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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.

#5

I Never Leave Home Without It 😉
@samanthamatt1

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

Everyone keeps talking about this Anonymous guy but I've never managed to find him 🤔

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

Introverts like myself have been preparing for pandemics our entire lives. Please stay away from me. No, I don't want a hug from you random stranger. Please cover your mouth and wash your hands before touching my food. Come on, please have online ordering and no contact pick up! God I hope no one recognizes me and wants to have a conversation. No, I really don't want to go to a crowded place and hang out. Literally our entire lives. Extroverts are suffering. We are thriving.

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

The pandemic was made for people like us... I've worn sweatpants, hoodie and a mask since it started. I bring the hoodie so low don my face, that if I robbed a bank, no one would ever find me

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

One benefit of masking is I can make faces at idiots and they won't know, because I can make sure it doesn't reach my eyes

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

I am almost dreading the day when I will look strange wearing a mask in public... I have no idea how long it will take me to unlearn this behavior. I am so used to mouthing 'a-hole' under my mask that it's second nature now!

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

And if you wear something with a hood in addition to the mask and sunglasses? You basically become the invisible man.

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

Plus, you can talk to your imaginary friends at will. The mask will guarantee your privacy

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

That's not an issue for me, my cursing was rarely silent before or during the pandemic. I don't anticipate that changing in the future.

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

Did you ever wanna dress like a ninja in public when you were a kid? Well good news!...

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

And when we stop wearing masks...I have to wear FULL makeup. (And a bra). This introvert has enjoyed lock down.

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

I LOVE that we can wear masks anywhere! I never have to put on makeup, I can put my hair in a cap, wear a mask and add those sunglasses and NO ONE knows who I am!! No one can judge my looks and no one harasses me!! I love it!

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

Last night the news showed a security cam picture of a guy wanted for multiple robberies. He had on a mask, but it wore it under his nose. The top of the mask was hear his lips so really only his chin was covered. This seems like the time to make damn sure the mask is on properly.

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

For those of us with acne scars and less that perfect noses, a mask is WONDERFUL!

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

Now I don't have to pull up my shirt when people with garlic breath get in the elevator... Not to mention traffic dust... my allergies are so much better !!! Gonna keep wearing the mask

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

I also like that I can laugh at people and yawn much more discreetly

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

A friend and myself love wearing masks, the disguise has made such a difference to our anxiety levels.

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Sophie Prest
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the masks because i'm super self-conscious of people looking at my face. it gives me an odd sense of comfort wearing them in public

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

Didn't work for me! Showed up somewhere I often go, but for the first time was in facemask, sunglasses, and wooly hat. I was greeted by name 🙄

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

I use them to avoid my regular customers who I see because I live very close to where I work. I can pretend I didn't recognize them and avoid having to talk.

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

I will continue wearing masks when this crisis is over, exactly for this reason. We can all pretend we're celebrities hiding from paparzzi.

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

Yes, I also haven't worn makeup since March 2020 so... it's been a time and money saver as well, haha.

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

I wear my mask my sunglasses and a big coat w a hood. I leave all that on when I have to go out even in the store. Don't even have to change out of what I wore to bed. No bra anymore either. I still wear lip gloss though bc I like it.

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

Upsides: you can leave the house with pimple patches under the masked areas and no one will know! If you forget to floss or brush running out to the store no one will know you’re gross lol if you any medspa work done on chin nose tip or cheeks or lip injections, no one will see your bruises or swollen uneven lips until it goes away. Masks are a blessing for true camouflage in a store right now. If a mask mandate wasn’t on and you wore one you draw more attention and people thing you must be contagiously sick if you wore one. You can wear one without a scarlet letter deeming you a diseased and contagious freak who must cover up. You’re actually more embarrassed to not wear you mask now (if you care what other think). Cold sores! MASK!! No embarrassment and you fit in with the crowd. My conclusion for anti maskers is they must all be very beautiful without facial flaws to NOT want to take advantage of this freedom to cover up and not be judged!

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

Wait till you're over 50. Then you'll be virtually invisible to the world. I personally love it.

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

Love the masks - saves time & money - no make-up! Not sure I'll go back....

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

Not in *my hometown ...or rather, homethorp. When you live in a place too small for traffic signals, no disguise will help you. I've seen people come in from the field, in full face and body camo with mud to his knees and some random guy at the gas station will holler "Hey, Dave, get that buck yet?" Maybe there's a secret identifying grunt, I don't know.

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

You have no idea the amount of muttering that goes on behind my mask.

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

People don't have a problem wearing masks. They have a problem with being told to wear masks because it is the steepest and slipperiest of slippery slopes to losing all of their freedoms. That's what they believe anyway.

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

Half the reason I wear a mask is to make me look better. Something no amount of makeup ever could

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

Iam very, very fat. I could wear a circus tent and people would still recognize me lol.

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

Now, 18+ months later, the majority of people I interact with only know me *with* a mask. Maskless might be more anonymous.

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

and they are really handy in winter to protect your face from the cold

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

Add a hoodie with the hood up and you have achieved the identity: "Incognito"

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

And, you can have raw onions on your meal and not worry about a sudden face-to-face with someone.

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

Great idea, I have tried for years to go out anonymously in public. Now I just have to lose the horns and tail...

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

It helped me avoid someone in a grocery store recently. It's pure bliss!

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

I thought the other day, that thieves cand have it more easy, cause they can't be recongized... until I saw a guy robbing a cellphone store at gunpoint taking his mask off so people could hear him. He was caugth a couple of days later.

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

Go got the trifecta! Mask, sunglasses and a ball cap!

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

Also you don't have to smile at people! They can't see! It's great!

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

It's fab. You can also broadcast hostility or chill by the tactical use of mask design.

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

Yeah, my mom's storage unit got ripped off right after the mask mandate started. And there have been more bank robberies in my area as well. Not against masks for disease control, just sayin'.

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

I don't know about this. Superman man puts on a pair of glasses and nobody recognizes him. I cover half my face and can't get away from anyone.

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

Sadly this is to true. In my city the crime has massively increased because people are doing just this.

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know right! Also acne, smiling, I don't have to shave all the time...win win win.

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

I was thinking exactly this the summer before coronavirus. I had purchased a neck gator mask for when I'm riding my bike, to keep bugs from flying into my mouth. I took a couple selfie that summer and people that have seen them are all, you're wearing your mask wrong, but I wasn't. Sure it was below my nose but it was before coronavirus and bugs never fly up my nose. I tried wearing it up over my nose a couple of times but people looked alarmed at the sight so stopped until a few months later. Now I can completely cover up with my masks and sunglasses and am happy about it. I'll keep doingmit as long as I can. 😷😎

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

Face nappies don’t protect you from Convid. Having a brain, and knowing it’s a scam, does

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

The right type of masks worn the correct way do help to protect from not only Covid but other diseases too. If you don't believe me look at the number of flu cases in the US in recent years and compare to number in 2021 when there was a mask mandate here. Drastic difference!

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Bob Standen
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2 years ago

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I don't want to breath in my waste gases for hours on end, my body my choice.

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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
Community Member
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
Community Member
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
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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_

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Madison Feehan
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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

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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
Community Member
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
Community Member
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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#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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