COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT INTROVERTS

 

Introverts are misunderstood by a lot of people.

We have gender diversity, cultural diversity and yes, personality diversity as well. We are diverse in so many ways. It’s that simple. Introverts and extroverts are different. We can’t say that one group is better or right and the other is wrong. It would be like one of those debates some kids have ; ‘Boys are better than girls!’ ‘No, girls are better!’

Extroverts and introverts have their own sets of strengths. Thankfully,  there has been a lot of understanding on introverts ,mainly due to a lot of studies and research. But still. There are many negative stereotypes on introversion. Here are some of them:

 

ALL INTROVERTS ARE SHY

Introversion ≠ Shyness

I’ve been called ‘shy’ a million times. How about you?

 As author Susan Cain writes, “Shyness is the fear of social disapproval or humiliation, while introversion is a preference for environments that are not overstimulating.”

Anyone can be shy; extrovert or introvert.

 

INTROVERTS ARE ANTISOCIAL

This is a big one.

Just because introverts prefer a few close relationships and love spending time alone, it doesn’t mean they are antisocial.

Actually, studies have shown that people who value intimacy are those who prefer meaningful conversations among a few friends over huge social events

 

Image : @the_just_mindset on IG

 

INTROVERTS ARE LOOSERS WHEN IT COMES TO PUBLIC SPEAKING

 

Okay most introverts may dislike public speaking. You may even be terrified of it. It may be a challenge for most introverts.

 Here’s the thing, just because you dislike something it doesn’t mean that you are bad at it.

Introverts can speak up!

 

Rosa Parks spoke up against racial discrimination. Obama was a great leader and an excellent public speaker. Both of them are introverts!
 

INTROVERTS ARE ALWAYS LONELY

 

Being alone is not the same as being lonely.

Extroverts may feel restless after 15 minutes of being alone while introverts don’t mind spending hours (or even days) alone.

Introverts need  their alone time as a form of recharging.

However, Introverts don’t always avoid people. They value close friendships, deep meaningful conversations and hanging out with people who ‘get them’.

 

EXTROVERTS ALWAYS HAVE BETTER IDEAS THAN INTROVERTS

 

I think that anyone can have good ideas.

The thing is extroverts tend to voice their ideas quickly while most introverts may hold up, thinking and analyzing further. Introverts may also hesitate to voice their ideas.

This is the reason for the above misconception.

People tend to associate the best speaker as the one with the best ideas but this is not always true.

 

INTROVERTS CAN’T BE LEADERS

So not true.

Introverts have many qualities favoring the role of leadership. Introverts think a great deal and are very careful in making decisions. They are introspective. They listen to others more and are more likely to implement good suggestions of their associates.

Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama are introverts.

Some of the most successful CEO’s are introverts: Bill Gates, Charles Schwab, Brenda Barnes, James Copeland, Jeff Bezos……

 

INTROVERTS ARE RUDE

Just because introverts prefer to keep quiet without engaging in conversation, it doesn’t mean they are being rude! Introverts may also not be that expressive. Introverts need to get to know people to feel comfortable around them.

 These are just some of the annoying stereotypes floating around.

Never let them hold you back!

You are one lucky introvert!