Sunday, July 17, 2011

Introversion: Top Ten Myths and Why People Think We're Weird

I am definitely an introvert.
But that doesn't make me weird.
Granted, I am slightly weird.
But that's just purely because of my personality.
Not because I'm an introvert.
Which is the point I'm trying to make.
Sometimes people don't understand why I do things the way I do.
So here's some insight into the way my mind works.
Prepare yourself.
:)

:TOP TEN MYTHS ABOUT INTROVERTS:
*disclaimer: I found this information on a website written by Jerry Brito. I am simply reiterating it, and adding my own personal insights.

Myth #1: Introverts don't like to talk.
False. We just don't talk unless we have something to say. Small talk holds little value to us. We crave quality conversation. If you get us started on something we're interested in, we can talk for days.....so make sure you have the time ;)

Myth #2: Introverts are shy.
False. Shyness does not equal introversion. They have nothing to do with each other. As introverts, we are not afraid of people. We just need a reason to interact. We don't interact just for the sake of interacting. Honestly, if you want to talk to an introvert, just start talking. Don't even worry about being polite. Just jump right in, and who knows? You may have just made a great friend.

Myth #3: Introverts are rude.
False. Or if they are, it has nothing to do with being an introvert. If they're rude, it just because they're rude. Introverts just want everyone to be real and honest. We don't often see a reason to beat around the bush. Unfortunately, this is not found socially acceptable in many settings, so us introverts tend to feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which we find exhausting.

Myth #4: Introverts don't like people.
Very false. We actually intensely value the friends we do have. We can count our close friends on one hand. If you're lucky enough to have an introvert consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life (Jerry Brito's words, not mine....therefore I am not being conceited). Once you've earned our respect as a quality person of substance, you are in!

Myth #5: Introverts don't like to go out in public.
False. We just don't like to be out in public for as long. We like to avoid complications that are often involved in public activities. We tend to take in data and experiences rather quickly, and therefore don't need to be there as long to "get it". Introverts are ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for introverts. Maybe this explains why I always feel like I need a break whenever I take a vacation before I can get back to real life...

Myth #6: Introverts always want to be alone.
False. It is true that we are very comfortable simply with our own thoughts. We like to think a lot. We daydream a lot. But we can also get very lonely if we don't have anyone to share our thoughts and discoveries with. We crave an authentic and sincere connection with one or a few people at a time.

Myth #7: Introverts are weird.
False. Again, if I am weird, it's just because that's who I am. Nothing to do with being an introvert. We are just often individualists. We do not follow the crowd. We prefer to be valued for our novel ways of living. We like to think for ourselves, and because of that, we often challenge the norm. We absolutely do not make decisions based on what is popular or trendy. In fact, I tend to get turned off a little bit if something is made super popular. If I do something, or wear something, it's because I have decided that is what I like. Purely based off my opinion.

Myth #8: Introverts are aloof nerds.
False. Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to our thoughts and emotions. We are not incapable of paying attention to what is going on around us. Sometimes our inner world is just so much more stimulating and interesting to us. This also could explain how I can evaluate my emotions so well...I take so much time to look in on myself that I can look at a situation from several different angles. This could also explain why I have such a hard time paying attention in class....

Myth #9: Introverts don't know how to relax and have fun.
False. We just typically relax much better at home or in nature, and not in a busy, public setting. If there is too much talking and noise going on, we shut down. For me, I know that when I'm in a super loud, crazy setting, I'm fine to just sit and watch people. And now this is the part where Jerry Brito says something scientific about how introverts and extroverts have different neuro-pathways...I'm not really sure what it meant. So that's all I'm going to say on the matter....

Myth #10: Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
FALSE. There is nothing to fix. We deserve some respect for our natural temperament and contributions. In fact, there was apparently a study that showed that the percentage of introverts increases with IQ. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
Only don't really smoke anything.
Because I don't believe in drugs.

So that is who I am!
I hope this gave a little insight to some of you.
If not.........well, at least it was fun to write about it.
And as this proved, I don't really need anyone's approval.
I just hope to open some people's eyes.
Welcome to my life :)

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I love this... Especially the part where you said you were a little weird solely because of your personality =)

Unknown said...

This is very interesting. I see many similarities in my personality listed here, but have considered myself and extrovert! In fact, it is interesting to see that I have gone back and forth and now realize that I am truly an introverted person who feels more comfortable as an extrovert (does that even make sense?). I have made many changes with this in the last 10 years of my life starting as an introvert and becoming extroverted, and suddenly introverted shortly after marriage. It can be somewhat of an identity crisis. Lucky for you, you know who you are. There is NOTHING wrong with being an introvert.