“Kumakain ka mag-isa?”
This, with matching sympathetic
head tilt, is the greeting I usually get when someone I know spots me eating
lunch by myself. It happens almost daily. Usually, I reply with an embarrassed
half-smile and say “Oo nga, eh.” But inside
I’m thinking, there’s nothing wrong or sad about the prospect of spending
quality time with me. In fact, I prefer it that way.
Let me get something straight,
though. I am NOT antisocial. I do love socializing, laughing and bantering with
my friends, every now and then. It’s just that, as an introvert, these “activities”
that outgoing people take for granted are things that I have to work hard for. Most
people misunderstand this and say that I’m a loner or, worse, that I’m being
plain indifferent. Total myth. It’s just that hanging out with people, even with
people I’m close to, takes a lot out of me. It’s draining, but I try really
hard not to show it. I don’t want to be an ass about it. I make an effort to be
a little bit more “normal,” according to society’s standards. But, occasionally,
I do have to power down and pull myself back together, or I will lose it.
For those who interact with me on
a daily basis, if you haven’t already noticed, I have “prepared” answers to
common greetings, designed specifically to cut the conversation as short as
possible. Small-talk is a pain. I never know what to say, except smile and
laugh and hope the other person won’t think I’m mentally retarded, or
something. I get by, but that’s it.
In spite of all those negative
side effects, I’m not ashamed of being an introvert. I can’t imagine being
anything or anyone else. I’m content and here’s why:
- I’m
rarely involved in any controversies or rumours around the workplace (that I’m
aware of). In any case, if there were any, I couldn’t care less.
- My
imagination is awesome.
- I
can process a great amount of information faster and deeper and more
multi-dimensional than most people, because I have mastered the art of thought.
- Because
of my awesome thinking skills, my writing is so kick-ass, I rarely need a
draft. (Not bragging, just stating a fact…. Ok, maybe I’m bragging a little. Indulge
me.)
- My
previous landlords/landladies simply adored me since I hardly made any noise,
or any sound for that matter.
- Silence
is never awkward.
- I’m
not afraid to be alone, because I can keep myself company.
So the next time you see me looking
so serious or faraway, don’t worry about me. That’s just me deep in thought. You
don’t have to fill the silence with needless chit-chat, because I’m good. When
you see me eating lunch by myself, don’t feel sorry for me. I’m really just
okay. J