Pros and Cons of Being an Introvert

I am an introvert who tries to be an extrovert. Recently I have had several social things during the week. I began finding myself more irritable, overwhelmed and exhausted. I was drained and had to take a few days off to recuperate. This led me to wonder about the pros and cons of being an introvert.

Pros of being an Introvert

1. Introverts don't need to pay to host people. Many extroverts may find their wallets hurting from all the parties, outings, and events they have hosted. Although introverts can host, they will avoid this responsibility. 
2. Introverts are content to be alone. An introvert doesn't need to worry about figuring out evening plans. A quiet evening at home isn't a punishment but rather a treat.
3. Introverts have more time to get projects done. Introverts use the time they would have been socializing to get their to-do list done. While some of my roommates put aside projects to go to the social events, I had no problem using homework as an excuse.
4. Introverts place more emphasis on studying and thinking. Ralph Waldo Emerson was a great example of this. 
5. They work better alone.  If you need an independent project, find yourself an introvert.
6.  Easier to get work done in an office setting. As an intern in an office situation, I accomplished far more as I had little temptation to socialize with my coworkers. 
   
   

Cons of being an Introvert

1. Social things can be incredibly draining. I can take social events in small portions. However, if I hit my limit of socializing, I feel physical, mentally, and emotionally drained.
2.  Group projects are the worst! I work so much better by myself; group projects are overwhelming.
3. It can be harder to serve others.  Our world is full of people that only think about how they feel. Sadly, many people struggle to help those around them.  Being an introvert increases the difficulty in serving others. Don't get me wrong introverts can and should strive to love serving. However, they typically prefer less socializing while performing serving. 
4. It can be limiting. There have been game nights I have missed, people I never met, and trips I never took due to my desire for alone time.  
5. Social settings are uncomfortable. I have never been good in social settings. I feel overwhelmed and often stressed. This can be hard when life is full of social events. 
6. Introverts typically have fewer closer friends than extroverts. I have very close friends, but not as many as an extrovert. The crazy thing is many introverts don't care that they have fewer friends.  

"Our goal is to help the world make decisions with a list of Pros and Cons. We invite all to add to our lists to help others make the most educated decision possible. We are all in this world together to help each other and learn from what others have learned from their lives journey." - Pros and Cons Team
Written by: Kristen