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.
