First off, sorry for not posting in literally forever. Summer really has taken a toll on my productivity and available time, but I managed to find something interesting for you all to read about, so I hope you enjoy it! I was recently scrolling through a tumblr blog when I found a post about introverts, as the title of this article says. I myself being an introvert, was immediately interested in what the post had to say, and found its opinions and facts on the reality behind the myths about introverts to be quite relatable. It basically outlines many misconceptions about introverts and then proceeds to debunk them. If you’re an introvert like me, the facts behind this might sound true to you, and even if you are an extrovert, some of the myths here may be things you have thought about people like us. For the most part, this article will be me stating what the post said, and adding my personal opinion afterward. Let’s get started.

(Thoughts in italics)

10 Myths/Facts About Introverts

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.

I’m not the type who likes to talk unless it’s something I’m interested in or passionate about. I won’t be as invested in what you have to say unless I feel the need to. I don’t mean to come off as rude, or unsociable, because I’m not, it’s just that I honestly don’t really feel the need to talk about things I don’t feel concerned towards.

Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.

I’d have to totally agree with this one. As an introvert, unless you’re my friend or I know you at least mildly well, I won’t really talk to you. I’m a bit awkward that way, but I’m not exactly the best at interacting with others. If you come to me, you might be surprised at how easy it can be to get me to open up a little. This may appear to be in conflict with the first myth, but for me, conversation and the need to have it comes with the situation. 

Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.

Little bit unsure of this one. I definitely don’t think of myself as rude, but I don’t feel the pressure to fit in as much. For me, if I find myself being different from others, I mostly prefer to stay that way. Why give up who I am for the sake of being what I’m not? It’s true that those around me may think of me as strange, but that’s just who I am. I do want the people I surround myself with to be honest about themselves however. It’s one of the qualities I admire in my friends.

Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.

To all my friends out there, this applies to you! 🙂 I probably wasn’t the easiest person to get along with or understand at first, I’m sure you remember, but once you became my friends, I turned into the greatest friend you’ve known. (Or maybe weirdest? Introverts can be pretty weird around people they’re comfortable with…)

Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for introverts.

I agree with the recharging part, but for me, going out in public is fine. I just dislike crowds of people, so I avoid those.

Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.

This one is so true. Most of my thoughts and feeling processes are entirely internal. I can daydream and think about numerous things whenever I have my piece of mind, and generally do it alone. I may not show it as much outwardly, but inside my head I am probably thinking of many scenarios and situations about my actions and my life. Most of my thoughts can involve the random-est things, or involve me thinking over my actions and feelings. I don’t tend to share much about what I’m thinking to many people, and usually only ever share (Okay, maybe more like vent) to one person. Of course, I do like being alone sometimes, just because it gives me time to myself.

Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.

Yep. I don’t really care much for what people find popular or trending in the world. If everyone’s doing one thing, I usually am doing something else.  I can go with the flow, but I don’t follow the crowd, I follow wherever I feel life takes me.

Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.

Ever heard of the saying that the quietest people have the loudest minds? This applies to introverts very well. A lot of the time I can space out and just stare randomly at nothing. I don’t exactly mean to do it, but at those times I just inadvertently shut out the world and venture of into the dreamland that is my thoughts. I’m an analytical type of person, and tend to think about everything excessively. This includes my emotions and anything I ever do. Even if I’m not saying much out loud, I’m saying a lot inside my head.

Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.

I can spend hours walking around in nature, and I have done it before, so yes, I agree with what this is saying. But I don’t mind seeking the occasional thrill. I have to agree with the excessive talking though. Too many people talking tends to make me uncomfortable, and I tend to seek solace by escaping to a quieter place or room if it’s a party. I value silence, and when it is disturbed excessively I find I can’t handle it and retreat elsewhere.

Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of introverts increases with IQ.

Introverts, no matter how much they change and grow, I believe at heart will stay as they are. People can grow to be a mix of the two, but I don’t think anyone needs to be fixed. I don’t really know if people actually think that way of introverts, but in any case it certainly  isn’t true.

So there we go. My personal thoughts on the myths and truths behind introverts. Now I want to know what you think. Are you and introvert who feels the same way I do about these things? Or are you and extrovert who can see what I’m trying to say? Are you a bit of both? Let me know in the comments below!