She Strengthens

Embracing My Introverted Nature

As a self-proclaimed introvert, I’ve come to realize that I often try to fit into a world that values extroversion. I’ve been guilty of spending money to make myself comfortable in social situations, even when I’d rather be alone. But at what cost?

The Price of Fitting In

This month, I tracked my expenses to see just how much I spent trying to be more outgoing. The total? A whopping $110.27. Here’s a breakdown of where my money went:

• Coffee: $15.09 on unnecessary cups to help me “perk up” in social situations
• Yoga Classes: $60 on a punch card for classes I didn’t end up attending
• Work Pot Luck: $10 on cookie mix for an event I didn’t really want to attend
• Solo Lunch Date: $13.18 on a meal that was less enjoyable than I thought
• Games: $5 on a weekend pass for a basketball tournament I only partially attended
• Drinks: $7 on an extra drink I didn’t really want

A Wake-Up Call

While $110.27 may not seem like a lot, it’s money that could be better spent elsewhere – like on my upcoming house and wedding. This experiment has taught me to be more mindful of my spending habits and to prioritize my own needs.

Newfound Awareness

By being more conscious of my actions, I’ve started to make changes. For example, I opted for a $8 wine tasting flight instead of multiple glasses of wine at a bar. And after a 5K, I skipped dinner with coworkers and had a healthy meal at home instead.

The Importance of Self-Care

As someone who likes to take care of others, I’ve realized that I need to prioritize my own happiness too. By embracing my introverted nature, I can make better choices for myself and my budget.

A New Goal

For next month, I’m challenging myself to stop buying beverages on my way to work. With my extensive tea stash and coffee maker at home, it’s absurd that I’m spending money on coffee when I could be making it myself.

By being honest about my struggles and making small changes, I hope to inspire others to do the same. It’s time to embrace my introverted nature and take control of my finances.