Being an introvert in an extroverts world

I am what you call an introvert. I prefer staying home to going out. I don't do well with large crowds, or even small crowds if it is people I don't know. I would rather text or email than call someone. And when I have to call someone I pray they don't pick up so I can just leave a voicemail. On top of being an introvert I suffer from social anxiety. I work with the public, I have to face people and talk to them on a daily basis. I am a shift leader so I not only have to serve customers but I have to deal with customer complaints. Also outside of work I have 3 children so I have to go to school meetings, and doctor appointments. I constantly feel as tho I am being judged. It isn't fun. It takes me 30 minutes in the morning just to do my makeup. It has to be perfect because any imperfection I see I think someone who doesn't know me will see it 100 times worse.

Some people see me as shy, some see me as stuck up, the people who really know me..they see me as wild and funny. I am not stuck up. I am not shy. I am actually a very kind, loving and giving person. When people get to know me and I come out of my shell they will see I will give the shirt off my back for those I care about. They will see that I love to make people laugh and I love to be goofy. A lot of introverts get judged as either stuck up or shy. When in fact that is NOT the case at all. We just like us time. Best believe we will be the best friends you could ever ask for. We are loyal, and caring and we are very good secret keepers (because we don't talk to many people).

What exactly goes on in an introverts mind? I can't speak for all, but I can speak for myself. And the answer is, A LOT actually. Every look someone gives you are questioning it. Every statement someone makes you are over analyzing. You are constantly studying and listening to what is going on around you, while on the outside you look like you aren't even paying attention. You may come up with some lame excuse as to why you don't want to go hang out at a party, just so you don't have to face new people. Don't get me wrong I LOVE to have a good time and hang out with my friends. I love to laugh and be loud and goofy, but only in places I am comfortable.

If you meet someone who is an introvert don't judge them. Give them their space, after a bit maybe even try to spark a conversation, when they are ready they will warm up to you. Being an introvert in an extroverts world is not an easy task. So those of you who aren't, please try to make it a little easier for us.