If you haven't figured it out from reading this blog, I am an extreme introvert. I was reading another blog today and it had '10 Myths About Introverts'. This really struck a chord for me because it is me. Until recently I never really considered myself an introvert. But it blindingly obvious that I am.
Here are the 10 myths. I will also add my comments on each one.
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.
My comment: This is so true. To my friends, maybe not. But to strangers or acquaintances.
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.
My comment: I hate when people call me shy. If you talk to me, I will not cower away. I just won't be the first one to strike up a conversation.
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.
My comment: I guess I don't like when people try and cushion things up. Also, I will tell people something and they will think I'm mean or something.
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.
My comment: Hear that friends? You're lucky. I hate everyone BUT you guys.
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.
My comment: Yes. This happened today. I just like to get in and get out. As soon as possible.
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.
My comment: I love me some alone time. Right now, I want nothing more then to be alone, but I hate being lonely.
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.
My comment: We don't even care. Unique baby.
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.
My comment: Personally, I don't find this one about myself. I like to think of myself as perceptive.
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.
My comment: Dopamine is a pleasure chemical. When you take cocaine, all that is released in your brain at once. This is what I learn at school. I like to find pleasure in the little things.
Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) 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.
It can be terribly destructive for an Introvert to deny themselves in order to get along in an Extrovert-Dominant World. Like other minorities, Introverts can end up hating themselves and others because of the differences. If you think you are an Introvert, I recommend you research the topic and seek out other Introverts to compare notes. The burden is not entirely on Introverts to try and become “normal.” Extroverts need to recognize and respect us, and we also need to respect ourselves.
My comment: I don't hate myself that much yet. Is that a win? No? Okay. But see here! I am a minority now! I demand equal rights!
Myth #11 – Introverts are dull and not hilarious.
This is like calling women not funny. It is just not true. Look at Stephanie Doughty. She is a living case that Introverts can be hilarious. Through text, Introverts have learned to express themselves.
My comment: I am honored to be named as an example.
So, there you have it. I hope you have learned something, not only about Introverts, but about myself.
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