What a great article, Addie! I'm glad you didn't uses being an introvert as an excuse to say you didn't need friends and would rather keep to yourself. That sentiments is floated around a lot these days and it's not good for people emotionally or mentally.

One thing people need to be is accepting of other people's differing opinions instead of immediately writing them off. My husband and I have travel friends who have oppositive political opinions, but we have great fun together.

I've made most of my friends through church small groups and volunteering. But sometimes you have to put yourself out there and take the initiative several times over. People are busy, so there will be rejections. Also, being somewhat vulnerable helps. That helps people open up and see the human side of us.