Introverts are often stereotyped as people who are unable to carry on a conversation, unable to have fun at parties, and unable to spend more than a few minutes at a time with people. As an introvert, I feel like those are pretty big assumptions (that definitely aren’t always true). But I’m also willing to admit that introverts do have a lot of fears related to social situations—including these three fears:
1. Small Talk
Small talk is basically filling the air with pointless words so that the people involved in the conversation don’t feel awkward. But small talk honestly causes awkwardness. No one actually cares why salmon have a pink tint or why tomatoes aren’t technically vegetables or why a leprechaun represents Lucky Charms.
2. Mingling
Just thinking about this word makes me feel uncomfy. Why do pastors, teachers, bosses, and even friends think that we enjoy this awful activity? Nothing truly beneficial comes from it. In fact, it often leads to the dreaded small talk. When an introvert hears the words, “Go find someone to say hello to,” he or she is likely to (1) faint (2) cry (3) hide in the bathroom and/or (4) pretend to be deaf (and mute).
3. Parties
Why do parties scare introverts? The reason is simple: Small talk and mingling are basically guaranteed. Of course, hanging out with a few girls to watch a movie and eat popcorn sounds fabulous. But that’s not typically how a party works. At a normal party, there are dozens of people gathered in dark rooms with loud music and constant chatter—which sounds absolutely terrifying.
Closing Thoughts
To be honest, I might deal with the awkwardness of small talk, mingling, and parties for the rest of my life. But that’s okay. I guess that extroverts find silence, alone time, and small gatherings awkward and just have to deal with those. I can complain about my introversion, or I can embrace it. The same is true for you, friends. Whether you like your personality or not, do your best to embrace it. God made each of us with a specific personality for a reason, so discover what you love about yours.
Your hands have made and fashioned me… (Psalm 119:73 ESV)
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