I’m loud and chatty and find social situations relatively easy. My sister is the opposite: reserved, quiet, observational, and drained by social situations.

When we were younger, my sister was actually a lot louder than me. She was bossy, and I vividly remember her creating little dances and making me follow her motions. It’s funny because now I’m the bossy, extroverted one and Mary is quite the opposite!

People always seem to judge quiet people like Mary, saying they’re standoffish, stuck up, or awkward. But what people don’t understand about people like Mary is that she’s truly the opposite. I’ve learned that without people like my sister, our world is missing a whole lot of magic.

Here’s ten (of the many) things my sister Mary has taught me about life. I’m sure those of you that are introverted – or are close to an introverted person – can relate:

1. Introverts listen, and truly listen

2. Introverts are extremely diligent, and won’t ever let you down

3. Introverts are acutely aware of how their words affect you and them

4. Introverts give concise, thoughtful advice

5. Introverts, although they don’t speak as often as extroverts, speak when they really mean something

6. Introverts are fiercely loyal

7. Introverts think a-lot about their words before they speak

8. Introverts might not show strong emotion, but they feel it

9. Introverts can be chatty when they’re comfortable with you

10. Introverts sometimes get pushed aside but never give up