We view the world differently than our extroverted counterparts.

For them, they see the world, or more specifically, the people in varying degrees:

• People they like
• People they really like
• People they really, really like

Imagine a triangle like this one and divide it into three sections horizontally: 🔺

For extroverts, from top to bottom, starting with the smallest bucket, these are the people they like. In the middle, the people they really like. Then the last and biggest group, the people they really, really like.

But this is the opposite for us introverts.

For us, it looks very differently. There are:

• People we hate
• People we tolerate
• People we like

In this case, it’ll look something like this: 🔻

From top-to-bottom—most people we hate. Some people we tolerate. A few people we like.

What comes to mind after reading that?

This is why the world can feel so overwhelming. We're constantly surrounded by people we don't like and/or just tolerate.

It's exhausting.

The group of friends we hang out with at work. The neighbors we see every day. The chatty barista at your favorite cafe.

It's not that we don't have anything in common with them, but certain things just don't click for us introverts.

The pandemic also didn’t help. It made human-less contact easier for us because the social obligation to interact was stripped away.

Online deliveries—food, groceries, electronics, and everything in between—made it so we don't have to make small talk with other people.

But that doesn't mean we should completely shut ourselves off from everyone else.

Despite being introverts, we are still humans. And we all share one thing in common: the need for connection and understanding.

And where do we get that—relationships.

Relationships are important.

But you already know that.

The challenge is figuring out how to build meaningful relationships without completely straining yourself.

Being alone is okay.

Self-independence is good.

But there’s such as thing as toxic hyper independence.

My challenge for you is to actively reach out and connect with other people.

You cannot be completely isolated and expect to live a fulfilling life.

Take small steps and slowly build relationships with others.

Set up boundaries when you need it, but don’t forget to reach out.

You have to take this first step.

Don’t wait for them to do that for you.

I know you can do it.

You just have to believe you can do it too...

…and start taking action.

Dive Into the Rabbit Hole 🕳️

• As introverts, we value our existing close relationships because it's difficult for us to form new ones—friends, family, work, or even romantic relationships. However, it's possible to become trapped in relationships that are not beneficial for our well-being. This reluctance to stay in unhealthy relationships can be attributed to biases and fears. Discover these mindset traps and how to overcome them.​
• Want something lighter? Check this out. I can relate to #5 every. single. time.
• This post on Reddit got me thinking a lot. My entire life, I've always chased one thing after the next. Stacking goals, abandoning projects, and constantly looking for something new. I haven't found my answer yet, but I've narrowed it down to a few. Let me know what you're thinking and I'll share mine.