What is your definition of introvert?

It’s a person who regains energy while being alone/not with other people.

Have you always been an introvert or did you develop introversion?

Always. Also, you can… develop introversion??

What is your personality type?

INFP

Are you neurodivergent?

No idea what does it mean.

*googles*

Umm… probably not.

Are you shy?

Yes, especially around people I’ve just met or don’t know well.

Do you have anxiety?

YES, not as much as I used to (probably thanks to antidepressants) but it’s still there… And I’m also struggling with social anxiety.

Are you a loner?

Well, generally, I would rather spend time alone than with others but I really love interacting with my friends, so… I’m not sure. Maybe?

Were you bullied?

Yes… quite a lot in fact.

Do you have friends?

Well, just a few, but I love them dearly!

How do you make friends?

Hmm, I’ve never thought of that before… I guess it just happens. When I really like someone and we have something in common, I usually try to talk to them from time to time. And when I see they like me back, I try to go out of my way to spend some time with them. I don’t have many friends though.

Are you usually very outgoing among people you’re close with?

Yes, especially when there’s just two or three of us.

How do you feel about being the center of attention?

I HATE IT.

Are you a good listener?

Yes, always.

Do you talk to yourself?

Of course! Just not very often. It’s a lot of fun but only when nobody’s around.

Do you truly enjoy solitude?

Yes, unless I’m extremely stressed/upset/sad etc. (nonetheless, I still love spending time with friends).

Do you often overthink?

Yes and I’m not proud of this.

Do you enjoy creating detailed fake scenarios in your mind?

YES, how did you know??

Do you dislike people?

I do, most of them. But I know not everyone’s the same, so there are some types of people I like.

Are you a night owl or early bird?

Totally a night owl.

Do you enjoy reading?

Yes, I just don’t have much time to do so.

Do you consider yourself very emotional/sensitive?

Yes, sometimes probably too emotional & sensitive…

Do you consider yourself to be independent?

Well, yes, but… sometimes I need some support when I feel too overwhelmed with… stuff.

Do you have pets?

No, but I’ve always wanted to. I love animals!

What is your zodiac sign?

Gemini

What is your IQ?

No idea, I’ve always avoided taking any serious tests because I fear I may become, like, really disappointed… I just hope it’s pretty high, that’s it.

What is your attachment style?

Anxious, as I’ve learned not long ago…

How often do you drink coffee?

Only when I’m out with friends (a few times a month, at best). I started to drink it last year but I still prefer tea.

Do you prefer to share your thoughts or keep them to yourself?

It depends. I usually keep them but when I’m talking with someone I trust very much or I’m really emotional (for whatever reason), I share them frequently.

Do you think that being talkative equates confidence? Are you confident?

I’m not confident and I don’t talk a lot but I think people who are really talkative tend to be a bit more confident overall. Of coure it doesn’t mean that people who aren’t talkative aren’t confident… It’s kinda complicated.

Texting or talking?

With friends: totally talking!

With strangers/people I don’t know well: texting

What are your hobbies?

Well, I like reading, taking photos, learning new stuff & researching various things I find interesting (mostly biology-related), walking in nature, drawing, working in the field (#biology), playing video games…

What is your favorite season of the year?

Probably autumn or spring because I can’t stand summer heat and, while I don’t mind the cold, I’m a bit careless, so I frequently get sick during the winter.

What is your dream country?

I don’t really have one but I love pristine, unique places (islands in particular), so maybe… New Zealand or Scandinavia… or Galapagos. Uhh, I can’t decide.

What is your dream job?

A writer or something animal-related (not vet though), like a zookeeper or a field scientist.

Describe your dream vacation.

Serenity… silence… nature… just me & my friends… unbothered… happy…

What is your idea of a perfect day?

Basically quality time spent with my closest friends.

How do you have fun?

Hobbies and/or friends.

How often do you use social media?

Well, I browse FB from time to time and follow some creators on Twitter/Instagram but that’s basically it. I neither react nor post anything. Oh, and I use Messenger on a daily basis but usually only when I’m home.

Do people often misunderstand you?

Yes, quite often.

How do you spend your weekends?

I usually try to relax at home or do something fun (nothing really big though, a few hours walk will do).

How’s your relationship with your family?

It’s very far from perfect. My mother is strict & overprotective and my father is abusive… At least I have good relationship with my sister.

What’s your idea of the perfect relationship?

Love, mutual respect, support & understanding, stuff like that.

How’s your temper?

I’m calm, collected & stoic. I almost never get mad.

What calms you down when you’re upset?

Music, a long walk or talking with my close friends… or just a nap, it depends.

How do you feel about physical touch?

I absolutely love when someone I trust hugs me or touches me affectionately. It’s just so nice and sweet! I wish it would happen more often but I don’t want to cross anyone’s boundary… and usually I’m kinda awkward when it comes to initiating that.

How is your love life?

One-sided love = pain. I’ve fallen in love with my best friend… I love her literally more than my own life… but I can’t tell her. I’m not only too afraid to do so (it could ruin our relationship) but also I feel like I shouldn’t trouble her with my feelings when I’m almost sure she doesn’t love me back. She has a lot of her own emotional problems and I don’t want to make it worse. Ehh, only time will show how it is going to end… Oh, and I’ve never had a girlfriend before, so I’m not very… experienced.

How does introversion affect your love life?

Not many occasions to meet someone, not experienced enough to… know what to do.

What should be your partner’s priority when it comes to caring for you?

I can be very anxious at times, so I would like my partner to acknowledge that and reassure me frequently (like that’s ever gonna happen).

What are your thoughts on marriage?

No hard feelings. I think it’s not for me, at least not yet.

How is your mental health?

Depression and anxiety disorders + some minor PTSD. Now that I take my medicines and receive some support from friends it’s not that bad but it used to be unbearable, I even tried to commit suicide.

How does introversion affect your career?

I feel like I would gain more experience (by volunteering/reaching out) if I was an extrovert but it isn’t a big problem.

In what ways has introversion affected your relationships/friendships negatively?

Well, it turned out I might unintentionally ghosted a few people in the past… but true friends remained!

Have you lost opportunities due to introversion?

Probably way too many… but I would rather not think about it now.

What do you think about small talks and chit-chats?

I despise them. No idea why people keep doing that so often, it’s so pointless.

How do you feel about parties?

I’m too uncomfortable to have fun there… too loud, too many strangers… You know the drill.

How do you feel about your birthday? How do you celebrate birthdays?

I don’t celebrate birthdays and I actually never did. I find it unnecessary. “Happy Birthday” is enough and my friends respect that.

What do you think is your worst personality trait?

I’m a perfectionist and it’s a nightmare.

What do you think is your best personality trait?

I’m… kinda… smart? Maybe not that much but I think it’s nice.

What stereotypes about introverts do you not relate to?

Bookworm (I like reading though) & “doesn’t like to go out” (I love spending time with my friends).

What stereotypes about introverts do you relate to?

Basically every other, especially “prefers animals” & “rich inner world”.

How do you recharge after long periods of socializing?

I usually surf the Internet but any silent & not very engaging activity will do.

What are your views about extroverts?

Sometimes they can be really kind & sweet and cheer me up with their attitude, sometimes they are mean & heartless… I wish they could acknowledge that not everyone is an extrovert and being an introvert is nothing abnormal.

What’s the most extrovert-y thing you’ve ever done?

I once went to a large party with my good friend and her friend… but apart from them, I didn’t know anybody! Fortunately, she’s aware I feel quite uncomfortable at parties, so for most of the time we’ve been sitting on the kitchen floor and talking. We went home after, like, 3 hours or less.

Edit: Hmm, actually, I’m not sure if it counts because I didn’t behave “extrovert-y” at all… So maybe I should tell a different story: a few months ago in my university department there was a science fair that was organised by students’ scientific association, of which I’m a member. That day I was not only eagerly helping people prepare their stands but also talking & joking with basically everyone I’ve come across! During the event I was walking from stand to stand and interacting with almost every person I’ve laid my eyes on. To this day, I have no idea what has gotten into me…

Have you ever tried faking extroversion? How did that go?

Well, I wouldn’t say that I’m trying to fake extroversion but usually when there’s a group of people who don’t know me and I have to get along with them, I try to appear a bit more outgoing & bubbly than I really am. It’s always really stressful and I can sometimes become quite clumsy and/or awkward if my ‘acting’ prolongs.

Fill in the gap. If it were possible, I’d stay in _ percent of the time.

Hmm… maybe something between 50% and 75%? Probably depending on the weather and my current mood. Also, does visiting a friend and staying at their place counts?

How do you deal with confrontation/arguments?

I hate them and I always try to avoid them but when it gets too troublesome, I try to end an argument as fast as possible.

How do you deal with pushy people?

I’m actually quite good at making excuses, it almost never fails me.

How do you get ready for social interaction?

I try to imagine an interaction beforehead and think of various things that are most likely to happen to, like, get ready for whatever’s incoming.

Have you been in leadership roles? How did/do you cope?

Never, I try to avoid such a responsibilities…

Do you think that there are few introverts , compared to extroverts?

No, they are just less ‘visible’… or at home.

What are the most annoying things people have said to you about being an introvert?

I don’t remeber many examples but it’s annoying that some people think being an introvert equals being antisocial or something… I mean, it’s completely normal!

What did your parents do right and wrong, in raising an introverted child?

Actually, my parents are introverts as well, so everything was quite natural & kinda right.

Do you sometimes wish you weren’t an introvert?

No, I’m good, seriously.

What are disadvantages of being an introvert?

Hmm, perhaps… it’s somehow harder to make friends… or not get bullied (sigh).

What are advantages of being an introvert?

I think we are on average a tiny bit smarter & more creative. And you almost never get bored at home!

What is an introvert’s nightmare?

Probably really big parties or something similar, basically anything that involves too much socialising.

What are the biggest misconceptions about introverts?

1. That if you’re an introvert, there must be something wrong with you. I mean, it’s ridiculous, extroversion isn’t a ‘default setting’!

2. That introverts are people who don’t want to talk to anyone and instead prefer to sit at home all day (and probably read books).

What are things to NOT say to introverts?

I mean, everyone’s different, so every introvert has their own most hated sentences… Personally, I absolutely hate when someone says something like: ‘Why are you so quiet?’ or ‘Speak up, I can’t hear you!’ Ugh…

Say something to fellow introverts.

Remember, there’s nothing wrong with you – not everyone has to be an extrovert. Take care of yourself & respect your own boundaries. Also, show your friends how much you love them!

Say something to non-introverts.

Not everyone is an extrovert and that’s OK. Please, respect other people’s boundaries and don’t ever, ever think of bullying anyone, it makes you an absolute trash, really.

Who’s your favorite introvert celebrity/character?

Dunno, there’s just too many great characters to choose from.

What are you favorite introvert quotes?

You mean, like, quotes by famous introverts or just any quotes about introverts? Either way, I think I don’t spend enough time on social media to know any… Besides, they’re usually fake and/or cheesy.

Do you love or hate being an introvert?

I don’t see any reason why I could hate that. It’s a peaceful life.

“Are you okay? Why are you so quiet? You need to learn to speak up” Reply savagely.

Why am I quiet? Well, because, unlike you, when I have nothing to say, I don’t say anything. And why do you think talking for the sake of talking is normal? Maybe you should learn to shut up, huh? Besides, I don’t have to explain myself to you.

Tell your story, opinions, experiences.

I just hate it that introverts are often ostracized (or even bullied!) because they’d rather hang out by themselves than join a group of loud, annoying people…