There are some things I really would like you to know about me.
1. I am an introvert. Like, a total introvert. Large groups of people intimidate me. I tend to gravitate toward a wall if I’m in the midst of a large group, so that I am far away from being the center of attention. So because of this, I don’t like being up on stage in front of lots of people. I can still do it, but it takes a lot of energy out of me, and I have to rely completely on the Lord to help me through it.
2. Because I am an introvert, I am really quiet. I don’t have to talk all the time, especially as I’m just getting to know people. I’d rather just observe. But as I get to know people, I’ll start to talk a little more. I’ll come out of my shell. And once that happens, there’s no turning back.
3. I am an observer by nature. That’s how I get to know people. I listen to their conversations. I watch how they treat others. So if I’m not saying much, don’t worry, because I’m still enjoying being around y’all. I’m just watching.
4. I’m terrible with small talk. It often feels so surface-level to me. I will participate with small talk stuff, but it’s really hard for me to initiate it. And icebreaker exercises are so uncomfortable to me. Again, I’ll participate, but they’re so hard.
5. I’m okay with awkward. It’s kinda the way I live my life. There are often many awkward silences and moments when I’m getting to know people, and I’m fine with them all. I don’t feel the need to fill the awkwardness. I’ve learned to embrace it.
6. Like I said earlier, once I start opening up and coming out of my shell, there’s no turning back. I become my weird self. I get strange looks from my family and closest friends all the time because of some of the weird things I do. Like dancing to random songs down the grocery store aisle.
7. The last thing I want y’all to know: be patient with me. I’m seriously going to be quiet and shy for the first little while that y’all know me. I want to know each of you, and the Lord is already growing my love for y’all day by day. But it’s just going to take a little time for me to open up. That’s the way the Lord has made me, and I’m okay with that. I just want y’all to be aware of it.
