7 Myths About Introverts to Stop Believing

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Since childhood, we’re taught at school to be outgoing, to speak out, and to speak up. In college, participation is a part of our GPA. That means in society, extroverts are appreciated. Introverts, on the other hand, are often misunderstood as being shy and … boring. Ouch.

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So to clear up this misconception, let’s start by understanding what these two personalities actually mean. “Extroverts” are energized by spending time with a large group of people. “Introverts,” on the other hand, are drained by people and need solitude to recharge.

Now let’s go straight to the seven myths about introverts to stop believing.

Myth #1: All introverts are shy and quiet

Both shy and introverted people avoid socializing, but they do so because of different reasons. Shy people are afraid of being rejected or judged by others. Introverts, on the other hand, need a reason to interact with others; they prefer to only engage in meaningful conversations. Where possible, they avoid small talk and gossiping.

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Being alone together is the best.

This quote by Michaela Chung is equally great: “Introverts are word economists in a society suffering from verbal diarrhea.”

Myth #2: Extroverts are better

As I’ve mentioned earlier, we live in a society where extroverts are appreciated, while introverts are often misunderstood. But truth be told, both personalities have equal potential; they’re just gifted differently. For example, many introverts create amazing music, art, and literature. There are plenty of famous introverts, including Bill Gates, Christina Aguilera, and David Letterman.

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Also, it’s wrong to believe that being an introvert means you can’t be a leader, let alone a CEO.

In fact, research suggests that introverted leaders are better than extroverted ones.

Myth #3: Introverts are antisocial

That’s an unfair stereotype. In fact, introverts really cherish their close friends. But they often come across as not wanting to be around people. Why? Well, as previously mentioned, introverts have limited “battery life.” So they’re just selectively social, favoring quality over quantity. They prefer spending time with their small group of close friends instead of a large network of acquaintances.

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Myth #4: Introverts are rude

Let’s face it: beating about the bush is a waste of time. That’s why they come across as blunt, although they actually prefer real and honest talk. But then, why do some introverts seem to have great social skills and are outgoing? That’s because, in a world that favors extroverts, many of them have learned to adapt.

As author Susan Cain puts it, “Introverts are capable of acting like extroverts for the sake of work they consider important, people they love, or anything they value highly.”

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Myth #5: Introverts are lonely

There’s a difference between lonely and being alone. Lonely people crave the company of others. However, introverts choose to be alone, because they need time to recharge. They’re content in solitude. After being rejuvenated, they’re ready to spend the night out with their friends at that exciting event.

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Myth #6: Introverts are boring

Whoa, stop right there. Extroverts may think that introverts are boring and can’t relax, but that’s because their idea of “fun” is different. While extroverts find partying fun, introverts prefer curling up with a good book or having deep conversations with a few of their close friends.

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Simple things are enough to make introverts happy! They don’t need as much stimulation as extroverts.

Myth #7: Introverts are weird

Actually, introverts are just independent and individualistic, enjoying their own company very much. They embrace their unconventional selves, not following the crowd.

Unlike extroverts, they’re proud that they don’t get FOMO (fear of missing out). Constant validation from others? They don’t need that either.

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Conclusion

Many introverts are too busy trying to be extroverts, conforming to society’s expectations. Instead, we should understand each other, just like the comic below!

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