As an introvert, it's not always easy to realize how wonderful it is to be one. The world feels like a place that rewards extroverts. Where being loud is mistaken for being confident and happy.
Where everyone has something to say, but nobody listens. A world of open-plan offices, networking parties and big personalities.
For those who speak softly, it's easy to feel left out. Many people assume that they have little to say or that they simply don't like others.
But that isn't true. People often think introverts are shy or anti-social. But these are misconceptions. Introverts like anyone can find socializing fun. But while parties leave extroverts energized, after some time introverts need to recharge away from everyone. There's a scientific theory for this. There are two important chemicals found in all our brains.
Dopamine and acetylcholine.
Dopamine is like a hit of energy when we take risks or meet new people. And it makes extroverts feel great. But introverts are more sensitive to dopamine and get quickly overstimulated. That's why introverts prefer the more slow burn feeling we get when our brains release acetylcholine. That happens when they concentrate, read or focus their minds. It makes introverts feel relaxed, alert and content.
But it barely registers with extroverts. Of course, like anything, it's a sliding scale. You can lean one way or another, or be a bit of both, known as an ambivirt. Instead of filling up space with small talk, introverts listen patiently and make their words matter. They may have few friends, but their connection is deep.
They usually love spending time alone. It's where the chaos of a long day can finally settle. They can reflect and listen to their thoughts and eventually reconnect with themselves. Only after that, they're ready to share with the world again.
If introversion were more valued by society, it could make a massive difference to our collective future. The unique attributes of introverts really are a deep quiet strength. Here is something you should always keep in mind, "In a gentle way, you can shake the world!"