My name is Grace, and I’m an introvert. When people usually think of introverts, they think of the words anti-social, quiet and/or shy. Contrary to popular belief, that is not the case. Introverts can be and generally are creative, passionate, thoughtful and much more. Many introverts, me for example,  enjoy the company of others and are not afraid to voice their opinions, but that typically only happens when they feel welcome and “safe” in the environment they are in.

About three or four years ago, I realized I was an introvert. I was beginning to notice things about myself that previously didn’t bother me; I didn’t really have any friends, during lunch and recess I sat by myself, I didn’t talk in class, and no one really tried to talk to me. I didn’t understand why it was so hard for me to build up the courage to talk to people or ask for help in school; I didn’t understand why all the other kids had friends while I was all alone. As most kids do, instead of going to my parents or a teacher, I went to the internet to tell me what was wrong with me. I did a lot of research and found that I was in fact, an introvert and, long story short, I was going to be forever alone. For a minute… I was discouraged, then I made a decision for myself; I decided that I was going to overcome this and be the best Grace I could be… You probably don’t know me, but let me tell you, as of now, I am completely failing.

The Introvert’s Diary, as I have decided, will be a way to get me to try again. I am going to work to be more outgoing and as I do, I will document it here. So, come with me as I stumble through the world around me and become more social.