Confessions of an Introvert Ft. Kanchi Shakespeare

Confession time.

Being an introvert is complicated — a coin with two very different sides. I've been trying to navigate it by joining yoga and the gym, and honestly, I love both. But the real challenge isn't the workout. It's the people part.

I can't fake cheerfulness. I try to be friendly, but it's mood-dependent, and I'm not going to pretend otherwise. Society runs on pleasantries — a smile here, a "good morning" there — and I get it. I just can't always deliver it.

The biggest downside of being an introvert? Making friends. I don't collect many, but the ones I do have are genuinely pure-hearted people. Sent by something bigger, I believe — whatever you call it, you'll understand what I mean.

Still, it gets lonely. I don't gel with people easily, and I've received the same complaint for years: "You don't smile enough." Someone here in Goa even told me their morning was ruined just seeing my face. That one stung — but it also made me deeply understand why women push back when strangers tell them to smile more.

I'm trying. I really am. But I can't change at the snap of a finger, and I wish people had a little more patience with introverts.

What I will say is this — South Goa has been unexpectedly kind to me. I've met some remarkable people here who showed me patience and trust without asking me to be someone I'm not. That's rare, and I don't take it lightly.

To every introvert out there: if you find those people, hold onto them. Be grateful for every moment on this planet spent with someone who truly gets you.

I'm still working on coming out of my shell. It'll take time, and that's okay. Being an introvert isn't a flaw — it's just who I am.

Please show patience. 🙏

P.S. A line from my all-time favourite film feels fitting here:

"With great power comes great responsibility. This is my gift, my curse. Who am I? I'm Spider-Man." — Spider-Man (2002)