It is ok to be introvert. 2015-10-14 When I was a kid, the subject I disliked most, was PE. It may sound strange as most kids preferred playground to classroom. But it did happen to me for long time

Dora S

It is ok to be introvert. 2015-10-14 When I was a kid, the subject I disliked most, was PE. It may sound strange as most kids preferred playground to classroom. But it did happen to me for long time. I was so afraid of attending games in PE classes, as there was a tricky part: usually the teacher would ask those who lost in games, to sing songs for others. It is a tough mission for me – I would forget lyrics and just behave unnaturally when I had to stand in front of classmates and be stared at. As I grew up, I realized not all the kids were same. Same looked happier and relaxed. I started doubting whether I was good enough. It was embarrassing when I couldn’t find an interesting topic while others talked about everything casually. I was the same silent one until I went to university. During those 4 years, I read lots of books and knew some very good friends. But I was still not talkative, and I never volunteered to speak in class, even if “talking” is a big factor in my major. However, I got an inspiration on a sunny morning, in the “Listening and pronunciation” class. I was upset as each of us had to prepare a small talk. I wrote a long note to assist my talk. The teacher noticed. She didn’t stop me when I was reading my note instead of making a real talk. After I sat down, she smiled to me and said:”Well done, I think you made some very good points. I am sure it was not from a fast thinking, but something you felt in life” I was a bit surprised, was she saying that I was smart, even if I didn’t express much? I spent more years thinking about this: am I really weaker because I speak less? But I enjoy life as much as the extrovert ones. It is just like the difference between a lake and the sea. There are no big waves in the lake, but there is beauty of peace. I don’t feel bad about being introvert any more.

Oct 14, 2015 2:30 AM

Corrections · 7

It is ok to be an introvert. 2015-10-14

When I was a kid, the subject I disliked most, was PE. It may sound strange as most kids preferred the playground to the classroom, but it did happen to me for a long time. I was so afraid of attending games in PE class as there was a tricky part: usually the teacher would ask those who lost in games to sing songs for others. It was a tough mission for me – I would forget lyrics and just behave unnaturally when I had to stand in front of classmates and be stared at.

As I grew up, I realized not all the kids were the same. Some looked happier and relaxed. I started doubting whether I was good enough. It was embarrassing when I couldn’t find an interesting topic while others talked about everything casually.

I was the same silent one until I went to university. During those 4 years, I read lots of books and knew some very good friends.But I was still not talkative, and I never volunteered to speak in class, even if “talking” is a big factor in my major.

However, I got an inspiration on a sunny morning, in the “Listening and pronunciation” class. I was upset as each of us had to prepare a small talk. I wrote a long note to assist my talk. The teacher noticed. She didn’t stop me when I was reading my note instead of making a real talk. After I sat down, she smiled to me and said:”Well done, I think you made some very good points. I am sure it was not from fast thinking, but something you felt in life” I was a bit surprised, was she saying that I was smart, even if I didn’t express much?

I spent more years thinking about this: am I really weaker because I speak less? But I enjoy life as much as the extroverted one. It is just like the difference between a lake and the sea. There are no big waves in the lake, but there is beauty of peace.

I don’t feel bad about being an introvert any more.

October 14, 2015

I too went through the same thing of feeling different. I don't feel bad about being an introvert also. I have learned that it is who I am. Don't try to be something you are not; forcing yourself to be extroverted when you know it's not you.

October 14, 2015

@Maqui, I used to think it is a big disadvantage for me, but eventually I realised difference among each individual, when may not be good at talking, but we are good at thinking and researching. when we see our advantages, we need to love them. we can still improve with time.

October 14, 2015

Doraemon I am experiencing the same situation. I am not very talkative, especially in class. I cannot tell if it is because I am shy, or I don't feel like participating when we are asked to do it. I do know that having an active participation enhances my speaking skill, but I prefer observing and listening to others.

October 14, 2015

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