I have lived with being an introvert my whole life. Your question made me reflect on a couple aspects of this.
The first aspect is that it is not all a bad thing, and it may have a purpose. The purpose could direct you along a certain path, that could include overcoming it, learning from it, or helping others because of it. For example, one person I follow was shy in high school and to overcome it took classes on improv that eventually lead to a career in stand up comedy and film production.
In my case, I was always shy in high school and was likely a couple years less mature than my peers in contrast to some people who are more mature. When I went to college, I was 16 and I found this made it very hard to “fit in”. Although, I wanted to be included in much of the college “social scene” (frat parties etc.), I was too young at 16 going on 14. So I found people in activities where I was accepted as I was – a club sport and study groups. Studying 4 - 12 hours a day, got me into professional school. So, my introversion played a big part in my career.
In professional school, I encountered “forced immersion” just as the comedian referenced above encountered in improv. I had to deal with people. But I discovered a spiritual concept in that God sends what you need when you move forward. For example, in high school I had no problem with public speaking. However, in college, I developed a phobia for it for some reason. In professional school, I had to do this a fair amount but early on a mentor “appeared” and gave a group of us a simple solution for this that solved the problem.
Now, as I approach retirement I am still introverted although I have overcome it at least in most “face to face” situations with practice, and just being interested in the other person’s story and point of view. However, I am more clueless in the social media explosion that you grew up with and this has made me somewhat cautious. Nevertheless, the same principles seem to be applying.
For example, I am writing all my “cluelessness” into a character for a project I am working on and embellishing it of course. This is a common screenwriting tactic, and is the source of scores of shows. My character will not be played by myself, but by a professional comedian should this get produced. In every show there are required elements such as a “hero” and “growth”. Thus, a weakness gives you material and an opportunity for “growth”. I am not the hero in this show, and the central characters are based on other people I admire. All the characters fit classic character archetypes including mine (the fool / court jester).
Where I am now is hiring consultants to develop the idea, and determine if it is feasible since this is a new field for me. Also, because it is Lent, we Catholics are supposed to be spending time in prayer and reflection which requires some withdrawal just as Jesus withdrew into the desert. Thus, my time off the internet is for that purpose, and in no way is a reflection of anything negative.
So, my suggestion is to stay close to God and seek out people in activities that you are interested in. This will lead you to new opportunities and adventure.
Good luck.
