Just because we’re quiet doesn’t mean we don’t have personality or have what to add

So, we’re quiet. Okay. Did you know that lots of us quiet girls are NOT introverts? Sure, some might be, but others might actually love being around people and thrive being in social settings… we just don’t speak much! We’re comfortable being quiet, but we might still love being around people. The most confusing combination for others to understand is that some of us are so quiet because we’re painfully shy, but we still love being around people! Shy doesn’t mean introverted.

I might be quiet, but please try to get to know me. I can be a lot of fun even if I’m not the rah-rah-jump-up-on-tables head counselor type! If I’m standing with girls but not talking, you can still direct comments to me and not make me feel invisible. Even teachers and principals can give us a chance. Just because we’re quiet doesn’t mean we don’t have personality or have what to add.

People might feel it’s harder to get to know quiet people because we don’t ramble on and on about ourselves, but there are ways to draw us into conversations. For starters, don’t ask just yes or no questions — that shuts down a conversation for us after we answer. Try using open-ended questions that have longer answers. That can help start a conversation! Also, it’s easier for us if you make the first move and don’t wait for us to speak up first. It might take us some time to warm up!