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An Introvert’s Escape
he evening has finally come, and you can go home. Ah, home—the safe haven for the introvert in all of us. You can relax, dispel the stress of a busy day, and cocoon yourself away with a snack and your favorite form of escapism. Some homebodies can build castles out of their collection of books. Some can quote every line of their favorite shows and know the theme songs by heart. Some find both their peace and exhilaration in video games, creative pursuits, or music that drowns out everything else. It could be anything, really. In the end, for a certain strain of people, the best place to be is where it is safe, comfortable, and usually shielded from social interaction. It’s a big world out there. If all the wonder of what’s out of your reach seems scary, it becomes all too easy to root up a documentary, travel blog, or compendium of professional photographs that can provide vicarious satisfaction for your desire to wander the world. After all, it’s easier to get anywhere—be it Egypt or the Amazon—through a book or a screen rather than making the venture in person. From this safe distance, you can travel without any risk of discomfort, danger, or costs. No matter how much this may appeal to you, it isn’t enough. A true experience of feelings and sights previously unknown has the power to change a life. No matter how good a documentary is, it just won’t cut it. You’ve got to get out there. There are many reasons why travel sounds as daunting as it does exciting. Anxiety, introversion, or a simple preference to stay home may play its part in this. But experiencing the world isn’t only for the adventurous! There is no standard for enjoying a trip, so don’t be afraid to personalize your experience and make it worthwhile to you when you do decide to travel. In many Western cultures, the outgoing, bold, and spontaneous are held up as the ideal type of person— often to the point that introversion and reservation are
