Insight

Something interesting happened to me today.  After a conversation with a friend, I had a realization--that maybe was obvious to someone who has met me--but came as a complete surprise to me.  When the realization popped into my head, I immediately googled something that confirmed the idea . . . .

"Am I an Introvert?"

This question seemed odd to me when it first came into my head, but after reading some of the information I found, the answer was a resonating

YES.  Maybe not an Extreme Introvert, but one nonetheless.

I never thought of myself as an introvert before, because, as many people do, I misunderstood the definition of introvert. I think some people might think I, for instance, am kind of stand-offish, that I don't like people or am maybe even a snob.  Especially because I'm "pretty" - because if a pretty girl is quiet or withdrawn from a situation, doesn't that just make her, well, a stuck-up bitch? Well, that's a myth, just like these other things I discovered at Carlkingdom.com.  on a list of "10 myths about 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.

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 so 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.

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. 

For some more interesting thoughts on being an Introvert, check out these links:

Caring for Your Introvert

Relationship Tips for Your Opposite

I wanted to share this with you because 1) You might be an introvert and not even know it.  And if that's true, and you're like me, you have probably felt bad at some point or another thinking that you were somehow a bad person for needing to be alone.  Or,  2) You might know an introvert and have misunderstood that person . . . and now you might understand them better!