"are you always this quiet?"

I'm testing a theory: to write something the world needs is to write something you need.

so I hope this reaches someone who needs to hear this as much as I do.

this is a love letter to all introverts.

there is a variety of us.

some more proactive than others.

some struggling with severe social anxiety.

some at peace with themselves to a greater extent.

some with shaking hands and cheeks growing red when expressing a thought in front of people.

some embracing solitude, others — actively putting ourselves out there in order to develop a stronger extraverted side (which can never be easy, if you ask me).

all equally important for consideration.

all granted an undeniable gift and a superpower.

dear introvert,

I cannot pretend to know exactly what it is you are going through. our stories are so different. but I know one thing for sure.

you are enough, just the way you are.

no matter what the world has to say about you.

you don't have to have a sharp answer up your sleeve to the question "why are you so quiet?" or "you don't talk much, do you?"

those things sting. some of us hear them over and over again, but it doesn't make it any easier each new time.

it's okay to let people say them and stay unaffected. they can't even begin to understand the marvelous world you hold within.

your inner world matters.

all of your unique and unconventional ideas,

little rituals that only you know,

opinions that you may not fully know how to express,

what you enjoy doing when nobody's watching — it all matters. these are the things that make you who you are.

no "too much" or "not enough" apply to you because you are the perfect amount.

you deserve more time to get to know someone if you need it.

you deserve people who will put effort into making you feel comfortable. not slap a label on you just to make the reality of you feel more digestible.

you deserve someone who sees right through the stereotypical "shy", "antisocial", and grasps the depth of you that they are yet to discover.

being an introvert is a gift and a power, but I didn't always believe that. I had to put on a few uncomfortable masks before I realized that being authentic was the only thing that could bring me peace. even if that meant leading a more quiet life. with less people having access to my world of wonders.

I don't know you, but I know how precious you are.

your introspection is what distinguishes you from the loud crowd.

and the depth you seek in others is out there. not every person you meet is meant to be part of your rich and complex world, but that only makes those who are more precious and worthwhile.

please hold on to your quietude because there is no reason to make pointless noise.

don't settle for anything less than deep and meaningful.

you deserve the world.

and the world is always there to meet your depth.

"yes. and I'm quite proud of this."