As I lurk more and more on this and other subreddits about dating, relationships, and socializing, I'm seeing some patterns emerge.

I think it's pretty safe to say that the majority of the people on this subreddit are introverted, and a large number of people use that label as a shield that keeps them isolated from other people. I see people using their introversion as an excuse as to why they don't approach people, why they don't communicate intention, and why they don't talk to other people.

The reason you're not approaching is because you're afraid, not because you're introverted

introversion is NOT the same thing as cowardliness, and it's not a reason for you to live in social isolation or to lack in normal social graces. I speak as one of you all, I know how easy it is to just shut myself up in my room and hide away because I can feel comfortable in isolation. I did just that for many years, I was afraid of myself, of what I was capable of, and due to my isolation, I built up the consequences of action up so much that I was terrified to move. Since I've decided to embrace and confront my fears, I've found that the consequences of action are nothing like I expected. When I admitted my shame, it lost it's control over me. My social life and reputation has increased exponentially, and if I ever get too exhausted due to all that social interaction, I feel comfortable saying no without fear that I will be abandoned. I now can comfortably talk to women I am attracted to and can ask them out on dates.

Like many of the people here, I blamed my introversion in this world built for extroverts for all of the misery in my life, but I now realize that it wasn't my introversion, but my fear that ruined my twenties.

Confront your fears, go talk to that hot chick and ask for her number, go talk to your boss and get that raise, stand your ground when your values are challenged. Life is so much better when you can confront your fear and shame, even if your voice cracks and your legs shake.