I am an Introvert.

When Elaine posted this on her blog, I knew I needed to post it on my blog as well! I have finally realized that I am an introvert, and more importantly...that it is okay to be an introvert.

I've always felt a little left out from all my friends, even though I neccesarily didn't want to fit in anyway. It was always a constant battle between myself and what all my friends were and what "I should be."

Anyway, I am making this sound way more dramatic than it should be, but here are 10 myths about introverts that are spot on and makes me feel better about myself! When I read each one I was like "Oh my gosh! This is so me!" Yay for 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.

{This made me laugh! I truly hate small talk, especially small talk on the phone! See friends.. I am not a bad friend, just different! I still love you! :) }

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.

{ "They don’t interact for the sake of interacting." This couldn't explain me any better. I can so be somewhere with tons of people and feel no need to talk to anyone. I just don't need it. Doesn't make me rude (see below) or shy.}

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.

{ "Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting." Explaines how I've felt my.whole.life! Especially college years.}


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.

{True friends of mine...consider yourself lucky! ;) }

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.

{Once again...spot on. I totally like going out, but I always always always want to come home and recharge much sooner than everyone else! I always thought I was lazier than others, when really I just need to recharge...it is crucial for me to go home and sit on the couch people...crucial! ;) }

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.

{Chris calls this my "shut down mode." I get overwhelmed easily, especially in public places...and man...i HATE noise. My poor kids are going to have to learn to play quiet all the time! My own family (when we are all together) is too much for me...loudest family in the world!}

Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) 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.

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So what did we learn here people?
Introverts are just as normal as you extroverts who have billions of friends and love being out and about with people! And that we are trying to survive in an extrovert world... so be nice to us!!
Oh, and hopefully my friends now realize I really do love them...I am just a really awesome introvert!

Complied by Carl King Via Elaine of I'm Clothed Much