Introvert as defined by Webster:
Introvert as defined by me:
As an introvert, I am constantly reminded by my friends and co-workers that it is unacceptable to look away from people, hide from people, or completely avoid conversing with people altogether. Like, naturally…it just feels right, but I guess I see their point *sigh*. However, there is a reason us intro’s (introverts) are this way. As always, I am here to shed light into the world of why we are the beings that we are. Its about time the world understand us as a people, right?!
1. YOU’RE SO WEIRD AND SOCIALLY AWKWARD:
Common misconception numero uno. We are not weird people. We’re not even socially awkward…well. In actuality, we just don’t want to be bothered. Talking to people whether we know you or not, is physically exhausting to our mind, body and souls. *Cue dramatic music*
2. WHY DON’T YOU MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH ME/PEOPLE!?
It’s not that we don’t want to make eye contact with you. It’s just that…well, why? We love your beautiful face, but staring directly at you just feels so awkward. I think direct eye contact just says, “I am engaged and I want to keep talking to you.” Which, is probably not the case. We probably can’t wait for the conversation to be over so that we can run back to our safe place. God, just thinking about it makes me want to look away from my computer.
3. WHY DO YOU LIKE BEING ALONE?
This one is simple. We like being alone, because it gives us time to decompress. Gives us time to not have to look at anyone. We don’t have to rack our brains as to what to say next after someone is finished talking. Well, we don’t have to worry about talking at all. We like to “re-charge” if you will. We can just be our still, quiet beings…in peace… all alone. However, we do really like company, when we are ready for you 😉
4.WHAT DO YOU MEAN, THERE ARE TOO MANY PEOPLE HERE?
YES! Walking into a room full of people literally makes us feel like we cannot breathe! Your collar suddenly becomes too tight around your neck. The palms of your hands get all clammy and moist. You suddenly feel the urge to puke (ok, totally dumping all the drama here, but you get my point.) There is almost nothing worse for an introvert than a crowd of people, we would literally rather be talking to fish in a tank over actual human beings.
5.DO NOT FORCE US TO TALK TO PEOPLE OR MAKE NEW FRIENDS.
So, by now, you can probably sense a pattern going on here. Personally, I have been told many times to open up, be friendlier, talk, put myself out there, make new friends, etc. I HATE THAT and so do most other intros. A lot of the times, our attitudes are thought of as impolite or rude. This is not the case. As intros, we are more reserved and taking everything into our minds. We need time to process people, or certain situations. We’re not rude, just give us time. We are just a little more reluctant to open up, that’s all.
6. YOU’RE SUPER QUIET.
Mostly, yes. We don’t want to talk to people. However, there are a lot of times that we do want to talk. It comes off that we may not want to, but please keep in mind that we prefer to listen before we talk. Introverts choose their words carefully and they think small talk is a waste of time. But, they’re more than willing to engage you in a deep conversation about topics they’re passionate about.
7. INTROVERTS ARE NOT HAPPY PEOPLE.
FALSE! We are very happy people. Just because we are not IN YOUR face the way extroverts are, doesn’t mean we aren’t the epitome of happiness. Personality type does not pre-dispose you to be unhappy.
There you have it! Seven myth-busting, eye-opening, jaw-dropping *not really* things about introverts that you may not have known. I am sure you know at least one of us and I am hoping that today’s post will help you to understand and love them a little more. 🙂
Now, I will go back to my corner ….
