If you’re an introvert, you no doubt value your alone time and feel dread during social situations. However, those preferences don’t define you, no matter what more extroverted people might think. Many people have huge misconceptions about what it means to be an introvert — here are some of the worst.
1. They don’t understand how draining socializing can be for you.
Being an introvert in the rush and bustle of life is draining! When you attend social events, you’ll need to ensure you have downtime afterward to recharge your batteries and find a little more balance. You love hanging with your friends, but you’d be lying if you said it didn’t suck your energy dry.
2. They assume you’re always serious about stuff.
Just because you’re sometimes quiet around others or you’re not dancing on tables, it doesn’t mean you’re always going to be serious. Around people you’re close to, you can and usually are super funny and silly. This side of you is reserved for specific people, but it exists.
3. They think you’re quiet as a mouse.
You don’t always have to be quiet just because you’re introverted. While you might be more low-key in some social settings, you could be talkative in others. It’s unfair to be pigeonholed based on stereotypes. You’re your own unique person and should be respected as such!
4. They assume you’re a shy person.
Shyness isn’t the same thing as introversion. People getting to know you might ask why you’re so shy without realizing that you can be an introvert while still expressing yourself and being assertive. You’re not terrified to put yourself out there, you just don’t want to all the time.
5. They assume you don’t have any friends.
Just because you’re an introvert who isn’t the last to leave the clubs on the weekend, that doesn’t mean you don’t have friends. Sure, you might like to focus on having a few close friends instead of hundreds of acquaintances, but you have an amazing social circle of true blue pals who are always there for you through thick and thin.
6. They don’t realize that crowded areas are stressful for you.
Your friend asks you to a concert or street party, but they might not realize that you struggle with crowds. When you explain this, they might look at you funny. The thing is, huge groups of loud, noisy people can be too stimulating and busy for introverts, who tend to thrive in quiet, low-key locations.
7. They don’t realize that you’d rather write your feelings.
Some introverts might like to write down what they feel instead of speaking about their feelings out loud. So, a text conversation might actually be a good way for them to deal with a relationship issue rather than a face-to-face argument. Introverts are self-reflective and tend to take time to think before expressing themselves.
8. They don’t recognize how important it is for you to preserve your energy.
As an introvert, you place higher importance on your energy reserves than other people, and you’re more aware of how much energy you have or lack. You have to be careful with how much energy you give to social events, as they definitely deplete your reserves and destroy your equilibrium if you’re not careful.
9. They don’t know how much you hate video chats.
Just because you don’t like spending too much time around other people in real life, it doesn’t mean that video chats are fair game. Maybe you feel just as stressed when chatting to people on a Zoom call as you do when making small talk with strangers. Skip the video chat and text instead!
10. They don’t understand that you’re a daydreamer.
You can spend hours staring out of a window and daydreaming. This doesn’t mean you’re spaced out, though. It means you have a vivid imagination and like to reflect on your ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
11. They don’t understand how much you hate small talk.
Small talk can be challenging for you because it feels so meaningless and stressful. For others, small talk is like a quick snack they can indulge in, but that’s not the case for you. You’d rather skip small talk and go straight for deeper conversations.
12. They assume you’re depressed.
It’s a total myth that if you’re an introvert, you’re suffering from depression. Your lack of energy at times or need to self-isolate might seem to be similar to what people with depression experience, but introversion isn’t a mental health condition. You’re perfectly at ease and content on your own. Why is that so hard to understand?
13. They assume you don’t like any social gatherings.
Although you might not like being around strangers at a party or hanging out in a big group, this doesn’t mean that you rule out all types of social gatherings. You might prefer conversations with close friends in a quiet setting, for example, while still being talkative and having fun.
14. They think you’re rude, but you’re not.
Just because you’re an introvert, it doesn’t mean you’re necessarily rude. You might be a bit quiet when meeting someone new, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to offend others. You skip small talk, sure, but that doesn’t mean you’re not looking for a real connection with someone.
15. They think you can’t leave the house.
Another huge misconception about introverts is that they’re agoraphobic, meaning that they avoid certain locations or situations. Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, not a personality type. With anxiety disorders, you might want to socialize but anxiety holds you back. With introversion, on the other hand, solitude is a choice.
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