Extraverts take up about a good 2/3-3/4 of population, being introverted feels "wrong"?

Question

I am an introvert. I feel terrible when we get together in a gathering and are encouraged to hug each other. Well, I am not fond of hugging anyone, especially strangers! My hesitation may seem unfriendly, as I stick out my hand to shake! What can I do to cope with being an introvert in an extravert society?

I realize I don't want to force myself to be anything for anyone or society, as long as that trait does no harm. It surely does me no harm.

The question is, I don't want to appear unfriendly yet I CAN'T be something I'm not!

Answer 1

Do what makes you comfortable and happy, if you don't like hugging just offer your hand, but try to appear friendly. angle your palm upward and smile (upward palm signifies that you have less to hide, it's a small compromise) people who are around you often will eventually realize you require a large personal space 'bubble' and will should accept it as part of your personality, if not they do not, there is little you can do about it. it can also be a method of removing the chaff from the wheat, leaving you with people who are interested in you.

Answer 2

I consider myself an even split of extrovert and introvert. Not hurting anyone is generally a good idea, however, the introvert also suffers under the unwillingness to "go with the flow" of social interactions.

As a choice, there is nothing wrong with anyone who enjoys being an introvert. If it causes distress to be an introvert, that is a different issue. Sometimes introverts do not trust others making any situation meeting new people or strangers difficult.

As long as you realize the harm that you do to yourself, you have every right to continue to be reserved around others.

Answer 3

I question your statistics, I believe it only seems like there are more ex's than ints because the ext's are boisterous loud and do things to get themselves noticed. There are millions of Introverts who are happy to do their own thing and live their lives in total anonymity, but they give us some fantastic things , like art, music. I'm not saying that extravert's don't contribute, but I don't believe they contribute any more to society that do the quiet masses who are happy to work alone at their own pace doing what ever it is that they are good at. What can you do? here it is in a nutshell, "IF IT AIN"T FUN, DON"T DO IT!"

Answer 4

Personally I like being an introvert and don't feel like its wrong. In life we need that balance of introverted and extroverted people or things would never get done. I too don't like to hug people, I would suggest if you don't like it then don't do it. While offering your hand just give them a friendly smile along with it.

Answer 5

I agree with ctelly22. I took me a long time, however, to realize that 'I'm OK.' I could not handle the stress of pretending anymore and decided that I would rather be lonely than stressed. But I discovered that people accepted me as I truly am. Every Saturday my extrovert friends and I go out. They love me, and they all know that I'll sit in the corner with my sketch tablet and record the things around me. It works and I don't stress out anymore.

Answer 6

Be yourself. Respect yourself.

If you feel uncomfortable in gatherings, then don't go there often. You wanna shake hands, go and do it. Have your own style. It's your life.

Answer 7

It's only our own judgment that ultimately defeats us. That's why it's called self defeat. Let others think what they want, but the important thing is what you think.

Answer 8

what kind of a social circle you are moving aroubd where hugging is seen so necessary? the trouble is with your friends.