Most of my ‘loved ones’ commented about me ,’she is such a shy and introvert girl’. This remark used to irritate me(and it still does) a lot. I have simply no idea why my introvert nature is a matter of concern for them.They seem to forget that even after being an introvert, I always had a healthy symbiosis with their ‘outer world’.They can rather find out something more important to carry on their discussions.

l have grown up facing criticism about my aloofness. My younger brother was quite opposite in nature to me. He was always a sociable person. He could easily connect with people even through his mischievousness. Whereas my reclusive behaviour displayed a sharp contrast.

One friend of my father went a bit too far and once concluded that my intelligent, witty and informal brother had a better future than me. I failed to realise how he could give such an insensitive statement. His words pinched me somewhere in my heart. I was happy that he wished well for my brother . Still I didn’t like his way of predicting my future at the same time.

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about introverts-like they can’t make friends, they face problems in every phase of life for not speaking up , they are self-centred etc.But this thought process is absolutely baseless.Introverts do not belong from a different world. I wish I could tell those giving me such counselling time and again ,’Listen , please cool down and don’t worry. There is nothing wrong with me. I am perfectly fine.The world is not coming to an end if I don’t like to talk much. Go and find out some other topic to discuss.’ I really mean it.

At present, I have settled down in life. Looking back ,I realise that in spite of my shy nature, life treated me well. I can definitely talk beyond formal ‘Hi’ and ‘Hellos’ whenever it is required. But communication becomes a bit tough call for me in the midst of strangers. Now don’t get me wrong. It doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy their company. Usually , I take some time before I can begin free and frank conversation .

I have high regards for them( or so called extroverts) who can create a sense of attachment with anyone within few minutes. It would be a lie if I say I have never tried to be like them. But then in the long run, I have stopped doing the same for my own good. Whenever I have tried to build contacts forcibly, it made me realise the obvious pretensions. Real connections do not need much effort to take place. At least, I am not hurting anyone with my reserved nature. It is much better to keep quiet sometimes and not to sting people with unpleasant words.

It’s not a crime to be an introvert .I love my ‘me’ time. It has made me an observant person and able to read minds. Interestingly I have become self conscious not a self centred one.I have few ,but great friends.

When people around me go on talking crap , then I listen to them with a lot of patience. Although, my husband is tired with my endless commentary about his list of mistakes (yes I remind him whenever I get a chance). He prefers me to be quiet. This always gives me the assurance to not bother about what the rest of the world feels of me.

I am an introvert and totally fine with it.Let my symbiotic relationship also exist with the society along with my inner world of fantasies.