Who we do or don’t live with affects our everyday life and mental health. When in high school, it’s more likely that you would live with your family, but after graduation, many move to a college or get a job and move out of the house. At this time, it’s likely you would have at least one roommate. A couple years later, you may live on your own if you prefer it or still choose roommates. Either way has its perks and downfalls and greatly affects your life.

So as an introvert, how do you make and maintain friendships? Try to make friends with people you already know at least a little bit. Is there someone in your classes you’ve talked to a couple times or someone at work that you’ve joked with? This next part sounds crazy, but try to make the first move (Granneman, 2020). I’ve had several close friends who on reflection, we realized we were both unsure about each other until one of us just made a move. Take the initiative! Ask questions and be a little vulnerable. Try to get to know the other person and truly listen to what they’re saying. Then, give them little pieces of you - what makes you tick and your peeves. Everyone enjoys really trying to understand someone else. Take the friendship slowly, and you’ll notice the awkwardness goes away with time, and you’ve got a new friend (Granneman, 2020).