Sorry I’m late, I didn’t Want to Come by Jessica Pan

I don’t think I’m someone that falls into the defined category of an introvert or an extrovert. I mean, a lot of people don’t actually. I have traits that I would say could fall in both categories. But I am also someone that doesn’t like doing things with people I don’t necessarily know. I shy away from social situations with people I don’t know. Take my sister, Shelley, for example. You could put my sister in a room with 7 strangers and by the end of it, she would have made friends with 6 of them. My sister is great with people, friends, strangers, babies, you get my point! I envy her easiness with people but also I know that’s just her. It‘s one of my favorite things about her actually. Now me that’s a whole different story. I DREAD any situation where I’m with people I don’t know. I become extremely quiet and awkward. I am someone who says no to anything where I might be surrounded by people unfamiliar to me. I might have a small case of social anxiety but who knows? But in the last year , before COVID 19, I started to try to branch out and start saying yes more. Yes to people, places, situations I would've said heck no to before. It’s been hard but this little turtle is coming out of her shell. So when I was scrolling on my Hoopla app and saw the title of this book, I checked it out because why not? I might not be a textbook introvert but I could definitely use some advice on how to say yes to the things I want to say no to.

What would happen if a shy introvert lived like the most outgoing extrovert? What if she did all the things she would normally avoid at all cost? Jessica Pan is on a mission to find out. When Jess finds herself jobless and alone, she wonders what life would’ve looked like if she had been more open to new people and new experiences. So she makes a list or more of a promise to herself to push herself to live life like a extrovert for one year. She evens writes a list! To improve, a solo holiday trip, even talking to strangers on the tube. She knows she’s made a mistake the moment she finishes the list. Sorry I’m late, I didn’t want to come follows Jess’s awkward, humorous, heartfelt year of extroverting. She updates us on every high and low. But is life as an extrovert as horrible as Jess thought it would be? Or is life easier or somewhat better for extroverts?

Jessica, the author, is much braver than I am?! She does stand up comedy, goes on a solo vacation, talks to strangers on the tube, and way more that I'm not so sure I could ever see myself doing. But I enjoyed every second of reading about her constantly forcing herself to move out of her comfort zone. As time goes on, being braver becomes easier and easier. That's not to say that every adventure goes well or that disappointments didn't happen. I think that was one of my favorite parts about the book though. Jessica constantly finds herself nervous, doubting herself, even fleeing away from some situations. But that's normal! Not every time we step out to do something we succeed or it even goes well! That's a hard lesson but it shouldn't stop you from trying new things. In the book it also talks about how hard it can be making lasting friendships as you grow older. That sometimes talking about the hard things can scare you especially to those you call your friends. But the author has a great quote saying “It's not that we want others to fail, but we need to know that our own sorrows have echoes in others people's lives. That's what connects us. Strength may be impressive, but it's vulnerability that builds friendships.” That resonated with me throughout the whole book and made me think on some of my strongest relationships in my life. As I reflected on them, every single one was only made stronger with me being vulnerable and open.

I loved this book! Each chapter and every adventure had me cracking up and also nodding in agreement. Not every part resonated with me but a lot of it did. When she spoke of being more open, more available, even being quicker about saying yes, I understood. I think many of us could grow from being more open to new experiences and building new friendships. I read this book on a whim and I'm thrilled that I did. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who. I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 for the rating! I think I would read this book again later in life just to see how much I've grown with stepping out of my comfort zone. Let me know in the comments below if you'd be interested in reading a book like this!