Unveiling the True Feelings of Every Introvert

As an introvert myself, I have often found myself cooped up with my emotions, longing to express them but for fear of judgment or discomfort. I've known what it's like to have true feelings hidden in my heart, only to be met with silence and misunderstanding.

True Feelings of Hidden Introspection

I've been there, I've felt that. For about four years, I harbored undying feelings for someone special. Though I was committed to a different relationship, the thought of expressing my heart had become a heavy, seemingly permanent stone.

One night, after consuming a fair amount of alcohol, I ventured out into the digital realm, a safe space to voice my feelings. I messaged her, laying out my sentiments. Her reply, could not have been more telling: "Are you okay?"

I slammed the phone shut, my chest suddenly lighter. This was a moment I had often wished for, yet the lifting of weight had come in an unexpected way. From that moment on, I made a conscious effort to express myself more, knowing that hidden emotions can sometimes resurface in uglier ways.

We care, but sometimes it's not seen at first. True feelings, for an introvert, are often hidden behind a mask of reserve. It requires someone to truly care and see beyond the surface. If genuine empathy isn't present, our innermost thoughts may go unnoticed and unexpressed.

Struggling with Social Expectations

I wish I could shut off my mind and move on from past emotional upheavals as easily as less-sensitive individuals. However, the empathetic nature of introverts often means we carry more emotional baggage. In my case, my extroverted partner and children can be quite exhausted by my need for peace and alone time. It's a struggle to navigate this difference in temperament.

Having two extroverts as my friends doesn't help either. While I love them deeply, their constant energy and desire for social interaction often leaves me feeling overwhelmed. Conversely, I sometimes envy their effervescent, socially engaged personas, a stark contrast to my own introverted nature.

These internal desires and conflicts can be overwhelming. I often perform tasks, like conducting training sessions, with a mix of love and hate. I may do it well, but internally, I cringe at the thought of it, knowing it's not always aligned with my true introverted self.

Inner Conflict and Empathy

My empathy can often feel like a double-edged sword. I take a lot of emotional baggage with me, but I also break down when I can't help someone out of their emotional struggle. It drains me, and I wish I had the courage to say no to situations that wear me down.

Unfortunately, my introverted nature leads me to hide my true feelings. I may come across as unemotional, but resent when people label me as such. Being told that I break spirits or that I am boring can be especially hurtful, and I often wish that I could share more of myself with others, without the fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

lone time is crucial for me, but my family and friends don't always understand. They find it frustrating when I want to be alone, and I can be equally irritated when they're continually on the go. It's a constant balancing act that can feel stressful and draining.

Conclusion

Understanding and embracing the true feelings of introverts is essential for building more empathetic and supportive relationships. If you're an introvert, know that your struggles are valid and that you're not alone. If you're an extrovert, try to be more understanding of the need for solitude and emotional processing that introverts often require.

Allow yourself and others to express true feelings openly and honestly. It may take time to truly open up, but worth it to ensure that the weight of hidden feelings does not resurface in an ugly way. Only then can we truly live authentically and in peace.