Extrovert By Condition

The Introvert's Guide to Thriving in the Public Eye

BEFORE YOU READ THIS, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE.

Access granted, Enjoy your read…

I never set out to become an influencer or public figure. My goal was simple: success and perhaps a touch of comfortable fame. But life had other plans.

Some of you already know the story of how I became popular on social media, so I won’t bore you with it. I became what people call a public figure. Now, when I walk into a place, at least two people recognize me from somewhere.

I always try to downplay my experience as a public figure. I don’t fully acknowledge that I’m as popular as people say. What changed my perspective was when I went to the 2023 AFCON. Someone walked up to me at the stadium, asking for a picture because he knew me and was a fan on Twitter (Twitter: Abbietayo). I was astonished, especially since I was surrounded by other celebrities, and I wondered why I was the one he recognized.

This newfound visibility was surprising, particularly when I recall my experiences on a brand trip in Accra. We had to go to dinner immediately after our plane landed. When we arrived at the dinner table, there was a mini introduction with other colleagues present. One lady stood up and said, “I know you; you’re the girl with very nice skin on Twitter.” This has happened so many times with different people from various age brackets, but I still haven’t gotten used to being “famous.”

Before the fame, I would say I was introverted. I’d stay in my room and do whatever didn’t require me to be outside or seen; social media was my outlet. I would come online to drop my opinions and ideas and go about my day. Heck! I didn’t even post my pictures or anything back then. I remember one day at the market, while buying a bra, a university student approached me, saying she knew me and was happy to see me. I was buying underwear!

I’m considered a good conversationalist, but I really don’t like to talk if I don’t have to. I enjoy my own company and see self-isolation as a blissful retreat, not a sad experience. Being around people often makes me feel overstimulated, but I manage to control it until I can remove myself from the situation.

Fame came with public appearances; brands would invite me as a guest, which meant I had to socialize. It wasn’t mandatory, but it was good practice—you don’t want to be considered rude or stuck up. After socializing, I would go home to hibernate, collect my thoughts, and enjoy the silence and peace I bring to myself.

Now, I’m very used to going out, socializing, and even networking, but I am still introverted. I try to make the best of whatever the occasion brings. I remember when I was seeing someone, and my best friend asked me, “How are you going to cope with the fact he has lots of friends?” I was taken aback by the question because I thought I masked my introverted self very well.

My personality can be a bit conflicting. As much as I enjoy being outside and adventurous, I also love staying indoors. Blessed be that day when it rains! I find bliss in reading a book, watching a movie, or listening to music.

People generally describe me as fun to be around, but the truth is, more often than not, these interactions and activities drain me. I like to be around people who have a way of recharging me—those who allow me to exist as an individual even in their presence. I prefer being with those who don’t pressure me to be someone else; being around them feels like being around myself, which is why I love my family home and siblings.

You cannot eradicate interactions with human beings, so when I have the opportunity, I try my best to make each experience worthwhile.

I’m sure there are people around the world like me, and I’m not alone. Have you met anyone who is extroverted by condition, or are you that person yourself?