it’s ok to be alone and be your own person.
I didn’t go through high school trying to be like everyone else. I didn’t want to fit in, I knew I had more potential and bigger interests. Don’t get me wrong, I have friends and I’ve made some lasting relationships with people I will cherish forever.
An introvert is defined as someone who feeds off of the energy of themselves. This isn't narcissistic or selfish. About 20-40% of the general population are introverts. (giftedkids.about.com)
Being an introvert doesn’t mean I’m shy or have social anxiety, in fact I started out as a socialite my freshman year and gradually just accepted and matured with my self more. This was unusual for a girl my age, I was and still am very comfortable in my own skin. I know what I like and what I don’t and I’m not afraid to say no.
“I’ve always been me, I guess I know myself.” - Drake
I’m thankful I live close to the beach, so when I go one of my favorite things to do is take walks alone or shop around the markets and bazaars there. And as someone who loves fashion , I find this fitting for my personality. Over the years I’ve curated my own particular style flipping through the pages of Bazaar and Vogue and developing a solid Pinterest profile. (One of my proudest accomplishments) I also happen to be a firm believer in bubble baths and a good nights sleep.
Introverts love to do things such as reading, cooking, working out, listening to music, walking or running, and yoga. So as you can see, I fit the bill. Just know there is nothing wrong with being an introvert. You don’t have to be lonely, depressed or suffer from social anxiety to be introverted; though these people who fall under the previous categories most likely are. Being an introvert doesn’t have to be vanilla, there are plenty of thrill seekers in this world who feed off the energy they bring themselves. However, you can be a very friendly, social person and still be an introvert.
So if you read this, and you’re convinced you’re the complete opposite of an introvert — you can still possess some of these qualities. It’s good for everyone to take some “me time” every once in a while. It’s especially important for people my age to become aware and figure out their interests to pave their path for the future. Whether it be to find new friends or figure out your career, start taking time for yourself and learning to appreciate solitude. You don’t need the opinions of others to fuel your interests; and you definitely don’t need that boyfriend or girlfriend to lean on every time something goes wrong. Learn to become independent as you’re in college or about to enter. Go to the movies by yourself if you’re dying to go see that new movie but none of your friends want to go, go outdoors and explore, go in that new store you think you may secretly like. This is your life, live while you are young and without complete responsibilities.