Top ten myths about introverts

MrTimid&Shy

Well-known member
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
 

ridicule

Well-known member
Full of win.
Except I take contention with myth #4 because I DO hate people, but the opposite is also true, valuing close friends.
 

Dj SL

Well-known member
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

^^^^^^This ;)
 

HeadFace

Well-known member
Ah, I remember seeing this on Tumblr.
Its all so true. This needs to be like.. Spread tothe public more. So theycan understand
 

Srijita52

Well-known member
All of them are true plus people sometimes tend to think that all introverts have the same traits but that isn't true either..there're many difference even between introverts & how much they want to socialize.Anyone else agree with it? Sorry if I could'nt make it clear.
 

Phoenixx

Well-known member
Just as everyone else has said, a very true list.

Although #2 and #8 aren't myths for me. I am, in fact, a shy, aloof nerd. ;)
 

Steppen-Wolf

Well-known member
I think the myth is that all introverts are all of those things.

Most of us, I think, will be at least 2 or 3 of those things.
 
B

Beatrice

Guest
I think the myth is that all introverts are all of those things.

Most of us, I think, will be at least 2 or 3 of those things.

YES. I was thinking something like that while reading this.

I don't know if I'm an introvert or an extrovert though :confused: I love to socialize, I can be pretty loud sometimes when you get me going. Among other things. But I am also VERY introspective (to a fault) and have always enjoyed my own company.

I guess, like Steppen-Wolf said. I'm probably an introvert with many of those qualities, but also some qualities of an extrovert. It's the dominant one that determines what I would be considered. In that case, I'm probably an introvert. Hmm. Hard to determine.

What I'd really like to know is what I would be without SA ;)

Also, just realized, my mother is definitely an introvert. And I'm a LOT like her. Interesting.
 

Mr_Vabanque

Active member
Myth#1 should imo be: Introverts are smart.
"Si tacuisses philosophus mansisses" (If you had kept quiet, you would have remained a philosopher).
 

MaliceInWickedland

Well-known member
I think the myth is that all introverts are all of those things.

Most of us, I think, will be at least 2 or 3 of those things.

Very much agreed.

Myths 1, 2, and 4 (for the most part) definitely apply to me, but other than that I'm not rude. I do like to go out in public and enjoy the nice fresh air just as much as anyone else does, it's just that I don't like being around too many people all at once. I don't always want to be alone. I enjoy every bit of "me time" I can get but I love to be around those that I love just as much as anyone else would. I am sort of strange, but honestly who isn't? EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT. Aloof? Yeah for the most part. Nerdy? Sometimes. I don't really know how to relax most of the time but I do know how to have fun. I love to see and make smile people. Gloom and doom isn't what my life is all about. Definitely will never become an "extrovert", but I'm gradually opening up more and coming out of my shell so that counts for something.

It's really sad to see what "extroverts" think of us "introverts", but hey, it goes both ways. They have their opinions on us and we have our opinions on them. It's not right to make these kinds of assumptions about others but it can't be helped. Most of us complain about how we always feel ridiculed by the general public and feel like we're always being judged when in reality we're judging them as well, thinking that they're cruel, antagonizing, and whatnot and do everything in their power to make us feel below them. That's just a normal part of being human though I guess: we try to crack down what we don't understand.
 

Invisibleman

Well-known member
You also forgot the myth that were all sociopaths plotting to mass murder.seriously it hurts how many times ive overheard people saying that me or any of the other quiet people are going to bring a gun to school.

im one or two of those things.I dont like going out in public errr I should say I dont mind going out if theres only a moderate crowd,but if theres massive crowds like say downtown montreal on a saturday.....then im going to have a panic attack.

I loled at number one though.remembering going practically a whole day without saying a word,then sitting on a bench at school talking some poor girls ear off about the rules of rugby:D
 
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I think the myth is that all introverts are all of those things.

Most of us, I think, will be at least 2 or 3 of those things.


It's really sad to see what "extroverts" think of us "introverts", but hey, it goes both ways. They have their opinions on us and we have our opinions on them.

I agree on both counts. I tend to think of extroverts as loud, obnoxious, attention seeking people. And that probably isn't right most of the time. So the incorrect thinking goes both ways.
 

awkwardamanda

Well-known member
Where did you find this? I'm sure I've read it somewhere before, as have others.

While these myths are not true in general, they aren't generally false either. There is some element of truth here. Introverts are not all created equally.

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.
It's not that I don't like to talk at all. I just don't like to talk that much. Most of what people have to say is boring and of no use to me. But I won't talk for days about something I'm interested in. I realize that most of what I find interesting would bore and confuse a lot of other people so I'm not going to waste their time and annoy them.

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 am both shy and introverted.

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.
I don't intend to be rude but I often think that's how others perceive me. Sometimes I'm quiet because I'm shy and people probably think I'm being rude by not talking. Sometimes I simply don't care to interact with others. People try to initiate small talk and I don't make an effort to keep the conversation going because I just can't be bothered. Sorry to be a bitch but I'd rather be left alone.

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.
I'm not fond of the human population as a whole, but individuals, I'm often indifferent towards. I don't particularly like or dislike most people. I have a couple of distant friends but no real close friends because I've yet to meet someone I've had enough in common 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 don't mind going out in public if I'm basically minding my own business and so is everyone else. I just don't like going out in public if I'm expected to socialize.

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.
Most of the time I like to be alone. Not all of the time. If I'm going to hang out with anyone I'd prefer either one person at a time or a small group. A close connection, however, does not appeal to me unless I happen to meet a rare sort of person whom I can really feel comfortable with.

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.
Yes, I consider myself to be weird, but not because I'm an introvert.

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.
I am both nerdy and aloof, thank you very much.

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.
It's just that most of what others consider to be fun are neither fun nor relaxing for me. I'd prefer to relax and have fun by myself.

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.
I have no interest in becoming an extrovert and it's sad and unfortunate that they can't just accept introversion for what it is. Also, if introversion becomes more frequent as IQ increases, that would explain why we're stereotyped as nerds.


I agree on both counts. I tend to think of extroverts as loud, obnoxious, attention seeking people. And that probably isn't right most of the time. So the incorrect thinking goes both ways.
This.


Thanks. I enjoyed that.:)
 
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