Jessica learned valuable lessons from her year-long social experiment. She discovered that most people are nicer than she originally thought, and that breaking her cycle of avoidance and being vulnerable can lead to rewarding connections. She now uses social hacks to overcome her introversion, like showing up early to parties. Jessica emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and patience when trying new things. Although she has embraced extroverted habits, she still considers herself an introvert.
Jessica Pan hated social gatherings - she cried when her friends threw her a surprise birthday party, and was even too scared to give a speech at her own wedding. Jessica was a hardcore introvert - and it was making her sad.
Extroverts find it easier to experience the joy that comes with social interactions - but that doesn't mean introverts are doomed to lives that lack such fun. Jessica read some research that suggested introverts can learn to enjoy being more outgoing - so decided to turn her social life around.
You can read more of Jessica's story in her book: Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come: One Introvert's Year of Saying Yes. She is posting updates from her year of extroverting at her Substack, "It'll Be Fun, They Said" (https://jesspan.substack.com/).
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