The world seems like it has no room for the introverted. You’ve most likely watched movies or read books with quirky protagonists or that unconventional, but awesome friend. Unfortunately, not all of us can be outgoing. Some of us happen to be the opposite. Unextraordinary, quiet, and have no crazy adventure that would go down in history.

But you know what? I believe being introverted is okay. Not every hero of a story puts themselves out there. Society has set itself up to make it seem like the outgoing and extroverted are the most valued, while the rest of us are expected to watch from the sidelines. But that isn’t true. Just because you happen to talk less or find yourself with a small crowd of friends does not mean you have any less value than someone who can voice their thoughts easily or loves socializing with big crowds. It does not mean you are lesser of a person. It does not mean that you are invisible to everyone else. Being introverted does, however, mean that you’re a thoughtful person. It does mean that you have strong relationships with the people that matter.

So what is an introvert? Introverts aren’t always shy or timid, but rather find social situations mentally draining, and enjoy exploring their mind of thought. There are many misconceptions to being introverted, taking for example how people think they are antisocial. Or that all introverts are extremely exclusive and hate talking. Introverts love talking… with the right people and the right topic. Big crowds are overwhelming, and conversations can be awkward. Nobody can be completely introverted either, but some people are more introverted than others. Most of the time, I enjoy my alone time, while other times I enjoy socializing events. With that being said, introverts aren’t antisocial either. They might not be at their best in big groups, but they do enjoy time with only a few people at a time, and those people tend to be the ones whom they have deeper relationships with.

Being introverted doesn't mean that you can't be successful either. J.K. Rowling, Bill Gates, and Vincent van Gogh. These are prominent figures whose names are universally known. And guess what? They’re all introverts, yet some of the most successful people the world has ever known. Introverts tend to be creative, because they are thoughtful and have a lot of time to think and see the big picture. Introverts can change the world, just in their own way. Like Gandhi—who was also an introvert—said, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”

While extroverts are socializing with billions of people, introverts would be talking to a few people, people whom they talk to often and have a profound relationship with. You’ve heard the saying, “Quality over quantity,” and if you find yourself talking to only a few people most of the time, and they are the ones you trust the most, then you’re putting quality over quantity. Would it matter if you had a thousand friends, but none of them bothering to listen to you? Everyone wants to leave their mark when they leave the world. Impacting the lives of people close to you can do just that. I don’t have many friends, but the ones I do have, I am close to and have a strong relationship with. And to me, the adventures we’ve embarked on our own universe mean more to me than what any group of a hundred friends would have given me.

On the other hand, it’s not a secret that there are some drawbacks to being introverted. As an adolescent, I feel left out constantly because I isolate myself a lot, or have issues wording my problems to others. Some people mistake you to be self-centered because of how closed-up you are. On the other hand, while there might be disadvantages to being an introvert, there are disadvantages to being extroverted, too. For example, even though it might seem like you have a lot of friends, half of them might not genuinely care about you. At the end of the day, though, you can’t call these “disadvantages.” Maybe they’re the not-so-great parts of being a certain personality, but there’s no single personality that doesn’t have its own problems. There will always be the upsides and downsides to every type of personality, so you shouldn’t let a few qualities be the judge of what’s okay and what’s not.

So what can be done? It’s not as easy as to establish a law that tells us to value the people hiding in the dark more, or that others have to act introverted when around them. Most introverts enjoy being introverted. The issue is the stigma and judgements that follows with being seen as introverted, and when the time calls for it, they have no one to turn to. Like I’ve stated earlier, introvertedness doesn’t necessarily translate to shyness, someone who is scared of other’s judgements. I, for one, am shy and introverted and feel that being both of those is wrong because of the way I’ve seen some people look at me and the consequences I’ve faced because of it. However, it’s not. The solution isn’t to suddenly approach them and start up small talk either. They want things to be real. The most important thing would be to respect introverts. While you may not understand that they enjoy alone time, accept it. Don’t push them to make a lot friends or become extroverted. You can associate them with one other friend, and help them come out of their shell a little. And to all introverts reading out there: just keep being who you are. It’s always easier said than done, but you’re not alone in this world. No one is.

Everyone—introverted, extroverted, and everything in between—has potential in them. Without introverts, the world wouldn’t be what it is today. Some of the most brilliant ideas couldn’t have been achieved without introverted personalities. This doesn’t mean extroverts are of less worth either. Extroverts create just as many valuable contributions. We’re equal. Just like racial integration or gender equality, introverts and extroverts have just as much value in this world as the other.