Telling an introvert to go to a party is like telling a saint to go to hell.
- Criss Jami
They're the silent ones in a gathering.
You see them eating alone. Sometimes they avoid your eyes.
You get misconceptions about them, thinking they're snobs or lonely. Or that they hate people.
Introverts. They are easily misunderstood.
Maybe because they don't talk much, their silence could be interpreted in many ways.
But introverts are extraordinary beings. Here are 10 common misconceptions about them.
10 Common Misconceptions about Introverts
1. Introverts are nerds.
That is not always the case.
This stereotyping may be because introverts don't always go out and are often seen absorbed in their own thoughts.
Geeks may be busy thinking about and tinkering with technology, science, and other fields of interest, but introverts may just be enjoying their alone time without doing anything geeky.
Sometimes they write or blog (ahem), read a book (not necessarily the geeky ones), stay in and watch Netflix, or dabble in art like painting or drawing.
Speaking of drawing or illustrations, check out how artist Lingvistov captured introverts in these cute and funny illustrations.
And that's another thing introverts love. Doing transactions online. No face-to-face meetings and no requiring them to speak to people.
2. Introverts are snobs.
Probably the most common misconception about introverts is that they are snobs.
It's nothing personal.
Introverts don't particularly like small talk and don't consider social pleasantries a must in life.
You'd get a slight nod of acknowledgment and a small smile, and that's already a huge deal. Be appreciative.
3. Introverts are depressed or lonely.
Just because they'd rather be alone and often retreat to their peaceful and private world doesn't mean introverts are going through something depressing.
Scientifically, introverts need to be alone because that's how they recharge.
Dopamine levels tend to go down in a crowd, and they need to pump it up with peace and quiet. It's biological.
4. Introverts are shy.
There are a lot of successful speakers who are introverted in person.
A shy person can't talk on stage in front of a crowd. Introverts aren't shy.
They just don't enjoy the limelight as much as others do.
Introverts don't avoid the crowd because they're shy, but they're not comfortable in it.
5. Introverts are people-haters.
Introverts don't hate people. They just don't like social gatherings.
Introverts like to meet up and hang out with friends. Some even love to travel.
They prefer a more intimate or one-on-one interaction over partying. Introverts have a tight circle that they adore and cherish.
6. Introverts are boring.
Fun is relative. It may be fun to go bar-hopping, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, or cliff diving, but it may be dull or scary for others.
You may get bored watching reruns, curling up on a couch and reading a good book, or sitting quietly and watching the sunset. But, some people get a high doing that.
We often associate quiet and serenity with dullness, but you won't really know or understand how fun it is just sitting in a corner, watching people, or enjoying the moment---unless you're an introvert.
You may get bored watching reruns, curling up on a couch and reading a good book, or sitting quietly and watching the sunset. But, some people get a high doing that.
We often associate quiet and serenity with dullness, but you won't really know or understand how fun it is just sitting in a corner, watching people, or enjoying the moment---unless you're an introvert.
7. Introverts don't work well with a team or can't lead a group.
Introverts can function well alone, but that doesn't mean they can't work in a group.
Introverts can get along well with others, and you'd be surprised that these leaders are introverts:
- Eleanor Roosevelt
- Bill Gates
- Abraham Lincoln
- Warren Buffett
- Elon Musk
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Bo Sanchez
8. Introverts can't be happier than extroverts.
Extroverts are loud, so you'd know when they're happy. You can see it.
That doesn't mean they're happier than introverts, though.
Happiness is a choice.
Just because you're the life of the party and outgoing doesn't necessarily mean you're happy.
9. Introverts don't like to talk.
Give them a topic they love and surround them with people they're most comfortable with, and they can talk for hours.
10. Introverts won't make it big.
Never underestimate the power of silence. And never take calmness for timidity.
Most of the time, there's boldness, waiting for the right moment to strike...and shake the world.
"Still waters run deep."
Just ask these introverts who made it big:
- J. K. Rowling
- Michael Jackson
- Warren Buffett
- Steven Spielberg
- Johnny Depp
- Albert Einstein
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Mother Teresa
- Emma Watson
Are you an introvert? What do people assume about you?
What misconceptions do you have about introverts?
63 comments
Great post. As an introvert, I agree with most of it.
ReplyDeleteIntroverts just thinking a lot inside
ReplyDeleteJe me reconnais beaucoup ♥(˘‿˘)
ReplyDeleteBisous et bonne semaine
Manon
Interesting thoughts, really nice to read that.
ReplyDeleteAnd look at all those famous introverts.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. ☺
Sometimes all an introvert need is the right environment and the right people around
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed at the misconceptions of introverts. I don't hate people or doing things I just need ME time to recharge. That is simply it.
ReplyDeleteHi Lux! It is true that people make assumptions about introverts. Especially about being depressed, or socially awkward. Introverts know what they like, just like extroverts. It's okay to be different! We should be happy for anyone who has figured out how to enjoy themselves, and to be right with the world.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the little movies with each thought. Very cool!
Ceil
Great post! Have a great day! xx
ReplyDelete- STYLEFORMANKIND.COM
I have to agree with most of this. I'm an introvert but training has helped me publicly speak and mingle. Still my favorite thing is the quiet hours. Too many social gatherings drain me whereby my extrovert friends thrive in it! So thankful we are all different! Great post!
ReplyDeleteWell, Lux, this introvert just loved your post! These points are all true, and I, for one, bless the day I fully understood and embraced the way God shaped me!
ReplyDeleteBonus? Some say that we make the best friends ... and counselors!
;-)
I was shy growing up... when I got past that in my mid 20's... I was actually an extrovert. I have many friends who are introverts and they are awesome.. ♡
ReplyDeletegreat post, i'm kinda agree with the point 6 and point 8
ReplyDeletegorgeous post
ReplyDeletekiss
http://tr3ndygirl.com
Yesss! This is spot on, Lux. I'm an introvert through and through and I feel like nobody really understands me except for other introverts, lol. :) Great post!!!
ReplyDeleteI am a bit of an introvert, when I want to be and most people think I'm depressed lol. No, I just don't want to be bothered right now lol. Really good post.
ReplyDeleteKia / House of KTS (formerly known as Pure & Complex)
http://www.houseofkts.com
Agree with many of the points :)
ReplyDeletehttp://theknotstory.com/
Hhmmmmnnn As always Lux toh Sure.. This was a very ghen ghen post, and quite enlightening too.... However this line in the #10 misconception got me the most though:
ReplyDelete"Never underestimate the power of silence. And never take calmness for timidity"
and to it i am like "True that Bubba" I think you are very right... There is actually a strong power in silence.. as it is this stillness that most geniuses often times get their Eureka Ideas.. Introverts are definitely not Depressed oh! and that is a Misconception i so detest.. I for one in my 23 years 5 months and 15 days old young and confused head see them as just normal people who like to do Normal things in their own Normal way Dassaall...
**Scratches recently Relaxed hair.. Ehhmm.. Ehhmm.. I think I am an Introvert oh Lux :) ** ehm.. Thinks Deeper.. Naaahhhh.. I bet my savings that I am not.. hehehehe cheers Bubba.. This was fun to read and your motion picSHurs ehnn amma still a bunch.. **Wears Cheeky Mr. Nigeria smile.. :)
great post!
ReplyDeletekisses
http://lestyledelapetiteblonde.blogspot.com.es
This is such a great post hun :) I think these misconceptions are very unfair as every single person is so different :)
ReplyDeleteRachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
I'm an introvert, so I really appreciate this. I am also shy, so that makes things extra hard at times.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. My husband is an introvert and it is sometimes difficult for me to understand. MANY people are under some of those wrong assumptions you listed!
ReplyDeleteI can´t really say how much I enjoy your posts. You´re completely right I´m an introvert too and this is all true. Love you for this :)
ReplyDeleteVeronika
www.livingbypanicca.blogspot.com
GREat post!
ReplyDeletewww.alessandrastyle.com
Thanks for helping others to understand my world!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Kamea
incrementalhealing.wordpress.com
I agree completely with all the points here :-)
ReplyDeleteI know how it is. I was one of them. Its only off late that I have changed :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I loved reading each point and the GIFs to go with them. Such fun! These are so true- introverts are some of the kindest and most fun people I know. :) Definitely not snobby or boring!
ReplyDelete~Jess
As an introvert, totally agree!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about needing time alone. I didn't know it was something scientific though. Interesting article. ;)
ReplyDeleteSuper! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing. Introverts do not remain introverts all their lives. Sometimes context is important, too. :-) Great post.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
Interesting post dear.
ReplyDeleteI love the ten pictures with their lessons. So cute. I am an introvert.
ReplyDeleteAnother introvert here. Found this article fascinating. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI do not agree to classify people into introvert and extrovert. Recently people even come up with a 3rd category - ambivert. And then just there are articles that say you can be both introvert and extrovert. They say ambiverts are people who express qualities and behaviors of both introverts and extraverts depending on the situation. I say we are all ambiverts.
ReplyDeleteMentioned that on my post The Power of An Introvert. See link in this article. :)
DeleteLoved it! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHahaha This is a very interesting article again!
ReplyDeleteXx,
Nilu Yuleena
BIG hair LOUD mouth
Introvert here! I enjoyed reading your post!
ReplyDeletewww.sarahrizaga.blogspot.com
interesting post!
ReplyDeletewww.alessandrastyle.com
Yes a lot of people don't fully understand this word. An introvert and being shy are not the same thing. Many introverts are not shy. Being shy is actually more of a disorder sort of like a phobia while an introvert is a personality type.
ReplyDeleteAllie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
YES! I have so many people that NEED to read this post! You are so right, and it's so annoying to explain everything again and again. I love this post, you are amazing!
ReplyDeleteWritingMonique
hiiiiiii, Lux!!!! I think I'm 50/50! 50% introvert, 50% extrovert haha :D
ReplyDeleteIs a great article, I also think as you
ReplyDeleteMelange-Boutique Blog by Noe&Lolita
Very good post. I kind of discovered the younger me in every single point you mentioned. Interestingly, I've learnt to embrace myself better now and I'm no such an introvert any more, just a little bit ;))
ReplyDeleteHi Lux, Great post with lots of interesting comments. (Duru Adolphus Jnr.'s comment will have me smiling all day!) Always a pleasure to stop by About Life and Love.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, great post doll!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy June!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
nice points to ponder here
ReplyDeleteGreat post about introverts. I always learn something new when I visit this blog.
ReplyDeletewww.effortlesslady.com
i'm an introvert too, so it was fun to read this post and nod in recognition :)
ReplyDeleteI nodded all the way through this, Lux! I'm a major introvert and some people really just don't understand us. I would have never guessed some of the people you mentioned were introverts. I guess we are in pretty awesome company :).
ReplyDeleteneat post, I didn't know Obama and Buffett are introverts like me!
ReplyDeleteI love all your posts and I just read the last post you shared few moments ago. Thank you for your tips and care. I also love to keep life simple and enjoy it the way it is. Kises, Liuba x
ReplyDeleteI wrote here, because I couldn't write a comment there :(
ReplyDeleteThank you for exploding the myths about introverts. I love to be alone, to read and think, and pray. Idle chit chat bores me and I would rather talk about Jesus and scriptures that can help people. Thank you for sharing here at Tell me a Story - - we all needed to hear this post.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I LOVE this so much!! As a classic introvert I can relate. I've been called a snob before bc I wasn't outgoing and talkative like other people. That hurts. I now embrace who I am and am proud of my introverted ways.
ReplyDeleteOne of the very first posts I ever wrote for my blog is called," If you invite an introvert to a party." it's along the same lines of this post. So glad to see I'm not alone!
I am an introvert! But I can also be a pretty extroverted introvert, which is why I agreed with a lot of these misconceptions. I mean, I like being alone and sometimes do cancel. But I wouldn't see myself as boring or anti-social. We just expend our energy differently and that is all ^.^
ReplyDeleteI am an introvert and I love it! But sometimes it frustrating when people assume that I am all of of the above misconceptions you discussed. We just process information differently. There is nothing wrong with how we are made because God made us and can give us the tools to succeed in life!
ReplyDeleteLove this list! I consider myself an introvert but definitely agree that a lot of these don't apply to me!
ReplyDeleteI just realized. I'm introvert. :D
ReplyDeleteHi! I found your post while looking for GIFs for my own post on introverts. http://embracingadventure.com/2016/01/02/introverts-world-unite-world-introvert-day/ I borrowed the one from 30 Rock. I have the Gossip Girl one too from another source.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you wrote about misconceptions. I don't often go to gatherings but it's not because I'm shy (I can speak in front of a crowd as long as I've rehearsed) I just need to be in a mood to socialize and prefer it to be one on one or in a small group. Although I occasionally like adrenaline-rush type things, the tv show, book, and watching the sunset list is more typical of what I do. I also like to talk for hours if the person and topic is interesting, but small talk is boring. I really like this "Never underestimate the power of silence. And never take calmness for timidity. Most of the time, there's boldness inside, waiting for the right moment to strike...and shake the world."
Thank you for this post from a fellow introvert ;-)
ReplyDelete