“Would you say you are an introvert or an extrovert? Or are you a little bit of both?”
These are questions you will only be asked in Western societies.
Those 2 words do not exist in my native language. They are generally determined by assumptions, sometimes made by people who barely know you. One thing my culture unfortunately instilled in me is that an introvert is a stuck up person, who isolates himself/herself and shows disrespect simply by being quiet (muri make umuntu ugira agasuzuguro). On the other hand, an extrovert is a people person, always up for anything, easily approaches people and all that (i.e. umuntu w’umu sharp).
According to society, people who REALLY make it in this world are extroverts because they are the go-getters, natural networkers, who consider crowds as their comfort zones and public speeches as easy as reciting the alphabet. On the contrary, it takes everything for introverts to network, swerve into crowds and make presentations, and this is to their disadvantage because this is after all an extroverted world, where extroversion significantly matters much more professionally.
But hey, introverts MAKE it too. They are listeners, critical thinkers, people who enjoy the one-on-one conversations, followed by some alone time…scratch that…A LOT of alone time! Recharging from all social interaction is huge for introverts; it’s what makes them feel mentally refreshed and ready to get back out there and express themselves.
Socially wise, I think introverts are usually in a position of pretense and constant effort. Pretending to enjoy happy hour with 20 sales coworkers after spending the whole day together. Smiling and making small talk with people all night, whether familiar or not. Concerned to seem rude if you walk out and leave a social event the minute you feel “tired” when in all honesty, you would rather go home to Netflix, music and your thoughts.
Sometimes, I feel like the world whispers to introverts: “Fit in or die trying.”
Uhmmmm… ain’t nobody got time for that!
Introverts, just be your damn self and don’t ever apologize for it. Say what you need to say (couldn’t help but quote quote John Mayer right there) and do what you gotta do your way. God will do the rest.
Mpinga K. Rwabuhihi 