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Look, not everyone wants to spend Friday night partying. Some of us want to roll ourselves into a blanket burrito and watch a movie at home. Alone. And without having to justify ourselves for it.

We're not ungrateful if we want to avoid our friends for a day or two. Nor are we defective if our mind goes blank when we meet new people. We're just (a bit) antisocial.

If you're one of these people (or simply want to understand your introverted friend better), there's an Instagram account dedicated to portraying this life in memes.

It's called FOGO. The acronym stands for The Fear of Going Out, and the one running it says this feeling is completely normal.

More info: Instagram

#1

And This, My Friends, Is How The Irish Exit Was Invented
tc Keanu Reeves

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Buren
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. And I am not shy. Or arrogant. Maybe a bit. The point is, it's okay not to talk.

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The term introversion was popularized by Carl Jung and describes an inwards orientation to one's own mental life rather than the outward orientation of extroverts to social life. Introverts gain energy from reflection and lose energy in social gatherings.

However, it's important to point out that most people are neither total introverts nor pure extroverts but display features of both—they are the so-called ambiverts. Almost everyone needs occasional solitude to replenish their energy.

But cultures differ in how they value certain personality traits, and America, for example, likes its extroverts. This society rewards assertiveness and encourages people to speak up.

Experts are guessing that the number of introverts as extroverts is the same, but the former is less visible and certainly less noisy so it's easy to think they're the minority.

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Introverts are drained by too much social interaction and are the first to leave a party. Even as children, they usually observe first and act later.

#7

Yes 😭
@deelalz

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Jo Johannsen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I'm ever in one of those horror movie/ thriller situations where my life depends on how quietly I can breath, I'd like donations to charity in lieu of flowers.

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Some research claims that the inherent differences between introverts and extroverts lie within the dopamine system in the brain, which makes pleasurable rewards (including social interaction) more salient to extroverts. This suggests that extroverts may be more likely to experience positive emotions.

Even though introverts are generally likely to report lower levels of happiness than extroverts, this does not mean that they are destined to be miserable. The good news is that a consistent theme in happiness research claims our choices and behaviors (the ones that are in our control and changeable) have significant effects on our well-being.

#10

*promptly Exits*
@showerfeelings

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Kirsten Kerkhof
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely! It triggers my sarcastic teacher button and prepare to be subtly sabotaged wherever I can do so.

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#11

May You Go To Work Tomorrow With The Confidence Of A 4 Year Old 🙏
@honeymustardmama

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Madison Feehan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is acceptable for adults too. I did this today to someone. I didn't scream it, but still.

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According to Derrick Carpenter, a positive psychology coach at Happify, a helpful tip for those with introverted tendencies is to try to see their whole self. "It’s important to note that the scale on which introversion and extroversion are measured is just that: a scale," Carpenter wrote in VeryWell Mind. "Within each of us lies some tendency to recharge our batteries through social interaction and affiliation with others and another tendency to recharge on our own. Be honest with yourself about what you need in a given moment and allow yourself permission to have it."

In other words, when calling a friend to hang out feels right, make a lunch date. But if you’d rather curl up with a good book, go for it.

#13

I So Wish I Could Do This On Command
twitter / Unburntwitch

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Carpenter also thinks introverted behavior has an upside that often gets overlooked. "Introverts tend to be better problem solvers, perform better academically, exhibit stronger regulation of their behavior, and are less likely to take risks that may cause them harm," he said.

"Research shows that introverts may experience these benefits as a result of having more gray matter in their prefrontal cortex, the area at the front of the brain that controls complex and abstract thinking, emotion regulation, and decision making."

#18

My Ability To Care For Succulents Is Proof That I Should Not Be A Parent
houseplant Addicts Via @thetinderblog

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The Penguin Bandit
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Teenagers are like the moles in your yard and raccoons in your trash can and ants in your kitchen and yeah, I'll just take the plants and pets, thank you.

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Remember that in many classical and theological perspectives on happiness from Aristotle to the Buddha, spending time alone and contemplating the meaning and purpose of our lives is a necessity.

"Learn to embrace your unique introvert qualities and tap into the happiness they bring you, whether that’s teaching yourself something new, exploring nature on a solo trek, or cultivating your creative side," Carpenter said.

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#22

Let’s Circle Back In The New Year
@introvertsquad

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But when you feel like leaving your safe little cave, own it. "Particularly when you are already going to be socializing, act the part of an extrovert," Carpenter suggested.

"This doesn't mean you should be inauthentic. Just bring more of your real self. Be an extroverted introvert. Harness that rich inner world of yours and jump into the conversation more, share your opinion, crack a joke, and take the spotlight every once in a while."

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#27

It Is 6° Out And I’m Going Back To Bed #toodaloo
@stuartfiddle_

LukeRenner , @LukeRenner Report

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Madison Feehan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kind of like the things we all should be doing right now, but here we are reading BoredPanda.

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In fact, studies, where introverts were instructed to act like extroverts in a group of people, showed they ended up experiencing greater positive emotion than introverts acting normally (in fact, they rated their positive emotion higher than the naturally extroverted people, too) and reported feeling more authentic at the moment.

There are plenty of ways to go about it. "If you're not socializing much, encourage yourself to connect with others in the ways that work well for you," the psychology coach said.

"Join a group to take part in an activity you already love, like a choir, book club, or fitness class. Even though initiating these decisions may feel like an extra effort, the payoff should be noticeable. When you realize you acted more extroverted in a way that felt good, keep it up."

Whatever happens in these settings, you will always be able to retreat and find memes to scroll through instead!

#33

#lifegoals

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Madison Feehan
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I aspire to be this much of a character in my senior years.

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#34

*spends 3 Hours On Google Maps Assessing And Memorising Parking Situation*
@ali_jordan1

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The only Plueschopossum
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When it comes to unknown parking situations I'm ALWAYS nervous. Especially in busy inner-city areas. That's why I love my bike...

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#36

*randomly Meows*
(Gierlsquad/ Helenasund)

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September
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agree. Never appreciate them and also not any good at giving them because I feel like who the f am I to be judging anyone and throwing critiques at them. Always told my immediate supervisors, no praise needed, just throw money

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#39

I’m Just Gna Start Shaving My Head. Can’t Take The Small Talk.
@tacko_belle

tacko_belle , @tacko_belle Report

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Loty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I preemptively ask them a broad question like "What's your favorite vacation spot" and then just relax and occasionally mutter "oh nice" and "cool"

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#40

Off You Go
@solomongeorgio

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Peej Maybe
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Early on in the pandemic a woman (typical Karen-ish Anti-Masker) asked me why I moved so far out of her way while walking down the pavement towards her and I said "Oh it has nothing to do with COVID, I would've done it anyway"

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#43

It’s Good To Have Purpose, Y’all
@javrawr

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Madison Feehan
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now you tell me! It's already the 10th! How can I plan for this without notice???

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And in exactly 200 years, we can have 2:22:22 (or 22:22:22 military time) on 2/22/2222. If that day also happens to be a Tuesday, something BIG has got to happen. I mean it. Just can’t let it only be the time and date.

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Tami
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a doctor's appointment on 2/22 at 2:20, but it was last year. 😕

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Amanda Nolting
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That would have been 02/02/2022. They're talking about 02/22/2022. Or 22/02/2022 if that's the format you use. Either way, it's February 22nd they're talking about.

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Satan Laughs
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has circulated a billion times already! Every poster claiming to be the one who thought of this lameass meme.

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Catherine Spencer-Mills
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I checked my calendar - it was Wednesday. You on the other side of the world?

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AzKhaleesi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn we got married 12/21/21 Kinda wish I would've thought about this date. Also my daughter's boyfriend a month before we were married was like "Why didn't you do 12/22/21 so it would be the same forward and backwards?" I was like where the f**k were you a year ago when I planned? lol

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Summer Woodsong
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know, right? I missed Feb 2nd, so this is my backup celebration. Feb 2nd was 2022-02-02.

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Bevo Nostro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a bummer now to find out that 2/22/2222 is a Friday...

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MSP
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So many Tuesday weddings this month, I'd imagine!

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Ginny Weasly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

:( February 22 2222 is on a Friday. The next day like this will be sooooooo far away since there can’t be a march 3 3333

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Robert Thompson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice sequel to the "Third's" day we had January 2019. It was 1/3 on a Thursday.

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d bradley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

thank you. now what have you got for the rest of the dang year

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Sol Connor
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My kid saved that date in my phone two years ago to have a party and literally today we sent the party invites out, seriously, Tuesday twos day party here we come!!!

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Raine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG LOVEEE LOVE LOVE... think me & My colleuges should make this an office holiday lol.

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Valley Girl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then what? Be miserable until 3/3/33 that has a 1/7 chance of being a Thursday?

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J.A. Rogers
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Joe Reaves
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have an appointment on that day. I shall be using that name as many times as possible in relation to it now. Thank you!

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ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

except in the rest of the british empire we say "tewzday" not "toozday".

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Gin. No tonic
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's about February 22nd. It's still 12 days to go. You might be confused with the American way of writing month before day, but since there's no 22nd month, you could try and understand the date

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#47

I’ve Been Called Worse For Less, Boo. #okaywithbeingselfish
@bonerwizard

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GoddessOfChaos
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know what is selfish? Bringing children into this mess of a world that we are destroying and doing nothing to help fix it just so they can suffer later on

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#50

*leaps Onto Passing Boat*
@imnotscottyshire

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Madison Feehan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just be a bleached almond like the rest of us, huh? Then people just comment on bare skin exposure instead of bare skin with ink.

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