6 Things You Thought Wrong About Introverts
If you happen to be an introvert, then you might have not read this post in the first place. Some of you might not agree with this, but there is something that make the introverts different from all others around them. One of the most common stereotypes about the introverts is that they are socially awkward and avoidant people. In other words, they tend to shy away from the social gatherings and situations. An introvert might not be a very happy or friendly person, but at least, he or she might be much more intelligent than an average extrovert. Although it comprises around 1/3rd of the human population, still there are a number of myths and controversies that revolve around this personality trait. The core to this problem lies in the distinction of introversion and extraversion, so by gaining an understanding of the roots we would be able to better understand the introverts. The difference is so complex that it might not be easy for you to distinguish between an introvert and a person who is suffering from a social phobia.
The most accepted description in this regard had been presented by the Great Psychologist, Carl Jung. He was of the view that the introverts are more or less drained off energy in terms of their interactions and gain energy through solitude as well as quietness. It is all like an energy thingy. In other words, the entire debate of introversion and extraversion seems to be revolving around energy.
So if you are an introvert, you might be quite used to the feelings of misunderstanding. For example, you might have been criticized in school for being quiet or less participating. Students who are active in school, college and university days are not necessarily intelligent and mindful in comparison to those who do not speak at all. If you stumble across the pages of scientific history, we will come to realize that some of the greatest scientists and researchers in the world were actually introverts. Now I need to you to scroll as the 6 myths you thought wrong about introverts.
6. All of them are Shy
Shyness is more often misunderstood or confused with introversion. In addition, both of the words are also used in an interchangeable manner on a regular basis-but in reality, both of them are different traits. There are millions of people who are introverted, but not shy, just like Bill Gates-The Richest Person in the World 2013. The Psychology Today Blog has published that Bill Gates is indeed bookish, but doesn’t bothers much what other people have to say about him. Introversion is all about recharging as well as gaining an energy by spending some time in solitude. You can even call it a point between internal rage and serenity. Here I would like to quote the words of a renowned neuro-psychologist, who says that “Shyness is a behavior while introversion is more like a motivation”.
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5. Introverts are Socially Isolated
The idea that introverts are socially isolated individuals is another myth or misconception that needs to take a reality check. Yes, the introverts do enjoy a time of solitude much more than their extravert counterparts, but this does not mean that they are isolated from all social interactions. There is also no end to the negative labels which are used for introvert like socially anxious, isolated, depressed, shy, despondent and many more. The fact is that introverts do like people, but they tend to prefer quality more over quantity. In other words, they prefer to form quality relationships with selected people. Their focus is more dedicated to a smaller circle of friends.
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4. Introverts can never be Good Leaders
Apart from what the people believe, most of the introverts do enjoy leadership roles. They also love to be in the spotlight. To justify this claim of mine, I will share with you the names of some famous introverts in history. Bill Gates, Gandhi, A. Lincoln and many others have been classified and tagged as introverts in history. Research has also shown that these individuals might come to foster a collaborative team work environment and will also exhibit a better performance than most of the extroverts.
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3. Introverts Have Negative Personalities
Because these people like to be alone, this is the reason for which they are termed as having negative personalities with high levels of depressive tendencies. When someone is quite this does not mean that the person is marked for the presence of some negative tendencies or the person simply doesn’t considers anyone else to be at the same level as he or she is. Most of the psychologists are of the view that when extroverts will spend some time of solitude and introversion, they might report feelings of depression. But on the other hand, the introverts do not prefer solitude and loneliness only because they are sad, it is simply because they derive their energies from moments of silence and pause.
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2. Introverts are more intellectual
Many of the applauded and celebrated thinkers in history like A. Einstein, Darwin, Proust and all others are now known to be as the silent types. But it needs to be noted here that being an introvert does not necessarily makes you loftier, intelligent and innovative. For me intelligence is a gift, which not every person can enjoy or boast about. Hearing the words like “Everyone is intelligent” feels good to those who are not intelligent themselves. Intelligence is something that can be seen in only a few people these days. Now here, by intelligence I mean all forms of intelligence. Creativity can come at any time and at any place. You do not need to buy a million dollar beach house to find solitude and to be creative.
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1. It is easy to recognize introverts
No. The process of finding out the introverts as well as the extroverts is not easy as it might seem to be. On seeing a person spending his time in quietness does not necessarily means he or she is an introvert. An explanation would be that the person might be going through severe depression or some trauma and that you came to know the person after the depression phase had been initiated. There is a possibility that the person might have been a social person before the occurrence of the episode. Most of the introverts might sneak into some cocktail party and have a good time. At the same time, an extrovert might skip a school reunion party just to have some peace time.
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So is it corroborated now that there are a number of things which you had been thinking wrong about the introverts, but after reading this post, you will be able to establish a more deep understanding about introversion and extroversion. As a conclusion, I would say that introverts do like people, but they just like them in different ways.
