Thoughts for Life: 10 Myths About Introverts

Carl King shares his findings about introverts:

"Introverts are people whose energy tends to expand through reflection and dwindle during interaction.

They often take pleasure in solitary activities such as reading, writing, music, drawing, tinkering, playing video games, watching movies and plays, and using computers.

The archetypal artist, writer, sculptor, engineer, composer, and inventor are all highly introverted. An introvert is likely to enjoy time spent alone and find less reward in time spent with large groups of people.

They prefer to concentrate on a single activity at a time and like to observe situations before they participate.

Introverts are easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation from social gatherings and engagement. They are more analytical before speaking.

Introversion is not the same as being shy or being a social outcast. Introverts prefer solitary activities over social ones, whereas shy people (who may be extraverts at heart) avoid social encounters out of fear, and the social outcast has little choice in the matter of his or her solitude.

(via Wikipedia)

Myth #1 – 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.

Myth #2 – 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.

Myth #3 – 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.

Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like 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’re in.

Myth #5 – 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’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.

Myth #6 – 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 a time.

Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.

Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d 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.

Myth #8 – 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.

Myth #9 – 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.

If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.

Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.

A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers.

That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.)

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."

"I, Carl King, wrote this list in late-2000. Around that time, I was lucky enough to discover a book called, The introvert Advantage (How to Thrive in an Extrovert World), by Marti Laney, Psy.D.

It felt like someone had written an encyclopedia entry on a rare race of people to which I belong. Not only had it explained many of my eccentricities, it helped me to redefine my entire life in a new and productive context."

10 Myths about Introverts via Carl King Creative

Pray with me: Father, we appreciate this information that Carl King has shared. It can help us understand our own mates better, (if they're introverts), as well as some others we know. There are those folks reading this post who are introverts, and may be glad for the truths given here, to dispel the myths about introverts that are being believed by many.

May we understand others in a clearer light now, and be at peace, as to who they are, and how they're made by God. May we all learn to appreciate introverts, seeing them in God's light of how they're created. We pray this in the precious Name of Jesus, amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Today’s quote: Cindy Sproles – “For every palm you grace with friendship and love, a palm is turned toward you. The repayment is not always in wealth. It’s in the amazement of being used by the Father to complete His plan. It’s helping others. Serving with a heart of willingness. It’s being there even if it’s inconvenient.”

Some thoughts today: I'm a sinner saved by grace, and a saint sinning less and less.

- Our children need to see our “humanness”. When we make a mistake in judging them, lashing out with unkind words, more will be accomplished in our humbling ourselves after learning the truth, and then giving an apology to them. It may be you’ll need to weep with them, at times. Please remember that your words will either build up, (give life), or tear down, (kill).

Tuesday's post: #23 Ministries of Intercession C. Peter Wagner

Thursday's post: #24 Crisis Intercession C. Peter Wagner

A popular post: PRESENT BUT NOT FULLY CHECKED IN One of the greatest problems with our society today is the lack of involvement by godly men.