The Quiet Struggle

As an introvert,

making friends is a challenge.

We don’t walk up to people,

like cats.

We expect people to approach us,

caress us with words

to open our shells,

but these genuine interactions

are too rare.

“Just introduce yourself,”

the extraverts parrot.

But, what do we say?

“Hello, my name is so-and-so.

What’s your name? Oh! So-and-so.”

Then silence erupts between us.

Let me help you bridge these gaps.

Ask people how they spend their free time.

Ask questions and listen.

What is it that you do?

How did you get into it?

But, we often become muted.

Listening to people

endlessly chatter about themselves

not reciprocating the questions back.

Try this instead,

subtly mimic them.

When they pick up their glass

wait a beat

then pick up your own.

When they cross their legs

wait several beats

then cross your own.

This is how you become more likable.

But, this is the chameleon's approach.

We introverts fade in these interactions

losing our selves in them.

Can’t we just skip to the conversations

about the start of the universe,

theories of time,

and the afterlife?

Image created using AI art generator Night Cafe Studio.