Being an introvert brings gifts that might not be immediately obvious to everyone around us, but they are there, and they are vital in a world full of people who are seeking deeper connections. Embrace who you are, be social in ways that feel good and natural to you. Now more than ever, with all the public conversations happening about what and who introverts are, we are in an excellent place to step up our introvert game and nurture the kinds of depth and leadership we have to offer. Let’s break the myths people hold towards “us.”
Myth 1: Introverts are distant nerds.
Introverts are people who think inwardly, primarily focusing on their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they don’t want to be involved or that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, they just find it comfortable to keep to themselves.
Myth 2: Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often nonconformist and individualists. They don’t like to follow the crowd. They think for themselves.
Myth 3: Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are comfortable with the idea of being alone, but we get lonely, too. We crave authentic and sincere connections with people.
Myth 4: Introverts don’t like people.
Introverts value the close friends they have. They are loyal and really like when they find the substance in people we meet.
Myth 5: Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an introvert. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk, just start talking and I’m sure you’ll be surprised.