For most of my life, I viewed my introverted nature as a weakness—a trait that needed to be eradicated. I thought my desire for solitude was a symptom of a problem, and I worked hard to understand the roots of my personality and transform myself into a more extroverted person. Our society values sociability, which often makes being quiet and reserved seem like a flaw.
But a surprising shift in my thinking came when I read a quote by Zachary Laid:
“You think you’re an introvert because you like being alone. But in reality, you like being quiet. And you become an extrovert with people who make you feel comfortable.”
This quote opened the door to a new understanding for me. I realized that my desire for solitude was actually my search for inner peace. When I’m with people who provide me with security, comfort, and joy, I feel more cheerful and energetic. This realization turned out to be a turning point in my life.
Traditionally, introverts are known as people who are comfortable in isolation and spend time alone to recharge, while extroverts are known for their energy from social interactions. But this theory doesn’t fully explain the complexity of human personality.
The truth is that most people exhibit both traits in certain situations. The concept of “being extroverted with people who make you feel comfortable” became a big reality for me. I found that when I was with people who understood and respected me, I naturally became more talkative and enthusiastic.
For years, I tried to change myself, thinking that I needed to be more outgoing. I threw myself into social situations, but this only made me more dissatisfied. Then I realized that my personality didn’t need to be “changed,” but rather embraced.
When I realized that my search for inner peace was not a weakness, but a strength, I learned to embrace my true self. I learned that instead of being proactive in every encounter, I should prioritize relationships that I truly enjoy.
My journey of self-discovery taught me a few important lessons:
Self-acceptance is essential: Denying your truth is pointless. When you embrace your nature, you can harness its power.
Relaxation is paramount: Prioritize your mental and emotional health. Don’t do things that drain you.
The quality of relationships matters, not the quantity: A few deep, meaningful relationships are better than superficial interactions. Spend time with people who value you.
Take care of your energy: Introverts need to recharge after social time. It’s important to give yourself time for this.
This quote from Zachary Lead opened a new door to self-acceptance for me. It taught me that my introversion is not a flaw, but rather a source of strength and comfort.
If you’re also skeptical about your personality, I would say to you, see your introversion as a strength. You don’t have to be talkative all the time, nor does being social with everyone determine your worth.
I’ve learned that I will always be an introvert, but I no longer see it as a flaw. For me, true happiness lies in embracing my inner peace and being with people who truly make me happy. And that’s my true strength.
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