5 Surprising Myths About Introverts

Do you consider yourself an introvert? Perhaps you are in a relationship with someone who prefers to spend a good chunk of time alone rather than in the presence of others. Maybe you know someone who prefers to engage in quiet conversations with one or two people rather than be part of a large group conversation.

Maybe you have a friend who you think is antisocial because she hates going you parties or large group gatherings, and you practically have to drag her there kicking and screaming. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these character traits, introversion is likely the cause.

Anywhere between 25 and 50 percent of the population is an introvert — meaning that they depend on solitude, rather than the company of others, to recharge their mental batteries and thrive. Unfortunately, the louder section of the population, the extroverts, perpetuate some dangerous myths about introverts.

The introvert vs. extrovert misconception

Introverts are largely misunderstood by others who do not share in their contentment with spending the majority of their time alone. There are far more extroverts in our society today, and having those social, people person skills has become a desirable trait. Extroverts are largely regarded as happy, outgoing people who enjoy being around others and thrive in large social settings. Introverts on the other hand, are often regarded as shy, quiet, aloof and even arrogant. This misconception is a common view in society today, but the reality is that introverts do not necessarily possess any of these stereotypical character traits.

Although most modern day psychologists do not support the presence of psychic energy, they do support the notion that introverts are more focused on themselves and their own thoughts and actions and are less involved in the external world. This means that introverts generally appear as though they are shy and they prefer to spend the majority of their time alone, or at the very least need alone time to recover from social time.

In a work atmosphere they are often more productive when working alone rather than in a group. While they are often perceived as shy, this does not mean that an introvert actually is shy. A shy person can be characterized as anxious in social settings and unable to comfortably fit in. Although an introvert prefers being alone or with only one or two people, this is often just a preference rather than a result of anxious or awkward feelings.

In our modern society, being an extrovert is generally considered a positive attribute. This type of outgoing personality is more desirable to the more reserved, quiet personality of an introvert. Although the qualities of an extrovert are generally more desired in our society and therefore encouraged, there are several benefits to being an introvert. Introverts are largely misunderstood by their peers. In reality, an individual who has the ability to spend a significant amount of time in only their own company is in possession of a strong and powerful attribute.