Debunking Myths and Misconceptions about Introverts
Do we see introverts for who really they are? Or are our sights are blocked by a lens of misconception?
The common connotations of the word ‘introvert’ are shy, quiet, and reserved. While only making up one-third of the population, they are most of the time, misunderstood and a lot of misconceptions are tagged with them.
Today, we’ll be listing down and debunking the common myths and misconceptions about introverts. You know, they deserve to be heard, too.
Myth #1- Introverts are Shy
As an introvert myself, I can personally attest that this is the biggest misconception about me and my people. For emphasis, there is a big difference between being an introvert and being shy.
Let’s get this straight folks — introverts are not shy, they just don’t want to talk just for the sake of talking. Introverts may come off as disinterested or snobbish at first, but that doesn’t they don’t want to talk to you at all. They do want to create connections, built upon trust and authenticity, that’s why they want to engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations rather than casual chit-chat.
They tend to listen and then talk, and because of that, introverts are considered to be amazing conversationalists. They tap into their internal feelings to assess a certain situation before giving off any comment or solution.
Myth #2 — Introverts do not have emotions
I hate to break it to you, but we introverts are not operated under some sort of automation and thus have feelings and emotions, too — we just prefer to keep it to ourselves most of the time.
Introverts tend to internalize their feelings rather than act overly emotional so they can deal with them during their alone time. They don’t easily lose their cool in tensed situations, and often prevent heated arguments from escalating, all the while providing the right decision and emotional support.
Myth # 3- Introverts are usually angry or depressed
When introverts caught themselves overwhelmed by socialization, their usual stimulus is to pull back and recharge a bit. However, some people mistakenly read this action as being angry or depressed. Do not take it personally, it’s just how introverts are.
Myth #4- Introverts hate socializing
Have you seen introverts in their natural element? They could be the most talkative and loud person when they’re around people they are comfortable with. True enough, they may feel a bit uncomfortable around strangers and they are the type to snuggle under the covers and go ‘Netlfix and Chill’ than join your Friday Night Out, they do enjoy some fun time with their friends — of course, the introvert way!
Just like other people, they are very open to new and exciting adventures, meeting diverse people, and exploring places that will stimulate their senses.
Myth #5- Introverts are boring
Some people string the quietness and being reserved with dullness and boring. While introverts are not the talking type, they are a different world full of wonder on their own. They like exploring new stuff and unleashing their inner creativity in every project they start. Just like everyone else, introverts have their own stories to share, just in a different way.
Myth #6- Introverts just want to be left alone
We introverts would like to call it, ‘recharge.’ True enough, our social battery easily drains out, and thus we need some time to pull back from the world and tap into our internal realm. Introverts need to take some breather to shake off that overwhelming feeling from over socialization.
Myth # 7- Introverts are Poor Public Speakers
This misconception is like the combination of ‘introverts not wanting to talk’ and ‘introverts hating large crowds’ ideas. Just because introverts aren’t fond of speaking and long periods of socialization, some people already address them as poor public speakers. As mentioned before, being an introvert is different from having social anxiety, however, some people continue to overlap the two.
While some introverts tend to shy from speaking in front of large crowds, it is undeniable that introverts are born to be gifted speakers. They allot of their time researching and preparing in order for their speech to be informative and insightful.
Consequently, introverts make good leaders, too. It is very natural for them to listen to all sides first before taking an action or landing a decision, thus effectively managing people under them.
Myth #8- Introverts are Rude
Introverts are typically meek, quiet, and, reserved when you meet them for the first time, but some people read these gestures as being rude. Knowing the different personality types and their characteristics will save you from being a ‘judgmental at first sight.’ It’s not that introverts don’t want to be friends with you; they just need some time to know you better to open their doors for you.
Myth #9- Introverts Don’t Possess the ‘Drive to Succeed’
Another misconception linked to other misconceptions, introverts are sometimes perceived to be lacking that ‘drive to succeed’ due to their meekness and quiet demeanor. However, success is not relative to the personality type of the person. Millions of introverts excel a lot in their chosen field. Some of the famous and successful introverts in history include Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Isaac Newton, and Meryl Streep. Once an introvert sets his sights on a specific goal, they’ll set their path clear to achieve it.
Myth #10- Introverts Need to Be Fixed
Introversion should never be considered as a ‘disease’ that needs medication or treatment, or some sort of ‘weirdness’ that needs ‘social exposure’ in order to be cured. For certain, every introvert can recall a memory or two about them being brought out in the spotlight all of a sudden to ‘help them get over their shyness.’
Introversion isn’t a type of sickness, to begin with. Consequently, they don’t need to be ‘reprogrammed’ to transform into extroverts. Just like the opposite personality type, introverts are totally fine just the way they are.
In order to create meaningful and lasting relationships, it’s vital to properly know a person, and by that, you need to look further past the misconceptions our society has painfully and sadly set. Learning and respecting each and every one’s personality will give you a wider perspective that this world is indeed made up of diverse, interesting people.
