Sunday, March 12, 2017

5 Excuses Introverts Make to Avoid Conversations

I return to blogging to discuss a subject I know well: the topic of introvert-ness.

In truth, I wouldn't call myself a full-out introvert. Instead, circumstances have made me a "wanna-be extrovert" introvert. Makes a lot of sense, right? Last year, we started going to a new church. Though I love the church, it's forced me to make new friends (dun dun dun) and (worse) go up to people and start a conversation. "dramatic gasp" Now, we do "church things" about 3-4 nights a week on average.

Meaning: I have to be sociable on a regular basic. Of course, in my book, "sociable" actually means: sitting in a room full of people talking and trying to work up the courage to go to say hi to someone. Yeah, it's a struggle. My mind is basically in civil war because how can I be pretend to be a extrovert and stay true to my introvert self? Pretty much, I have a lot of conflicting thoughts in the process.

So I present to you: the Top 5 Excuses I Make to Myself in order to Avoid Conversations. Because, let's face it: being an introvert is hard. Working up the courage to talk to new people, keeping up conversations, ugh, it's tiring. If you're in a introvert, I'm sure you'll relate to some of these. And if you're of the other species (jk), maybe you'll understand us introverts a little better.

1. "I could go talk to Friend B right now. But I just had a long conversation w/ Friend A. I should probably hold it off. Don't want to overdo it here." *nervous laughter*
This is probably my go-to excuse because  I usually can keep up a long conversation with one good friend. Groups are a different story. And besides, there's nothing more satisfying to a awkward introvert than having a long, satisfying conversation with a friend where you actually enjoyed yourself.

2. *looks around the room and only sees one good friend sitting alone* "I could go talk to her, but I just remembered that I talked to her two days ago. Let's not; I don't want to be the annoying one."
No, I really don't.

3. "Look, there's five different friends I could be talking to right now. But why would I want to do that when I could be reading my book/playing the piano/writing that one thing?"
Like I said, our family spends a lot of time in church. Yes,  we're primarily listening to God's word being preached. But our second priority is talking to our friends. Also known as, my family talks to their friends and I sit there contemplating whether I should go to talk to my friends. Usually, I give in to this urge, but sometimes, it gets too much for my brain. Fortunately, there is a beautiful grand piano sitting on the stage that I wander up to and play while waiting for them. Because my piano at home does not sound that great, and you have to keep your priorities straight, peoples.

4. *debating over whether I should talk to that one person or not* "You know, I just remembered I have to do that one totally insignificant thing. Why don't I just do that now because that would be so much more fun than having an awkward conversation?"
About 85.962% of the conversations I avoid is because of my strong fear of awkwardness. It's a understood fear since I have to lead half of the conversations I get myself into. Which is much more difficult than it sounds, as I will explain in my final point.

5. "Yes, yes, I could go talk to several people right now and have a jolly good time. But what if they're feeling talkative and I have to lead the conversation and I don't know what to say and the silence goes on longer than 3.2 seconds?"
Goodness, I'm sweating just thinking about it. Silence, it makes me sick, especially when it's my fault. Despite that I'm a creative writer, I like to keep it safe. No need to make myself look stupid. Of course, my fear of awkwardness usually leads me into being awkward around my friends. I need a new strategy, obviously.


I've hoped you've enjoyed an exclusive backstage pass to my insecure little head. I've enjoyed getting honest with myself, haha. Anyways, do you make any of these excuses as an introvert? Or do you have different ways to avoid conversation? On the other hand, if you're an extrovert, how do you do it? Haha, I hope you guys take a moment to comment. I'm excited to get back on blogging and read what you have to say :) Creds to Ellie, for providing some awesome guitar music while I was writing this.




14 comments:

  1. I'm an introvert too and I can sympathize with this post more than I should. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't we all? Thanks, Arnica. I'm holding onto to the hope that extroverts have weird quirks like this too :)

      Delete
  2. This post is very relatable. : ) I am an introvert as well. We also moved churches last year, plus I switched dance schools at the beginning of the year. I definitely struggle with striking a conversation with someone. Plus I hate it when it's just that awkward silence and I feel like I should say something, but I have no idea what...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally understand because you just described my social life in a few sentences, lol. I despise awkward silence too. But hang in there, I might not be the most sociable person in the world, but now looking back, I'm so happy we went to this church. Thanks for commenting, Maddy! I feel you.

      Delete
  3. UGH. I'm an extrovert, but I've slowly morphed into an introvert lately. I feel this post :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm with you, Hannah. The introvert life is tough, but we can push through it. Despite my introvert-ness, I couldn't live without my friends. Thanks for stopping by :)

      Delete
  4. Very relatable..... unfortunately. xD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I know. I reread this post and starting feeling bad about myself. Thanks for commenting, Emily!
      -Sarah

      Delete
  5. haha, this was great!!!
    i'm not an introvert, but i know many people who are and i can definitely see how this would relate!

    it was a pleasure to visit your blog!

    ashley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I hope to stop by yours. I'm glad you liked it; it was fun to write.

      Delete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ack, extroverts exhaust me. WHICH IS PROOF I'M AN INTROVERT haha.😂 But just remember! Introvert doesn't have to equal shy. ;) Introversion vs extroversion is just how you best regain energy and balance back in your life, either you get energised being around people or being alone. You can have friendly introverts! I, however, am definitely not one haha. And I use these kind of excuses aaall the time. Or else I JUST DON'T GO ANYWHERE and save myself the struggle. (Shhh.😂) But overthinking is totally an introvert thing!! We just don't want to be annoying, right?! *hi fives for our social awkwardness*

    ReplyDelete
  8. number 5 is my ENTIRE LIFE OKAY. I literally get physically sick thinking about it too. *shudders* *crawls under bed covers* *cuddles stuffed animal*

    I love how you can say "my friends" tho; like even though you're introverted you haven't let it get in your way. That's good! (I say, chuckling nervously and looking at my own list of irl friends. "Zero." says the friend tracker. "Exactly zero.")

    Phrases like "socialize", "make friends", and "have fun!" always make my stomach churn bc I'm afraid it won't go well. I have to work on that! And I have to remember to pray in those moments, because God can always help ^_^

    Thanks for this post that was TOO REAL.

    O | Life as a Young Lady

    ReplyDelete

Comments are always welcome! Post a comment below! They make our day!

In Christ,
Sarah