I am an introvert. I can put on a big smile, boom my voice loudly and interact with others like a politician when I have to, but it takes all of my energy to do it because it does not come naturally. I constantly have to push myself to get out there and "get in the game". I do this because my observations over the years have taught me that the extroverts always win. They are the squeaky wheels that always get the oil. I am now struggling with this issue because my daughter is just like me. She tends to gravitate inwards instead of outwards. She is a kind person and wants to grow up and contribute good things to society. She knows what she likes and does not like and has a small circle of friends, but she is an introvert. Her voice is usually drowned out by others around her who are extroverts. I am struggling with guiding her through life as I don't want her to think there is something wrong with her or unintentionally make her feel inadequate. I've tried to give her tips and instruction on how to be more outgoing, but she just rolls her eyes and says "leave me alone". I am bothered by this as I feel she has to be the boisterous extrovert in order to be heard in this world. I don't want her to be the silent shadow on the sidelines. I think there is an assumption in this world that introverts lack confidence and therefore do not have to be respected. It's not right, but I've seen it happen many times. I suppose I should let my daughter just be who she was born to be, but until society gets an attitude adjustment I'm afraid her introverted life will be marked with unhappiness and frustration.
|