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.
