By metaphorically becoming Teflon as opposed to Velcro, introverts can become forces to reckon with.
Pundits who comment about the plight of introverts often have simplified explanations for how and why introverts sometimes find themselves at the behest of dominating people.
Granneman (2018) asserted two reasons why introverts are targets by stating:
Unfortunately, the critical mistake many commentators make is pitting introverts against extroverts. In their worldview, the plight and degradation of introverts rest with loud-mouth, overbearing extroverts, whose self-absorption becomes the bane of introverts’ existence.
The natural enemy of introverts are those individuals who are domineering, and wish to inflict their needs, and shortcomings onto introverts. And this can be administered by extroverts, as well as other introverts.
Before I knew it, she said, “Wait a minute motherf*****, you don’t know me like that…Don’t you ever kick my feet again.”
I was extremely embarrassed, and had no reply for her outburst. That lesson taught me to be careful how I played around with strangers. For every introvert who appears to let such transgressions pass, there are a cadre of introverts who will address the issue with similar bluster.
Introverts who are exploiters and opportunists appear to be outliers, but there are number of them out there. Their quietness is a shield. I have heard of instances when a quiet person terrorized a community, and the authorities didn’t believe the person was capable of such acts, because he rarely talked.
Developing a personal philosophy that responds to the selfishness of human nature
Introverts who have endured years of torment by exploiters and opportunists know one thing to be true—the world only respects strength. Out of selfishness, individuals tend to act in their own self-interest. And any altruism is steeped in the solipsism of the individual.
As a response to these repeated attacks, some introverts develop a Machiavellian ideology in dealing with people. Instead of catering to their higher angels, introverts may move to the dark side. After years of being victimized, draconian or “An eye for an eye…” retribution becomes part of their moral code.
Cultivating physical and verbal self-defense tools to offset the fear and nervous energy that comes with heightened sensitivity
Introverts are extremely self-aware of who they are. Consequently, as they develop ways of defending themselves, fear and nervous energy does not leave them. In fact, introverts exaggerate scenarios because they live within their heads.
Consequently, where self-defense practitioners may fight to merely subdue the opponent, an introvert may take it to another level. There have been instances when an introvert “blacked out,” causing severe harm, and death in other cases.
Exploiters and opportunists will always exist because at the core of human experiences, we are still animals. Higher form animals, but animals nevertheless.
Self-aware and fully evolved introverts do not embrace introversion as a sign of weakness, but a badge of honor. And they prepare strategies and tactics to align with their responses.
In the incomparable words of Roman general Vegetius, “If you want peace, prepare for war.”
Introverts who defend against being targets live by these words.
—Charles O’Connor
References
Gill, N.S. (2019, July 5). Who said ’If you want peace, prepare for war’? ThoughtCo.Retrieved from: https://www.thoughtco.com/if-you-want-peace-prepare-for-war-121446.
Granneman, J. (2018, June 12). Why some introverts are a favorite target of toxic people. Introvert Dear. Retrieved from: https://introvertdear.com/news/set-better-boundaries-with-toxic-people-and-get-your-life-back-a-gentle-guide-for-introverts.