I’ve been an introvert all of my life. I was born that way – or at least I’ve been this way as far as my memory carries me. As a child, I remember at social gatherings people asking me if there was something wrong with me. Because to some people it’s “wrong” to not be talkative. I had to force myself to engage others all through high school. And, I wasn’t a recluse. I was elected student body president of my high school. I was just quieter than some people.
And, if you’re really an introvert. I just said some things you understand.
The major problem with introversion, which, by the way, is not a disease – and not a problem – is the misunderstanding of it. People act like it’s a personality flaw. But, it’s not.
Introversion is a preference in how we respond to life. Nothing more. It’s a wiring. But, there’s no flaw in the wiring.
So, I’ve attempted to change the misunderstanding to understanding. Helping you understand introverts.
That’s the point of this post.
Here are 9 things you may not know about introverts:
We can be very social. You should see me on Sunday. We can even be the life of the party if we choose to be. I have entertained rooms before – as an introvert.
We have humor. We may even be very funny. You may have to “wait for it” – and pay careful attention. We usually have time to think about it before we project our humor on the world, so it might be a dry wit. And, when we let you see our humor – be prepared to laugh. Laugh hard.
We love people. Seriously. We do. Deeply. Just because you may talk more than us doesn’t mean we don’t love as much as you do. Introverts are often very loyal to the ones we love. Just like extroverts may be.
We are unique. We are unique from other introverts. We aren’t all alike. And, we are somewhat offended with a stereotype. (Just as any other stereotyped person is.) Introverts have a realm of introversion. Some appear more extroverted than others. Some more introverted.
We aren’t afraid of people. We usually don’t need you to speak on our behalf to remove our fears. Fear is not the reason we are introverted. It’s a personality.
We don’t need help formulating thoughts. I realize it seems at times that we don’t know what to say, but usually it’s because we are processing, taking our time, or simply don’t want to interrupt everyone else who seems to be talking incessantly. Believe me, thinking is not a problem for most introverts. We do it quite well.
We don’t always want to be left alone. Yes, we may like our time alone – or at least our quiet time, but we don’t have to be alone. Personally, I don’t enjoy life as much when Cheryl isn’t around. Even if we aren’t talking non-stop, I like her in my company.
We can have fun. Some extroverts think we can’t. Because to them more fun is more conversation. But, we can have fun. Lots of it. And, there doesn’t have to be constant noise to do that. And, sometimes there does. And, my definition of fun may not be yours. And, that’s okay. But, let’s hang sometime and I’ll show you how it’s done my way!
We aren’t weird. Well, maybe. But, it’s not because we are introverts. Something tells me at least one of my readers of this post will be weird. (I’ve got some weird tendencies – I guess we all do.) You may or my not be introverted.
So,there are a few things you may not know about introverts.
Anything else you could share?
I have found it helpful to think of introversion/extroversion in terms of energy.
As an introvert, social interaction requires energy from me, particularly when I am around strangers and am expected to make “small talk”, or when there’s a large, chaotic gathering. Even if I don’t talk much in those situations, I still feel drained and need time along to recharge afterwards.
My understanding is that extroverts tend to become more energized by social interaction, which is why they may tend to seek it out or create it.
Thank you for your comments. I used to think I was an introvert and have come to respect them. I was shy until 20 years ago because of fear of rejection — fear of saying something that others wouldn’t like or agree with. But I found I could usually talk comfortably with one or two people. In a group I also speak up now if I feel I have something relevant to add to the conversation. For the most part though, I like to sit back and listen. It’s a great way to learn things!
Good share. Thanks for writing this.
Thank you
True story: I told one of my brothers-in-law that I was an introvert. He said that was impossible, because I was a pastor. I asked him what had to do with anything. He told me that I couldn’t be a pastor and an introvert…..
and vice versa. He believed that the HS shoulda zapped the introversion right out of me.
I’ve heard that before also.
Is there a difference between being shy and being an introvert? Do they go hand in hand?
Most shy people are introverts. But not all. And not all shy people are introverts. Shy is usually timid. Introvert is a preference for quiet times of reflection basically.
Thank you and Amen for sure!!!!!!
And, thank you!
Excellent read! I’m so glad to see us introverts coming out and letting the world know we aren’t sick or have a personality defect, we are just simply wired up differently. Great job, thanks for sharing!
Amen
I would like to add that trying to force an introvert to be ‘more’, more talkative, more people oriented, more whatever, can cause said introvert to resent you and make them want to spend less time around you.
Extroverts need to understand that trying to make an introvert talk more or visit more, or give up their blessed silence would be like making an extrovert stop talking for an entire day.
Yes. Very true.
More people need to hear the truth that introverts can be very social and comfortable with people. That's me; I just need alone time to recharge after being around people for a while.
I'm also an introvert and I agree with this post.
Thank you.
Well said, Ron! I once had a pastor tell me he was going to pray that God heal me of my introverted personality.
Ha! Really? That's funny.
This describes me to the tee. I can remember thinking these things as a child too. Thanks for blog! It’s perfect!
Thank you!