Introverts, when people think about us, they think the wrong things. Introverts are people too, and it takes many kinds to make this world work. Extroverts need us introverts. We help balance everything out. The thing is, just like there are different people in the world, there are different introverts. Some are outgoing while others are withdrawn. Some start off outgoing, but through the years become withdrawn. Again, they can start out withdrawn and become outgoing.
People see introverts as different and in a bad way.
1. Introverts are rude and standoffish. They don’t like people.
This is wrong. It may come off that we don’t like people, but we do. Well, some people, not all people. We are not the ones that will rush up and introduce ourselves to someone. We lurk in the background, eyeing those around us. We study their movements and patterns. We lay in wait, waiting for the right time to strike.
Introverts dislike small talk, no chit-chatting about the day. We speak when we need to speak. We speak when we like what the discussion is about, and that it is something we are knowledgeable about, or want to know more about. We speak when we can add to the conversation.
2. Introverts, you don’t have any friends.
Yes, we have friends. We are just selective about who we let in. We want to trust the people around us. When we let you in, it means we trust you. With our lives, our secrets. You become a part of an introvert’s secret society.
Being around people can drain us. Many of us introverts are sensitive people. We seem to feel the people’s energy. It feels like the people are draining us. In place, we can pick up on their moods, and may adopt that mood ourselves for a period. We are a cross of a psychic vampire and Rogue (X-Men), in a way.
3. You introverts are just shy, that’s all.
Per Psychology Today, “Shyness is the awkwardness or apprehension some people feel when approaching or being approached by other people. Unlike introverts, who feel energized by time alone, shy people often desperately want to connect with others, but don't know how or can't tolerate the anxiety that comes with human interaction.” Some introverts, like myself, are shy. But not all of us are. It goes back to our interests. If we can’t add to the conversation, or the conversation does not interest us, we say nothing.
4. You introverts are boring.
We are not boring, just looks that way. And we know looks can be deceiving. We are selective about what we do. Some introverts can be hermits; I may be one that can be a hermit, or close to it. Some of us like to go out in the middle of nowhere, start a fire and sleep under the stars. Listen to the owl hoot and the wolves howl. By the way, that puts me right to sleep. Walking through our natural parks and taking in nature is energizing. So is sitting down, all cozy in our beds, curled up with a good book or a movie. We can also go out dancing, concerts, plays and so much more.
5. You are hard to love.
We are not hard to love, just need to know how to handle us. Once you gain access to our secret society, you would find no better friend, or lover than an introvert. We can be the best listeners, no judging. You will get your own space because we will not want to be with you 24/7. We will not impose ourselves with your time with your friends. Your friends are your friends, not our friends. Unless we both share the same friends, which is doubtful.
6. You are weird!
So! We are weird and loving it. We see the world in a different perspective. Instead of jumping in we study, learn, and evaluate. Plus, each introvert you meet differs from the last introvert you were with. We are different from each other.
