It is ok to be an introvert. 2015-10-14
When I was a kid, the subject I disliked most, was PE. It may sound strange as most kids preferred the playground to the classroom, but it did happen to me for a long time. I was so afraid of attending games in PE class as there was a tricky part: usually the teacher would ask those who lost in games to sing songs for others. It was a tough mission for me – I would forget lyrics and just behave unnaturally when I had to stand in front of classmates and be stared at.
As I grew up, I realized not all the kids were the same. Some looked happier and relaxed. I started doubting whether I was good enough. It was embarrassing when I couldn’t find an interesting topic while others talked about everything casually.
I was the same silent one until I went to university. During those 4 years, I read lots of books and knew some very good friends.But I was still not talkative, and I never volunteered to speak in class, even if “talking” is a big factor in my major.
However, I got an inspiration on a sunny morning, in the “Listening and pronunciation” class. I was upset as each of us had to prepare a small talk. I wrote a long note to assist my talk. The teacher noticed. She didn’t stop me when I was reading my note instead of making a real talk. After I sat down, she smiled to me and said:”Well done, I think you made some very good points. I am sure it was not from fast thinking, but something you felt in life” I was a bit surprised, was she saying that I was smart, even if I didn’t express much?
I spent more years thinking about this: am I really weaker because I speak less? But I enjoy life as much as the extroverted one. It is just like the difference between a lake and the sea. There are no big waves in the lake, but there is beauty of peace.
I don’t feel bad about being an introvert any more.
