8 Myths About Introverts

What pops up in your head when you hear the word “introvert”? Do you imagine a librarian, a writer, or the person constantly doing everything behind the scenes? What if I told you that introverts have also been some of our world’s greatest social activists, CEOs, and musicians? There are a lot of common misconceptions formed by the public about introverts based on our culture’s superficial portrayal of them. Here are 10 myths about introverts that have been debunked:

1. Introverts don’t like to talk.

This is complete bogus. Introverts do like to talk, but it has to be meaningful. Otherwise, exchanging words seems pointless. They don’t see the point in small talk and do not find it worth their time to engage in gossip or ongoing superficial conversations with content that lacks depth.

As an introvert, there’s nothing more that turns me off than having to take part in a dead-end conversation. I have to know that it’s at least going somewhere. Otherwise, I’m mostly content with being silent.

2. All introverts are shy.

Shyness and introversion are two different things. Although there are introverts that are shy, there are also ones who aren’t. This can pertain to extroverts, too, as some can be shy at first before getting to know others better.

The person I’m dating is an introvert, but he’s definitely not shy. Depending on the social circumstance, I, myself, can be a shy introvert. Shyness is the sort of painful feeling one experiences when they’re afraid of being socially rejected. Introversion is the tendency to focus more on internal thoughts rather than the external world. And while shyness does cause one to focus on being in their heads, introversion can still exist without it.

3. Introverts will always choose to read a book rather than go out

Introverts stay in their room all day and night, right? Nope – it’s true, introverts do enjoy their own company and like solo activities such as reading, but this doesn’t mean they don’t get enjoyment from being with other people. Introverts need alone time to recharge, and extroverts recharge from being around others, but it’s not sustainable for either personality type to do this all the time.

4. Introverts are unlikely to be successful

A perceived lack of social skills should hold you back, right? Wrong – firstly, whilst they can overlap, social skills and introversion aren’t actually related. Secondly, some of the world’s most famous inventors, leaders and catalysts for change have been introverts. Introversion can actually contribute towards success, as introverts are often better at research, reading, planning, and other tasks that require quiet and focus. Here’s a short list of successful introverts: Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Rosa Parks, Alfred Hitchcock, JK Rowling, Meryl Streep, Eleanor Roosevelt, Audrey Hepburn.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Introverts are depressed

Our desire to be alone can be misinterpreted as a sign of depression.  When we withdraw into our interior world, it is not necessarily because we are depressed.  More likely, we are feeling drained and need to refuel by disconnecting from the outside world.  Also, we enjoy strolling though the enchanted lands of our imagination.  It’s fun!

Sources: 

https://introvertspring.com/15-introvert-myths-busted/

http://carlkingdom.com/10-myths-about-introverts

http://metro.co.uk/2014/02/03/9-myths-about-introverts-that-just-arent-true-4265736/

http://psych2go.net/10-myths-introverts/