Introvert

[Chocstix]

It's like I don't have a life at all. I am over 50 and haven't been I a relationship since my husband passed away 21 years ago. Empty nest made it worse. I feel so alone, yet am so awkward when am around people yet deep down I long to have friends and a relationship. Any advise would go a long way...talk about being g that age and struggling...I feel ashamed.

[AnxiousSilver]

"I feel ashamed."

I feel bad whenever introverts label themselves as being weak.

It's also a shame that introverts want to be more like extroverts. (when they don't realize that extroverts have their weaknesses too)

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However, introverts have their own strengths and skills that extroverts don't, and vice versa.

There is plenty of information out there about how cool it is to being an introvert, and how to "soar with your strengths" as being an introvert too.

[Hidden]

Hi I know what you mean. Check out iplayer "How it feels to be human. The quiet power of Introverts" As AnxiousSilver says there's a lot of info about the positive aspects of being an introvert. The trouble is that society places an emphasis on extroverts.I hope you can value who you are as there's no inherent reason to feel ashamed.

The problem for me is that I am more naturally extrovert, I was conditioned into an invisible role from childhood and it "goes against the grain" to get out there.

I get anxious and avoidant which makes me unhappy as I do love mixing with people.....but there's a halfway house such as clubs, classes, voluntary work which are not so threatening. I hope you find your way!

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Oh don't be ashamed in any way since whether it is nature or nurture it is just the way a person is.Like you I became isolated and it was a slow process.At least coming onto this site is a start of a journey to get the attitude to be less of an introvert.Some day soon I will visit my local senior center.Maybe a similar place is located in your town?

[Hidden]

I like to say if there were no introverts then everyone would be talking and no one would be listening!!! It’s rare to find good listeners sometimes. Introverts have a lot of great qualities that tend to get overlooked because we’re not out there trying to convince people about how great we are. You’re a gem, take it from me.