5 Common Misconceptions about Introverts

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Introverts can be quite misunderstood in a loud, extroverted, always-ready world. Introverts are commonly identified as people who are reserved, quiet, and introspective. Sometimes people take an introvert’s silence and fill it up with misconceptions about them not knowing their truth. Here are the common misconceptions about introverts debunked by an introvert.

5 Common Misconceptions about Introverts

1. Introverts Are Shy

One common misconception about introverts is that they are shy. Introverts are not shy at all, just quiet. Introversion and shyness are commonly correlated mistakenly. Talking and engaging drains their energy so to preserve, they tend to be wallflowers amid the crowd. Furthermore, they don’t usually talk unless they truly believe they have something of value to add to the conversation. As an introvert, I used to feel sad when I didn’t have much to say but that didn’t mean I didn’t have feelings or that I wasn’t passionate about things. I just chose to contribute when I felt it mattered.

2. Introverts Aren't Leaders

Another common misconception about introverts is that they aren’t good leaders. Introverts make very good leaders. Introverts are known to think for a bit before they speak, providing calculated input. Moreover, what they have to say holds meaning. It’s quality over quantity. Introverts also tend to be calm in stressful situations. Introverts exude what I like to call quiet confidence, meaning they stay cool under pressure. Some famous introverted leaders include Mark Zuckerberg, J. K. Rowling, Elon Musk, Keanu Reeves, and Michael Jordan. Although they are introverts, I’m sure you can certainly recall what they are known for.

3. Introverts Dislike People

Another common misconception about introverts is that they don’t like people. Introverts DO like people but have different choices over when, where, and how we interact with people compared to extroverts. Introverts would rather interact with quality friends with whom they can have in-depth conversations rather than talk to many people via small talk. They don’t necessarily care about what the weather is like but they may ask what book you’re reading. They prefer intimate conversations over large group chatter.

4. Introverts Are Loners

Another common misconception about introverts is that they are loners. Introverts gain energy from being alone. Being creative, thinking, and talking can all take a toll on them so they won’t hesitate to retreat to recharge their social batteries. So yes, introverts do need alone time BUT that doesn’t mean that introverts ALWAYS want to be alone. Introverts are very loyal to their small group of close friends and can be quite extroverted once comfortable.

5. Introvert Don't Have Any Ideas

One last common misconception about introverts is that they don’t have any ideas. Introverts have many valuable ideas but they find comfort in documenting and writing. Writing allows introverts to get their points across better and be more open and honest with their words. As an introvert, I can attest that I am full of ideas. The idea for this blog post is one of them!

When It Comes to Being An Introvert...

Introversion is an anomaly in a world that can seem like it was created just for extroverts. Most of the time, the people who get the job in an interview are the ones who are talkative. So how does one combat their introversion in an extroverted world? Set one small goal a day to do something out of your norm. This is not me telling you to change who you are to fit in. It is checking off your goal. If your goal is to talk, take a moment to talk to a stranger by asking for the time, for directions, or asking about current events. Something as simple as checking off that goal in a notebook like this one* can be fulfilling. With practice, the anxiety from talking goes away but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think before you talk. Allow your thoughts to be your guide. One secret for introverts is knowing that as they say, it’s the thought that counts.