Author on introverts, Nancy R. Fenn, wrote a Top Ten to get introvert through their day, and it is mostly a How To in getting out of negative situations and keeping positive about their character.
- Assert yourself as a legitimate personality type. There are two legitimate personality types: extroverts and introverts. Else? You just made it up.
- Correct people when they refer to introverts as neurotics. Introverts are not neurotics. They are introverts.
- Correct people when they refer to introverts as prone to mental illness. Introverts are no more prone to mental illness than others. Ouch. I am hurt to hear that. When extroverts are under stress, they overheat, smoke, drink, and become violent. When introverts are under stress, they withdraw. Got what I mean? This does not make them mentally ill. Why if we choose lemon juice rather than beer? It's preferences.
- Correct people when they assert that introverts are anti-social. Introverts are not anti-social. They are drained by other people and must limit their time in company, but they are friendly and loving people.
- Correct people when they assert that introverts have nothing to say. Yes, sometimes. BUT, on the contrary, introverts won't speak unless they have something important to say!
- Put a proper value on your ability to be a good listener. Good listening skills are invaluable in all areas of business and industry.
- Do not apologize for time spent alone. Explain to critical "others" that introverts need to spend at least half their time alone for good mental and emotional health. Then assert, if necessary, that introverts are a legitimate personality type.
- Introverts are not losers. Take pride that you are in the company of such introverts, past and present, as Albert Einstein, Steven Spielberg, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles Darwin, Mahatma Gandhi, Michael Jordan, and Bruce Lee.
- Stand up for introverted children who are being misunderstood in your presence. This is one of the most healing things you can possibly do for yourself as it will heal you own inner child.
- Don't let pushy extroverts interrupt you while you're reading a good book. Explain politely that you can't talk right now, you're reading a book.
Hope it helps.
