Quora Question: What's the downside of being an introvert?

Quora Question: What's the downside of being an introvert?

A question by

Sanjana Anand

Struggling with anxiety Sep 24

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My answer:

I guess I have to disagree on the points that you have mentioned.

 

I believe that a person being an introvert, ambivert or extrovert is not purely absolute. Each of us may have a higher percentage of being introverted or extroverted but we aren't solely on one side of the spectrum. I don't believe that you have to box yourself in one category.

 

If we go back to your question, there is no downside to being an introvert. In my opinion, I think that being introverted is considered a blessing. Most of the items you listed above I can relate to during my younger years. I used to be a quiet, angry kid. No one knew except me. As I delved into my inner myself through introspection, I realize that it may be because of our inherent need for connection with another human being and our subconscious tendency telling us to please people who make us unhappy.

 

Life is unfair and some people have been scarred very badly during their formative years. What's even worst is that those scars came from the people they trusted the most (e.g. family and friends). If we unfortunately experienced this, it is our duty to solve these things if not cope very well because if we left our issues unsolved, these things will brew, accumulate in time and will eat us up that will eventually result into bigger problems later on.

 

Sometimes being solitary can be a bit lonely at times (this is especially when you have intentionally self-isolated yourself from people and limit interactions). However, what I realized after some contemplation and few years of experience is that loneliness can also be felt by introverts even when you are a part of a crowd. There is nothing sad than being there physically but can't genuinely connect with anyone.

 

Unhappiness has nothing to do with being an introvert/extrovert. It stems from of your current mind set and with how you approach life in general.  I used to wallow in self-pity because I choose a profession which necessitates high human interaction and social skills. This profession I am in tending to difficult and irate patients battling diseases.  I thought that I should’ve not been there in the first place. I was stricken with shame and grief because after a decade, I felt that I fare far below comparing myself to how my peers are in. But then the COVID-19 pandemic happened which taught me to be done with worrying and live life as I want it to be. I chose to have another perspective. Interactions with patients made me realize a lot of things. They taught me how to be a better healthcare provider, how to communicate, how to discern what to see and do because with people, not all things are verbalized. You should have the heart to see beyond what the eyes cannot see. People taught me that kindness is always right and extend your patience to your utmost capability. But I should also reiterate the importance of boundaries.