Personality is what makes each of us unique. The cool new thing is to figure out your personality type using something like the Myers Briggs Personality Test or the 16Personalities Test (I prefer this one).
Now, I'm no psychologist, but I do know that there is a noticeable difference between introverts and extroverts. There are also many misconceptions each group has about the other. So here's to trying to help extroverts understand the labyrinth that is the mind of an introvert.
1. We are not shy.
If you don't look close enough, you may perceive an introvert as shy or anti-social. In most cases this is not true. We enjoy spending time with people. We're not shy. We're just thinking. We're constantly processing and analyzing, reading your facial expressions and tone of voice. We're great listeners.
2. We need our space.
You may be wondering why your introverted friends spend hours at a time inside their rooms. Or why they prefer to spend their Friday nights binging "How I Met Your Mother" instead of going to your cousin's girlfriend's brother's house party. The truth is sometimes we just need a night in. We've been socializing for a while and now we need some R&R. Just give us a break. We'll be back soon.
3. We don't actually hate everyone.
When we decline your offer to go to the aforementioned house party, know that we do not hate you. We don't even hate your friends that we haven't met yet. We only hate the fact that there are so many of them in one place and that we would have to make small talk for hours. This is not a fun task for introverts.
4. Small groups are the best.
We may not enjoy huge groups of people we don't know very well. But we thrive in a small group of close friends. This is where you get to see us shine. We become our true selves (almost). We share our hopes and dreams. We start deep conversations. And you find out that we are HILARIOUS. (Surprise! Introverts have great senses of humor).
5. Sitting in silence is a social activity.
Just because we're not talking, does not mean we're bored. We're enjoying your presence and your silence. Introverts can have a good time with someone without doing anything.
6. We actually like being with extroverts.
Contrary to popular opinion, we LOVE our extroverted friends! You bring us out of our "quiet funk" and remind us that big groups can sometimes be fun. You encourage us to leave our comfort zones. And you're some of our best friends.
