Introvert Problems With Low Self-Esteem and Confidence

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What are some introvert problems you face?

Two weeks ago, I went for a job interview and I was asked this question “What is your biggest challenge being an introvert and how did you overcome it?”

It was a really interesting question. I had never asked myself this before. And being an introvert, my mind went blank immediately. I think I said something silly like being mistaken as being shy. And yes, most people think that introverts are shy, but that’s hardly the biggest challenge that introverts face!

After having some time alone to ponder and reflect, I have a better answer to this question:

The biggest challenge that introverts face is low self-esteem.

I’m not sure how true it is for other introverts. But for me, that is the biggest challenge growing up.

Table of Contents

Introvert Problem # 1: Keeping to Myself

I had very low self-esteem in secondary school (otherwise known as a high school in the US). I found it difficult to communicate with other classmates.

I had a very old soul since young. It’s not that I didn’t want to talk to my classmates, but most of the things they were interested in aren’t something I like to talk about. When other kids were busy playing sports, games, and pranks on other classmates, I was busy learning, reading, and writing.

Other kids didn’t want to talk about homework. And if I talked to them about the meaning of life, they would think that I’m crazy! I’m not sure if anyone would want to hear me speak.

So I rather keep to myself.

Introvert Problem #2: Being Misunderstood As Aloof

But my quietness is often mistaken as being shy or boring. Sometimes, others think that I’m aloof, unapproachable, or anti-social.

When I was 13, our teacher assigned us in pairs. For most of our lessons, we had to sit next to our partners. My partner and I didn’t have much in common. We hardly talked and he was frustrated with my quietness. He didn’t want to pair up with me. So he kept forcing another student to be my partner. And they would argue. Both of them didn’t want to be my partner.

How did that make me feel?

Introvert Problem #3: I Don’t Feel Good about Myself

Whenever I went for school excursions, I would be one of the first to go up the bus. I didn’t want to be the one to choose who to sit next to. I wanted someone else to choose me. Or if someone else who got on the bus last, they would have no choice but to sit next to me.

I slowly convinced myself that I am aloof or socially inept. I was wondering why everyone else seemed to like being in groups and I didn’t. I thought there’s something wrong with me.

I didn’t feel good about myself. I had low self-esteem. It haunted me for years.

And that’s the biggest challenge I faced being an introvert.

Introvert Low Self-Esteem: How Did I Overcome It?

I was really lucky.

Ever since my secondary school days, I always have the best groups and know the best people. And I’m grateful for that.

The turning point was when I was in junior college. The class is much smaller. There were less than 25 students per class. It was great for me as an introvert because I’m better at opening up to smaller groups of people.

And we had much longer breaks in between lessons. I had more time to connect with others. I also think that having a mix of males and females in the class helped. When you have all the male students, the class is rowdier. But when you have females in the class, the guys tend to tone down their behavior. Furthermore, the guys are now older and more mature, they are more accepting of guys like me who isn’t that good with sports. We even played soccer together.

And of course, it helps to be in a class that is fun and a good mix of different personalities.

Accepting My Introverted Nature

But as far as what I did personally to help myself cope with low self-esteem, I think taking time to understand and accept my introverted nature helped.

At 13, I started writing to myself because I was lonely. Writing helped me a lot. I couldn’t connect with my classmates in school. But I didn’t want my parents to know about it. I didn’t want them to worry. So I wrote to myself instead.

Not only was I able to express my ideas through writing:

I started to care for myself.

I started encouraging myself with my own words. I realized it’s okay to be an introvert. It’s okay to spend time alone to recharge. However, I couldn’t ignore the external world. I needed to learn: