Community Chat

[Jordan2]

OP here, thank you all for the kind words and advice. As for someone saying they feel this way but would never express it, I would never say it to someone face to face, but I feel this is a safe space and most are nonjudgmental. 

[lgfan]

Jordan2 you are not a fraud.  We all have to do things to survive in the world.  I am also an introvert.  I made a decision many years ago that it was easier to keep to myself than to try to interact with people who were constantly criticizing me.  I work with people because I need to pay my bills.  Unfortunately there are few jobs that have little to no interaction with other people.

[GingerHead]

There's is nothing wrong with you. You are not a fraud, you're just doing what you have to to get along in an extrovert world. Playing the game. I do it too, so I get it.

When at work you just have to socialize and be pleasant. Just because it's hard for you or takes effort doesn't mean you're a fraud.  I hate socializing for the most part but I do at times because I just have to, not a fun part of being an adult but there ya go.

What I don't like is the fact that you said that if you showed people who you really are you're afraid they wouldn't like you. You need to realize and accept yourself for who you are. Being an introvert is a beautiful thing and there's nothing wrong with it. I love us introverts and find us/them to be generally more accepting, thoughtful , sensitive and caring. All good things in my book! 

So let you introvert flag fly! Whoop Whoop!

[GingerHead]

@J Town Girl 

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@J Town Girl wrote:

I am also a shy person but one would never know it from my performance at work.  Before I retired my job involved interactions with the public and my co-workers in the various veterinary hospitals where I worked.  I remember a client once stating to me that she could tell that I am a real people person.  I just smiled and thought to myself I am far from that.  

At work I had one persona and once I left the hospital I reverted back to my reticent personality.    I have never been comfortable in large groups, or at times, even in smaller groups.  Someone else stated in this post that she always ate lunch alone to recharge her batteries.  I was the same way.  I always hated when a co-worker or a former co-worker wanted to meet for lunch.  I loved being by myself and reading a book while I had lunch.  I wasn't a complete loner, I would on occasion meet someone for lunch but I tried to keep those times to a minimum.  

I'm lucky that my husband is also a shy and quiet person.  We aren't the life of the party type people.  Since we are both retired our life centers around our home, our pets, and just taking walks around the nearby marina and park near our home.  

Our home is our refuge and that is where we are the happiest.  

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Ours too! haha, I could've written this. 

[chiclets]

Knowing who you are is what matters.

You are you while having the ability to be flexible amongst others.  That means being able to say no.

[jubilant]

I think the world needs both...introverts and extroverts.  One is not any better or worse than the other. Both bring something to the table and both have their weak points and strong points.    

[AuntG]

You aren't a fraud, but you do what you need to do. Our company had us take one of those those tests they gave in the 80's to determine our dominant personality. The instructor came to me at break and said I'm one of those people without a "mask". So it's "what you see is what you get" with me. I think I've gotten a little better in social situations, but I'm often not politically correct.

[walker]

@Jordan2 ...... after reading all of the responses....I hope you now know......you are pretty normal....we all have different personalities, weaknesses and strengths.....be who you are....be happy with who you are....because you sound like a good person and that is what is important.

[Sooner]

@Jordan2 You know I think the world would be a lot better place if you more people had the discipline and the courage to do what they need to do to work, exist along with the rest of the world, and contribute.  

You are doing the right thing, not just being whatever you would like to be and do all the time and that is something I value greatly in someone!  You are a hero to me!  

[GenXmuse]

Honey, you're in good company. 💗