By Aaron Evans
Columnist
If there’s one thing I love about Asbury, it’s the people. We’ve all heard that Asbury’s community is unlike any other out there almost ten thousand times; but really, it’s one of the truest statements about our school, and how can there not be a strong sense of community? Programs like T.A.G. and the close-knit hall families in the dorms make it hard to be reclusive.
But then there are those days, amidst all the talking, laughing and people conversing in my room until 4 in the morning, where my thoughts bundled into two small words: Shut. Up.
Is that harsh? Maybe a little, but it’s genuinely how I feel sometimes. There are days where I grow tired of people, and it’s this recent need for time away from large groups of people that had uncovered a new aspect about myself: I’m an introvert. Maybe not the stereotypical introvert that never leaves his room and doesn’t speak, but an introvert nonetheless.
However, I realized a problem. I’m an introvert living on an extroverted campus.
Maybe Asbury isn’t extroverted in the way that large state schools might be, but with opportunities to participate in every activity coming and going, T.A.G. leaders always asking you to go to T.A.G. dinner and hall mates who constantly want you to do every hall activity that comes up, it can be exhausting. Don’t get me wrong, I love Asbury and my hall, but sometimes we introverts need our alone time.
I’m sure there are some fellow introverts reading this who are nodding furiously in agreement, and some of you may be wondering: how can I nurse my introvert needs without sounding like a jerk or being anti-social? Fear no more. Here are some ways to combat those extroverts when they come pounding at your door:
•Do your homework early, so you’re always busy, and people won’t bother you.
•No one will actually do that first one.
•Go on walks. People won’t be able to bother you if you’re not around.
•Claim to be reading your Bible when you’re actually finishing the fifth season of “The Office” on Netflix because no one at Asbury will say, “You don’t need to read that!”
•Build a house of cards. If it’s big enough, no one will be able to find you.
•Hibernation. Bears do it, so why can’t we? Just have someone record your class lectures for you.
•Play hide and seek. With everyone.
•Make like a hobbit and find the nearest hole to hide in for a few days.
•Say your friends are on their way when people see you eating alone to avoid sympathy-company (guilty).
•Go on adventures with Campus Cat, who won’t bother you with small talk.
•Have imaginary friends. It’s a good way to talk to someone AND get other people to stop talking to you. Two birds with one stone, right?
•Substitute Twitter with real life conversation. You get all the info about other people without the effort of conversation. #introvertprobs #majorcreep
With all of that said, it’s so easy to remove ourselves from community. Alone time is great, and we all need it to reenergize, but community and friendships are just as important, too! So whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, running from people or towards them, find your balance and do everything in moderation.