There are several myths about introverts, many of which are harmful to introverts. As an introvert, I have heard and been held accountable for them, so I would like to clarify some of these misconceptions.
1. Introverts Are Shy
This is a very common one and if it isn't hard to see why. Introversion and shyness are pretty similar, but are different. Both prefer solitude, but the reasoning is different. Shy people seek solitude because they have anxiety when they socialize. They get really stressed when they need to talk to people. Introverts are sensitive to external simulation. Loud places or huge social gatherings have a lot of stimulus, which can be overwhelming for an introvert. Solitude is there time to relax and recharge. An introvert can be a shy person no doubt, but that doesn't make them the same thing. An extrovert can just as easily be shy.
2. Introverts Hate People
Introverts don't hate the human race, although they do have their days when they are just mad at the world, like everyone else. Much like extroverts, an introvert craves human interaction, just in moderation. Introverts aren't ones to go out of their way to meet and greet everyone on the streets, but they do like to talk to people from time to time.
3. Introverts Don't Like Talking
Introverts do enjoy to talk to some people, mainly their group of friends (more on that later). However in a conversation with more than two people introverts tend to be the listener, but they will say something from time to time. Where I believe this myth stems from is how introverts don't care very much for small talk. Introverts prefer more meaningful conversations than "Nice weather we're having, huh?"
4. Introverts Make Terrible Public Speakers
Let's face it, we all hate public speaking, or at least a vast majority of us. And while yes, most professional public speakers are more extroverted that doesn't mean that introverts can't be good public speakers. Asritha Swaminadhan and Susan Cain are two examples of public speakers who are also introverts. Both even did a TedTalk on introversion that are really good and I suggest you check them out.
5. Introverts Make Terrible Leaders
Many people assume that because of an introverts desire for solitude, that they can't be leaders. In my opinion, introverts can even be better leaders than extroverts. Introverts are more prone to listening to the people, instead of being more assertive and telling people what to do. Some excellent introverted leaders include Barack Obama, Marissa Mayer, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Rosa Parks and Abraham Lincoln.
6. Introverts Are Lonly
When I mention my introverted tenancies to others the common responses is "Well aren't you lonely?" Introverts have friend, they have families, and they have loved ones, like everyone else. The number of friends they have isn't real big in most cases. Introverts are more reluctant to accept new people into their friend group, because having friends means you are vulnerable and introverts don't like to be vulnerable to people that may use or extort them.
These are some of the common myths and misconceptions I hear about introverts. I hope this helped any extroverts understand more about introverts. If anyone is an introvert, do you agree? Did I miss anything? Thank you for reading.
Most Helpful Opinions