I Don’t Struggle with Pride, I’m Just an Introvert

Jonathan Raugh’s article at The Atlantic, “Caring for Your Introvert,” caused a mix of emotions for me. I went from pumping my fists to rolling my eyes. It’s a slightly tongue-in-cheek defense of why introverts are misunderstood and, therefore, mistreated. And since I’m an introvert (married to an extrovert), I resonated with much of what Raugh had to say and I have to admit that he described me almost perfectly.
What made me initially pump my fist was that Raugh seemed to be able to explain why introverts aren’t eager to be around large groups, but aren’t necessarily anti-social:

Extroverts are energized by people, and wilt or fade when alone… In contrast, after an hour or two of being socially “on,” we introverts need to turn off and recharge…This isn’t antisocial. It isn’t a sign of depression. It does not call for medication. For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating. Our motto: “I’m okay, you’re okay—in small doses.”

Exactly!
But my fist-pumping soon gave way to eye-rolling when Raugh asks, “Are introverts arrogant?”

Hardly. I suppose this common misconception has to do with our being more intelligent, more reflective, more independent, more level-headed, more refined, and more sensitive than extroverts.

Apparently, introverts aren’t arrogant, they’re just more superior than everyone else.
Sure, there’s a bit of tongue-in-cheek on Raugh’s part, but the nagging line of defense throughout the piece is that the long list of sins that introverts are commonly accused of can all be excused and justified. As if I’m now supposed to coach my wife to say, “You’ll have to excuse my husband. He’s really not an arrogant jerk, he’s just an introvert.”
The problem, however, is that when people accuse me of being prideful, arrogant, or aloof, it’s usually because I’m being prideful, arrogant, or aloof. For Christians, the fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23) and introverts don’t a get pass on them. As Jesus taught us, “for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Chances are, when we speak abruptly with others or ignore them when they speak, it usually comes from a sinful heart, not a personality orientation.
Introverts must love their neighbor. Not only that, their neighbor should know it as well.