Now when a lot of people hear the word "introvert", they visualize this super shy person, who is most likely cuddled up in a snuggie reading their favorite book like the nerd they are. And all alone. Not gonna lie; I thought this at one time in my life. But recently I've became super good friends with a fellow introvert and I've seen firsthand that that is actually totally the opposite of what we are. We have the capacity to be bubbly people with shining personalities, but we enjoy just being alone. And no. That doesn't make us lonely. Believe it or not, we LOVE to be alone.
Extroverted people thrive off of people's energy. They feed off of that. And get lonely when left alone for very long. Introverts are completely the opposite. There's only so much social interaction they can take before they back away, sometimes for long periods of time. They tend to thrive off of being left alone and re-charging by themselves. And there's many ways we recharge. Either by reading a good book for a while all alone, listening to music, working in the great outdoors, hiking, or simply being alone and meditating, etc.
I can say all this with complete confidence that I know what I'm talking about because I have been both personality types. And if you think that's not even possible, then well, I don't know what to say to you, you skeptic person.
So in a nutshell, here's some words from a quote I found that nails the introvert feelings.
" Sometimes I sit in silenve. I can be distant or unfriendly. I have conversations in my head which dominate my day. And night. I keep my circle small. I find trusting someone new to be a hurdle I rarely climb. I like staying home. It's peaceful. And though you may think I'm dull, I assure you it's an explosion of colour inside my head. I am an introvert. "
And so I'm going to blow the myths about introverts right out of the water. Because we are actually fun people. Here we go!
Top 10 myths about introverts
(And for a disclaimer, these are not my own. These facts are out there I just studied to bring them to you so you don't have to work to find them.)
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 intensly value the few friends they have. They can counts 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 proves it all. In face, recharging is absolutely crucial for introverts. (See it wasn't just my opinion.)
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 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 indivdualists. 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 decisions based on what is popular and 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. (Although here I would have to personally disagree.) If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. (But this is most definitely true.)
Myth 10.) Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
Introverts cannot "fix themselves" and deserve respect for ther natural temperament and contribution to the human race.
(Source: Pinterest. Aka, where all good things come from.)
So next time you come into contact with someone who is maybe a little more quiet, just remember; they have a crazy side too. And they are worth something. Sometimes worth more than the person who talks a lot.
