<p>So, I was over in the Admissions forum reading a thread about "genuis kids" and I ran across this comment by one of the posters about a girl at her school.</p>
<p>To me, that comment implies that the poster and her peers believe that Girl#2's introversion is a problem. The implication irritates me, since I'm an introvert, although not a stereotypical one. </p>
<p>It feels to me like people are always telling me to loosen up, have fun, etc. I don't think it occurs to most of them that I don't want to. I have a satisfying and fullfilling way of being without being particularly extroverted, and I don't feel the need to change who I am. If I'm reserved about how I'm feeling or what I'm thinking, it's because having a lot of people close to me all at the same time is overwhelming. If I'm sitting alone at a party, it's because I needed a moment, and I wanted to be alone. If I have just a few really close friends, it's because I want it that way. I don't understand why people(mostly extroverts) try to "draw me out", when it's pretty clear that I'm happy the way I am. </p>
<p>Do any of the other introverts out there ever get annoyed by people prodding you to be more extroverted? Are any other introverts bothered by that stereotypical image of the isolated, socially akward introvert?</p>
<p>I know exactly what you mean, I've been the same way most of my life.
However, I've also realized one thing: just because I don't want to do something "the extroverts" tell me to do, doesn't mean I shouldn't try. I think it's important to get out of your comfort zone, because you may actually like something you find. So don't constantly stay in your "introvert" shell.</p>
<p>I think there's absolutely nothing wrong with being an introvert (full INFP here!!). There's something wrong with being socially maladjusted, but some people are just more reserved. I muuuuch prefer small intimate socializing than I do to big parties, but I don't think there's anything unhealthy with that. This world would be rather awful with all extroverts, too, wouldn't it?</p>
<p>I'm an introvert too. In middle school it was a bit of a social problem for me because nobody wanted to be friends with an introvert. It didn't matter in high school, I have amazing friends who are cool with my introvertedness. I don't go to parties too often (occasionally, to fulfill social obligations), and will usually just "party" with two or three friends at a time. That's a manageable group, any larger than that I just start to want to slink off and do my own thing.</p>
<p>One of my friends constantly pesters me about being an introvert. He's always telling me to be more outgoing.</p>
<p>I don't think some people understand that this is just the way I am, and I'm perfectly happy like that. I love spending my time alone. It's not like I feel depressed about it, or want to change it.</p>
<p>I'm not one to have hundreds of friends. I really only have a few close friends.</p>
<p>Somewhere I read that the ratio of introverts to extroverts in the world is 2:3 or 40%.. So it's true. Introverts have it tougher 'cause we're the minority. :S</p>