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.

Myths About Introverts

 

There are several common myths about the introvert personality. Many of the things that are believed to be true about introverts are very far from the truth, and you may be surprised to learn that may of the qualities introverted people possess are similar to those of more outgoing, social extroverts.

Introverts Don’t Like Conversations

While introverts are not going to be the first to answer a question or spill the details about what is going on in their lives, this generally is not because they do not like to talk.

 

Unlike extroverts who are more than willing to speak about every last detail of their lives, even if you don't necessarily want to hear it, introverts generally only speak when they have something they have to say. They are often aggravated by small talk and see no purpose in this type of conversation. However, if the subject matter is something that the introvert takes great interest in, they are likely to talk and talk on end, and dominate the conversation with their thoughts and ideas.

Introverts are Arrogant

In general, introverts have a very low tolerance for people who beat around the bush and don’t just get to the point. Introverts are usually very straight forward, and they like to just cut to the chase. They expect the same in return from others, and they have a desire for people to just be straightforward and honest. For most in our society, this is not the case, nor is it an acceptable way to act in social settings. The introvert's need for truth and honesty in the absence of small talk is often mistaken for rudeness or arrogance. For this reason, many introverts find it difficult to fit in. Before you judge a person on the fact that they dislike small talk, however, take the time to get to know them.

Introverts Are Not People Persons

It can be easy to assume that introverts, because they prefer not to be in large group settings, do not like people. This is actually very far from the truth. Although introverts generally have only one or two close friends, they deeply value those friendships. In comparison to extroverts who are friendly with everyone and have large amounts of friends, introverts are picky with who they choose to let into their inner circle. Once you have made it in however, you can count on your introvert friend to be a loyal, dedicated friend for life.

Introverts Are Uptight

It’s true that introverts generally prefer to spend time alone in their homes. But this doesn’t mean that they don’t know how to relax and have a good time. They often choose to avoid crowds and public places, and they are not thrill seekers or in search of an adrenaline rush. While they do actually go out to public places and social gatherings, they generally just do not stay there for very long. Rather than interacting, they tend to sit back and observe. They are the people watchers who take in the details in their environment. They are often quite relaxed during these times and find enjoyment in observing their surroundings. They simply find it more fun to observe the action rather than to participate in it.

Introverts Can Become Extroverts if They Try

Introverts are not broken, and therefore they cannot be fixed. While an extrovert may view the introvert personality type as a dysfunctional one, introverts generally have a positive, healthy outlook on life. Introverts usually have no desire to adapt their personalities to be more like that of the more common extrovert personality type.