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Entity magazines discusses the ways in which an introverted personality can be beneficial for certain individuals.

For as long as I can remember I have been shy. I moved around a fair amount as a kid. And whenever I got to a new place, I knew that I was going to have to take a stab at building relationships from the ground up. When I was younger, I thought my introverted nature was a detriment but I’ve learned since that being an introvert is way more of a benefit than you’d think.

Here’s why:

I didn’t get caught up in the common “He said, she said” drama, because I wasn’t saying anything. To anyone.

Entity magazines discusses the ways in which an introverted personality can be beneficial for certain individuals.

via Giphy

In high school, it saved me a lot of the drama that other students were going through. I still got bullied, but believe me, no one could use any of my personal business against me because they had no friggin’ idea what it was.

I also didn’t get caught up in the common “He said, she said” drama, because I wasn’t saying anything. To anyone. If someone wanted to put money on the fact that I didn’t say more than “hello” to two students my entire Freshman year, I’d tell them it was safe to take. My lips were sealed. I wore a leather jacket to school every day that entire year. And while at the time I didn’t know the reason, now I think it was because the weight and warmth served as a kind of security blanket.

Instantaneous friendships have never worked for me, because they don’t personally feel as true.

Entity magazines discusses the ways in which an introverted personality can be beneficial for certain individuals.

“Ingrid Goes West” via Giphy

I never look back on friends from high school and think about a rift caused by some sort of drama. We don’t talk every day or every year even. But I always like their new posts on Facebook and look back on those relationships fondly. They were more solid because they took time to build, whether I met them in class or at the lunch table.

Being an introvert makes people come to you quite often. Many people can’t help but be curious about the quiet person they see every day. It’s helped me avoid more baseless friendships because I know the person trying to get to know me is doing so because of genuine interest. My friendships also tend to develop over time. That way I can really get to know someone. Instantaneous friendships have never worked for me, because they don’t personally feel as true.

Of course, if I waited for all of my friendships to develop that way, I would probably have zero friends.

Which is why I’ve tended to consistently put myself in group situations where I can meet people. My undergraduate college experience would’ve been very lonely if I hadn’t been a part of something. The program I chose to be a part of there taught me more about humanity and friendship than I think I ever would have learned otherwise.

The place where my introverted nature could pose the most danger is my chosen profession. With choosing to work in the entertainment industry, I’ve chosen a field where you have to know people. A lot of them. And you have to learn how those relationships can lead to other relationships so you can stay employed.

But part of “adulting” is knowing your strengths and weaknesses.

Entity magazines discusses the ways in which an introverted personality can be beneficial for certain individuals.

via Giphy

I knew that once I left my undergrad, I was going to be applying to a bunch of jobs and crossing my fingers. So instead of taking a blind leap into the working world, I decided to go to graduate school. There, I was able to place myself in an environment where I’d have no but to choice to meet and work with people who will be my coworkers in the industry. I met many people that I’ll likely be working with and around for years to come. And I got the bonus of great friends that I’ll have for at least as long.

When you want to tell stories, it’s important that you know things about people and situations. Being quiet and introverted has allowed me to take on an observer’s role in many situations. When you’re quiet, it’s much easier to tune in to what’s going on around you.

You don’t have to be someone you aren’t to be successful.

There are a ton of introverts in the entertainment industry. There are introverted actors, introverted directors and introverted writers. They all get the same amount of work done. Over time, I’ve learned when to ask for help, when to speak up about what I believe in or want (especially creative) and when to go home.

Adulting can be super overstimulating sometimes for an introvert. Which is why I have acknowledged that (when possible) I occasionally have opt out. Instead of going out on the weekends and grabbing drinks, I’ll burrow under my blankets and watch some Netflix/Hulu/Prime. If I feel it’s necessary for my mental health, I’ll spend the majority of my day in bed. Leaving only to feed myself. And sometimes I’ll get UberEats so I don’t really even have to do that.

I don’t feel like I’ve missed any opportunities as an introverted person.

Entity magazines discusses the ways in which an introverted personality can be beneficial for certain individuals.

^ Not over here. via Giphy

I’ll play the same video game on my phone a billion times. For me, the repetitiveness is calming. And there’s nothing wrong with that. You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone as long as you’re not hurting yourself or anyone else. Some people paint or exercise. I play Design Home.

I don’t feel like I’ve missed any opportunities as an introverted person. My life has been enriched. My friends may be fewer but I believe that the relationships are deeper because they took time to make. I may not have as much cool gossip circle drama to speak of. But, that’s saved me a lot of stress over the years. And I think I’ve accumulated more stories from late night movies and coffee in bed than I ever could’ve gotten on a night out.

So I wouldn’t trade my introverted nature for a million figurative pretend dollars. Come at me with cold hard cash though, and we can talk.

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