Top ten myths about introverts
Myth #1 – Introverts don’t
like to talk.
This is not true.
Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They
hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are
interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.
Myth #2 – Introverts are
shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with
being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people.
What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the
sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start
talking. Don’t worry about being polite.
Myth #3 – Introverts are
rude.
Introverts often don’t see a
reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They
want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not
acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure
to fit in, which they find exhausting.
Myth #4 – Introverts don’t
like people.
On the contrary,
Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count
their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an
introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally
for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of
substance, you’re in.
Myth #5 – Introverts don’t
like to go out in public.
Nonsense.
Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They
also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public
activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a
result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re
ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging
is absolutely crucial for Introverts.
Myth #6 – Introverts always
want to be alone.
Introverts are
perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They
daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve.
But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone
to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere
connection with ONE PERSON at a time.
Myth #7 – Introverts are
weird.
Introverts are often
individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be
valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and
because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make
most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.
Myth #8 – Introverts are
aloof nerds.
Introverts are people
who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts
and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention
to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world
is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.
Myth #9 – Introverts don’t
know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts
typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places.
Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is
too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are
too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and
Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.
Myth #10 – Introverts can
fix themselves and become Extroverts.
Introverts
cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural
temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study
(Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases
with IQ.