In 2023 I finally came out as introvert. I didn’t exactly proclaim my introversion from the rooftops as that wouldn’t be the behaviour of an introvert. Instead, I would occasionally drop into conversation that I was indeed the ‘I’ word. Most people didn’t bat an eyelid because of course they already knew. I enjoyed coming out because it meant I no longer had to pretend or try to be something I wasn’t. I no longer had to make excuses. I could simply say that I would not be attending the forthcoming work social event because I am an introvert and do not enjoy attending such events. Extroversion was no longer the goal. Becoming a better introvert was now the goal.

Previously introversion had seemed like an evolutionary aberration that you might expect to have meekly removed itself from the gene pool. Society looked down upon us, asking how do you introverts even exist since you can’t compete, and you can’t get a partner. How does the introvert gene get passed on. How did your sperm even find an egg to fertilise, let alone get there first.

I have learned to love being an introvert, and in turn I have learned to love myself (I know, too cringy). It seems somewhat paradoxical but the more I lean into introversion, the more I double-down on it, the more confident, outspoken, sociable and ambitious I become.

There should be a Pride day for introverts, a muted grey flag flying at quarter-mast perhaps, deserted streets and bars. No social media announcements. Sitting at home with a good book. Ah it sounds wonderful. In fact it sounds like every day for me.

Anyway, for now I’ll say it loud, I’ll say it proud.

I am introvert.