As people may think, myth is defined as a sacred narrative explaining how the world and humankind came to be in their present form. Many definitions about the word myth appeared in so many books and many scholars in other fields use the term myth in somewhat different ways. In a very broad sense, the word can refer to any story originating within traditions, or characteristics (or maybe stereotypes).
I have shared in my previous writings about Introversion and still myths can be so attached with this characteristic.
I will make another writing about why people connote introverts with serial killer, psychopath, and so forth in the next writing.
For now, I would like to share about the top myths of Introverts that I borrow from Exciting Red Bone Lightning and I also put some explanations toward the myths:
Introverts don't like to talk
This is not true. Introverts just don't talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won't shut up for days. Sometimes, I start to get suspicious if people are too complimentary.
Introverts are shy
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don't interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an introvert, just start talking. Don't worry about being polite.
Introverts are rude
Introverts often don't see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.
Introverts don't like people
Seriously people, on the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you are in.
Introverts don't like to go out in public
Nonsense. Introverts just don't like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don't need to be there for long to "get it". They are ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts. I was told by my Mom and Dad to "go outside and play with my friends", they just worried about me because I liked to be by myself.
Introverts always want to be alone
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don't have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at time.
Introverts are weird
Introverts are often individualists. They don't follow the crowd. They don't follow the mainstream. They would prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don't make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.
Introverts are aloof nerds
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It's not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it's just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.
Introverts don't know how to relax and have fun
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies (Oh, yes it is). If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down (I will get my migraine once I was in this level). Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.
Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts
Introverts cannot "fix themselves" and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.
*exhale*
I believe it's going to be useful for extroverts to know more about your friends Introverts, and also useful for Introverts to know more about themselves.
Cheers :)
