#6 Introverts Assemble! (But Not Too Many at Once )
The Introvert's Guide to Thriving in an Extroverted World (Without Losing Your Mind)
Ever scroll through social media, bombarded by extroverts living their #bestlife, and wonder, "Wait, am I the only introvert here?" Yeah, me too.
This week, I was staring at a blank page, desperately searching for a relatable topic. Then, I shared a reel about introverts in this extroverted world, and BOOM! It exploded. And guess who was responding? Even the seemingly extroverted folks!
This got me thinking: are we all just undercover introverts masquerading as social butterflies? (Spoiler alert: probably not everyone, but there's a spectrum, and we're all on it somewhere.)
The Curated Me vs. The Real Me
Let's be honest, my online persona might have you convinced I'm some social butterfly flitting from brunch to bar crawls. The truth is, I only thrive in those super-controlled environments.
One amazing introvert in the community, Dazi (tech whiz by day, drummer by night – how cool is that?!), shared the concept of the "social quota." We all have a battery for social interaction, and once it's drained, we need to recharge in solitude.
Introversion isn't just about being shy. It's about preferring quieter stimulation and taking time to process things internally.
Introvert Inspo ✨
I also had the pleasure of hearing from some incredible introverts:
Maureen Tai, the writer and storyteller, shared some sorted insights like socialising with purpose even though it may be perceived as utilitarian or snobbish. She says, “Time is short, as is life.”
Gina, a coach and psychologist, dropped some knowledge bombs about introversion and extroversion existing on a spectrum. She says the key is understanding your preferences and using them to navigate social situations.
Aanchal Wadhwani, photographer, actor, model and entrepreneur a fellow introvert and multi-hyphenate talks about the dual life she lives because of how her onscreen career requires her to be extroverted. Grounding music is her jam to power through the buffet of things she does.
Carol Yeung, MD of a multinational PR agency once a borderline extrovert, says success doesn't require extroversion. She credits her switch to active listening for boosting empathy and detail-orientation. She clarifies that introverts can still be successful and extrovert qualities can be displayed when needed with due time for recharging after.
My Introvert Story
While embracing your true self is key, there's a difference between healthy introversion and full-blown social hibernation (trust me, been there, done that).
As a fellow introvert, I promised to share my story too. Here's the lowdown: only child, A+ student, all-girls school, conventional family... introvert breeding ground. Throw in some bad acne and a not-so-great childhood, and you've got a recipe for someone who prefers their own company. ✌️
Honestly, I never really developed coping mechanisms for the whole "people" thing. So I just... avoided it. A lot. (Cutting off potentially toxic people became a low-key hobby.) ✂️
Recharge and Thrive: The Introvert's Toolkit
But hey, extremes aren't healthy! Here are some reminders for my fellow intro-squad:
Schedule downtime: Block out "alone time" for activities that recharge you.
Listen to your limits: It's okay to say no to things that drain your social battery.
Create a calm space: Designate a quiet area in your home to unwind and recharge.
Communicate your needs: Let people know you value alone time and explain how social interaction affects you. ️
Communicate differently: Suggest smaller gatherings or video calls instead of overwhelming social events. ☕️
Set boundaries: It's okay to decline invitations or leave early. You don't owe anyone an explanation for needing some "me" time. ✌️
Embrace Your Strengths!
Being an introvert comes with a whole bunch of awesome strengths:
Written communication wizards: We slay the email game and can craft killer messages. ✍️
Small group stars: Deep conversations in intimate settings are our jam.
Laser focus champs: We can channel our concentration into deep thinking and analysis.
Creative powerhouses: Our inner world fuels amazing creativity in writing, art, music, and more!
Calling All Hong Kong Introverts! 🇭🇰
Speaking of creativity, I'm toying with the idea of a small group introvert meetup (max 5 people) here in Hong Kong. Think coffee chats, cute picnics, creative projects, library visits, or nature walks. Who's interested?
Until next time, stay charged, my fellow introverts!
P.S. Do you have any introvert tips or stories to share? Leave a comment below!
