Social Butterfly

I have always been told that people fall into two categories; introverts and extroverts. An introvert is someone who gets energized by being by themselves, and extroverts get energized by being in social situations and being around others. I can't help but struggle with this idea because so much of me acts and feels like an extrovert. I am very outgoing and love to get to know new people, but I also really love being by myself. When I am alone is when I get time to reflect and therefore feel refreshed for the upcoming days, so that is why I feel like more of an introvert most days. I think I am like my Mom in this regard, and since she is my bestfriend I don't consider it a flaw, but it can be a slippery slope sometimes.

If you ask anyone who knew me, really knew me, back in NC I was no social butterfly. I would MAYBE go out for dinner once a week and rarely do anything on the weekends besides cook a nice dinner and rent a redbox movie. Snuggling with my puppy and turning in around 11:30 was a good Friday night for me, which was odd considering my age. You would think I was maybe.....late 30's, 40's or older with children to worry about and a busy schedule. But you would be wrong. I was NOT acting anywhere near how most 26 year olds would act and I was determined to work on my 'social side' when I got to Seoul.

Well I have to say it has been a drastic change. I now go out on the town, meeting new people, and seeing new things about 3 times a week if not more. I often chat with the girls that live in my building frequently during the week, or at least feel guilty about shutting my apartment door at 7pm without having a few kind words in the hall or inviting someone over! It's like someone has inhabited my body and changed this side of me completely!

It's been a blast getting to do so much, and getting to see so much of Seoul so often, but being so social is a fine line for me. I have learned that even with this new social lifestyle over here, I HAVE to find time to be by myself or I end up feeling like I'm running in circles. I mean let's be honest, it's exhausting, for me anyway. It's just how I am built....when I am in my apartment relaxing and cooking dinner it is NOT natural to want to invite a friend over to relax with....it is natural to put on some music and sing by myself! I have realized taking this time is not a flaw by any means, it is an ingrained part of who I am which has brought me so many of my successes in life. Being able to be so independent is a strength, not an antisocial issue to be worked on!

Even still, I work hard to fight that natural urge to read a book in bed, or stream a TV show in my room with the door shut and never think twice about the people or things I could be doing. In my life all of the amazing moments which have been made always included myself being with other people, so I will not pass up those opportunties.

Afterall, in the words of George Strait;

"Everyday I wake up knowing it could be my last! I ain't here for a long time, I'm here for a good time!"