Exceptional extrovert Extrovert by Iza Deleanu True Story Contest contest entry

The blessings and pain of being an extrovert. Did you know that being an extrovert is not always easy? With my beautiful zodiac sign, Virgo, combined with the free-spirited nature of Aquarius, it feels like a constant struggle. Virgo often acts like a strict teacher, while Aquarius encourages me to follow the flow. How am I supposed to balance being honest and straightforward without coming off as rude, insensitive, or overly blunt? I am expected to act like an adult and not like in my twenties? No way, my age is so dull, and so is not Moia! I've always acted older than my years, but now I want to live life to the fullest. It seems perfectly acceptable to embrace the inner teenager and occasionally throw a life-changing tantrum! Add to this the Mother Theresa syndrome, aka Come to Momma, I'll save you, plus the Romanian "unorthodox way" of judging the world in "pretty blind colours." When you come to me, it's either white or black; there is no place for a rainbow-like attitude, especially since this nuance clearly allocates space for me—right there, up in the sky, immediately after a beautiful and refreshing summer shower. When you suffer from the "extrovertitis",  it is not easy to navigate this world. People are all judgmental when you express yourself. I had my share of putting my foot right where it doesn't belong, aka straight, into my mouth with compliments from my place of origin, aka the famous house of "Romania, no dragons included." Yes, my friends, I am the direct descendant of that famous Count Dracula. Well, I don't drink blood, but the way I am making fun of this too much politically correctness can be quoted like poison ivy in disguise. I've been burned several times because I tend to be very outspoken. There was that time when I was travelling to Costa Rica. When I mentioned to the driver hired by Sunwing that I was alone, he tried to convince me that after being in the air for eight hours, I needed him to bring me down to earth and give me… some "sugar." I responded, "No, thanks! I have diabetes, and that kind of sugar cold put me in a coma!" What's up with guys in the Caribbean? Why do they always assume that a woman travelling alone is looking for romantic attention? You know how some men go to Thailand for a "foot massage"? Can't a woman simply be honest and say that travelling solo is a choice made out of self-respect? Why should we be stereotyped as seeking out casual encounters? When will the world stop clinging to the ridiculous idea that a woman who chooses to be alone is somehow just pretending? Well, I'm saying it now! The extrovert in me has to speak the truth. I enjoy travelling alone because it means being my own boss and doing what I want without a man chasing after me or offering unsolicited advances. I may be older, but my spirit is youthful. After all, you can call me Madonna; I'm a material girl! So, if you don't have money, keep your money. Yup, I said it! Loud and clear! It's dangerous to be kind nowadays because people always think you want something else. So I could learn from an introvert, say nothing, and keep that Giocconda game in place. Well, I've tried, but this is not for me. I always end up talking too much and attracting the wrong crowd. Yey, lucky me! The moment I step into a room, I feel the need to crack up a joke, and here it comes, I am instantly the entertainer. Damn, it, I should've changed my serious profession for a well-deserved career in the entertainment industry; this girl can joke, act and dance. My extrovert gift is handy for this career change. Be who you want to be. Celebrate your 50th birthday like it's your 20th—refuse to dwell on the past. Embrace the role you're meant to play with confidence and passion. Always be honest and authentic; trust that God will guide you toward your dreams.

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