I am without a doubt an introvert myself, so I have to admit that many of these photos speak to my soul, pandas. I have no problem being social for limited amounts of time, but if I don’t get my one day a week completely alone when working from home, I start to go crazy. It can be so exhausting trying be “on” when in public, so there’s nothing better than walking home after a long day and not having to speak to anyone for an hour, or relaxing on the couch on a Sunday morning. Socializing too much gives me an actual headache, and when I don’t have time to decompress by journaling or taking time to process my thoughts, I start to spiral. Being an introvert is just something I am, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, despite what some extrovert-biased media might tell you.

That’s why pages like All About Introverts are so nice. It can be challenging to find introvert representation that doesn’t just portray us as socially awkward, shy individuals who are scared of ever leaving our homes. Sure, that may be the case for some people, but most introverts are perfectly normal in public; we just cherish those moments when we finally get to be alone. I can’t fully relax until I’m by myself, and I have always been that way. “Although we live in an extrovert world, introverts are valuable, centered members of society with so much to contribute,” All About Introverts writes on their site. “Our articles will highlight many of the things that make introverts extraordinary.”

“[All About Introverts] is dedicated to helping introverts live their best lives. On this site, you’ll find information to help educate and empower introverts in all areas of life,” the creators explain. “You’ll learn more about specific traits, challenges, and intricacies that come with being an introvert. We designed this website to give introverts an opportunity to take a deep dive into their own complexities and develop an even deeper appreciation for their uniqueness. In addition to this, we offer insight into the specifics that can improve an introvert's quality of life, many of which they may not even be aware of. Where you live, who you spend time with, and what you do for a living are just a few of the ways in which introverts can be impacted by the world around them.”

“At All About Introverts, we set out to inform and inspire introverts to discover and seek what makes them the best version of themselves,” they go on to explain. “This site will provide you with lots of great information to help introverts make the most of their careers and relationships. We’ll also provide great tips on setting boundaries and creating a lifestyle that allows you to thrive. Our hope is that you continue to check back to learn even more about being an introvert and continuously celebrate what makes you and all other introverts so valuable to the world.”

Introverts are an often misunderstood group of people. You might assume they’re always quiet, shy or plagued by social anxiety, but that doesn’t have to be the case at all. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert simply comes down to how you spend energy and how you recharge, according to psychologist Carl Jung who coined the terms in 1920. If you turn inside to your own mind to gain your energy back, you’re an introvert. And if you need social interaction to give you energy, you’re an extrovert. All of us can be perfectly fine alone or being social with others, but one of those things will be more exhausting for you. Extroverts tend to have much more representation, as they might demand a bit more attention, but actually one-third to one-half of all Americans are introverts. Let me hear you roar, introverts of the world!    

A few of the most common misconceptions that introverts face is that they’re shy or unfriendly, that they cannot be leaders, and that it’s difficult to get to know them. But none of these things actually have anything to do with how introverts recharge their batteries. They can be just as kind and friendly as anyone else, they just might not have the energy to be “on” in front of people at all times. They might become quieter in a large social setting if they’re running out of energy, but if you speak to them one-on-one, they are likely to have a lovely conversation with you. And they can certainly have wonderful leadership qualities. They’re usually great listeners, great at analyzing situations, and they may be seen as less intimidating, which can help people trust them. 

For a previous Bored Panda article featuring painfully relatable introvert memes, we reached out to Jenn Granneman, founder of Introvert, Dear, and she was kind enough to have a chat with us about why she started an online community for introverts. “I started Introvert, Dear in 2013 as my personal blog. I was dating an extroverted man, working an extroverted job (teaching), and living with an extroverted roommate. I wanted to write about what it was like being an introvert living in an extrovert’s world," Jenn explained. "In true introvert form, I wrote the blog anonymously for almost two years because I had no desire to be in the spotlight. Today, my blog has become the world’s largest online community for introverts and highly sensitive people. With the help of 'quiet ones' around the world, I’m on a mission: to show introverts and highly sensitive people everywhere it’s okay to be who they are."

We also previously asked Jenn what being an introvert means to her. “Being an introvert simply means I prefer to socialize a little differently than extroverts do," she explained. "I love to have meaningful conversations with just one or two people at a time, rather than make small talk with a big group. I socialize infrequently and in short bursts, and I need plenty of downtime afterward to regain my energy.” 

“There are times when I might attend a big party or a concert, but generally, I prefer to hang out at home or in intimate spaces,” Jenn previously told Bored Panda. “I can make small talk, but doing so takes a lot of effort, so I avoid it when I can. I cherish solitude. My favorite weekend 'plans' are no plans at all. I tend to keep thinking about certain issues, problems, or experiences long after other people have forgotten about them or moved on to another topic. I make my point using a handful of words rather than hundreds."

“Introverts are still misunderstood, despite the positive attention that they’ve gotten in the media in recent years," Jenn previously told Bored Panda. "When you’re a quiet person who doesn’t say much, it’s easy for people to misread you." She also went on to dispel some common introvert misconceptions. "That our need for solitude is about us, not the people in our lives," she explained. "Sometimes our friends and loved ones feel hurt or rejected when we spend time alone. They shouldn’t — introverts are simply wired to need that downtime to restore their energy. It’s not about you; it’s about us. If you have an introvert in your life, please don’t feel hurt if they occasionally decline your invitations or ask to spend the evening alone."

Are you feeling like cuddling up with a nice book, a cup of tea and your cats this Friday evening? There’s nothing wrong with a lovely night in, especially when you’re feeling full-on introvert and just can’t be bothered to socialize. We hope you’re feeling seen if you’re an introverted panda; keep upvoting all of the pics you find most relatable. Then if you’re interested in checking out another Bored Panda article featuring memes that might speak to your introverted soul, look no further than right here!