Even from the posts here, it looks like a common theme that introverts are often pressured to fit into the extrovert box. What's with that? We don't push extroverts towards being introverted.

It's really an unfair bias pushed on many as kids, where public schools are largely catered to extroverts and EXPECT extroversion, at the cost of grades sometimes, including things like required group projects, even elective type courses. In my school, we had to participate in recitals for choir for a couple years, dance events, and plays as part of music! Now, I love music and pursued it throughout school instrumentally, but the only place I sing is in the shower, thank you! Extracurricular activities like sports or leadership or clubs are shoved down our throats and we're told we won't get into a good college without some. In high school, people are sent to the counselor if they are quiet or stick to themselves, because something must be wrong.

Personally, in non-school life, I have never once had to work as a group, and I've been successful in my endeavors. I am an adult. I have the choice whether or not to accept those types of positions or situations where group involvement is necessary. Does this make things more difficult for me? Sometimes. Would I rather it be a little more difficult than deal with the tediousness of a group? Absolutely.

I once asked a teacher to work on a project that was assigned as a partner or group assignment to work on my own; my friend, who had a different class period than I, had told me she had been allowed to. We were both at the top of the class, so I figured there would be no problem. I wasn't allowed; I was told I was shy and not very social, so the group work would be beneficial, despite my above 100% grade. TELL ME HOW THIS MAKES SENSE. I do great work, alone! This is school, not a sorority! I got a C- on the project because my partner was a dolt and blabbed her way through every class, making elementary mistakes on her portion. Reeeally encouraging.