Common Myths You've Likely Heard About Introverts

Introverts make up some of the world’s best creatives, thinkers, philosophers, and even scientists. But the truth is, we’re often misunderstood and even judged by others. Constantly pushed to speak up, participate and be social for fear of being thought to be weird, depressed or damaged if we don’t.

Most of the world believes that there must be something wrong with you if you’d rather spend time alone at home than engaging in an active social life. That being a loner is a bad thing, and you must be depressed if you don’t care to leave your house for a few days (or weeks… oops).

Identifying as an introvert is not always the easiest path, but instead of viewing ourselves as flawed, how about we shatter some myths and embrace all the perks of who we are?

Learning more about who you are, how you operate, how your energy works, and aligning your life through this self-knowledge is key to creating balance, health and happiness.

The Scale of Introversion

I want to call attention to the fact that there is a scale of introversion. There are extroverted introverts and introverted introverts. There are quiet introverts and shy introverts. There are more energetic introverts and more mellow introverts.

My point here is that every single person on this planet is unique. Every single person has different quirks, personalities, likes and dislikes; whether you’re an introvert, extrovert or somewhere in the middle.

Identifying as an introvert is all well and good, but no matter what you resonate with, just remember that we’re all different. Life is full of labels, boxes, and types that can limit ourselves and our potential. Humans are multifaceted beings, able to adapt and evolve in different situations.

Let your true nature shine and grow as you move through life.

10 Common Myths About Introverts

Myth #1—Introverts hate people.

Contrary to popular belief, introverts (for the most part) don’t hate or dislike people. We actually greatly value the relationships and connections that we have in our lives. We desire community and connection with others just as much as anyone else. That community does, however, tend to be in smaller numbers.

Introverts can usually count their close friends on one hand, but these relationships are deeply valued and respected.

This myth likely comes from the fact that introverts don’t usually enjoy being around groups of people. We prefer our people time one-on-one and skip the small talk, thanks.

Myth #2—Introverts don’t like talking.

There may be some introverts that this myth is actually a truth for, but likely, it’s just because they haven’t found their people. Personally, I actually love to talk, but not all the time, and not with everybody. In close friendships where I feel seen and valued, I can talk deeply about subjects that I’m passionate about for hours.

What most introverts actually don’t like, is small talk. That surface level, “how about this weather?” type of filler talk. We find this boring, draining and not worth the effort.

Myth #3—Introverts don’t know how to have fun.

We do know how to have fun. The thing most people have to understand is that fun looks different for everyone. That goes between introverts too. One person’s idea of fun can be wildly different than someone else’s. This myth likely began because introverts, for the most part, don’t enjoy the party-all-the-time-don’t-sleep-massive-group-adventure kind of fun that people usually think about.

Introverts aren’t adrenaline junkies or thrill-seekers and instead, love to be out in nature or relaxing at home. When things get too noisy or busy, introverts tend to get overwhelmed and may shut down. Our brains are actually wired differently than extroverts on how we handle external stimuli.

Myth #4—Introverts are anti-social and always want to be alone.

Another myth that can actually depend on the individual. Yes, introverts value their solitude more than extroverts. They likely do spend more time alone than with people. But a lot of times, we’re believed to be antisocial because we don’t need to be around others most of the time.

Introverts love to daydream, think, read, write, and all of these activities are much easier accomplished when alone. And honestly, what is this problem society has with being alone? Time spent alone can fuel growth, ignite creativity and build strength in your authentic self. Embrace your inner loner.

Many introverts do struggle with social anxiety which can lead to the misconception that they are antisocial or awkward. We’re not always quick with our words and don’t always know what to say, again leading to the misconception that we’re antisocial, hate people, or don’t like talking.

Myth #5—Introverts are always shy and quiet.

Sometimes, yes. But shyness has less to do with introversion and more to do with insecurity and self-doubt. If an introvert isn’t talking, it’s likely not because they’re shy, but more because as I mentioned above, they aren’t into small talk. Start a conversation and open up, and most introverts will follow suit.

Introverts are reserved. Their energy around others is limited so they’ll pick and choose when to speak up and when to keep quiet. Introverts also tend to be observers and listeners, both qualities leading to a more quiet nature.

Myth #6—Introverts are weird.

Introverts often live a different kind of life than extroverts and sometimes get labeled as weird. We don’t follow the crowd, and if we try to, we’re usually left feeling unhappy and out of alignment. Introverts think (a lot) for themselves and often challenge the norms of society.

An aligned and confident introvert doesn’t make decisions based on what’s trendy or popular. They desire to be valued for their quirky and different nature, and not be forced into living life a certain way.

Myth #7—Introverts don’t like to go out in public.

Not true at all. Introverts just don’t like to be out in public for as long or as often as extroverts. We do enjoy being out and seeing the world, but it can get overwhelming quickly and we need quiet time to process everything we have taken in.

Introverts do feel drained more easily, whether it’s from being around people, noise, or high energy situations. Downtime after public excursions is crucial for introverts to recharge.

Myth #8—Introversion is a flaw and needs to be fixed.

No. Just no. Introversion is not a flaw. It’s a temperament and a personality and a way of being, and introverts need to be accepted and respected as much as anyone else. There is no need to fix yourself, become more extroverted or change into someone you aren’t in order to feel valued.

Embracing who you are at a soul level and honouring your needs as an individual are crucial in living a balanced, healthy, and happy life. Personal growth is meant to expand your thinking and allow you to fully embody your authentic self, not to change you into someone different that you feel is better or more successful.

Many People Have the Wrong Idea About Introverts

Introverts have gotten a bad reputation for a long time, which is how many of these myths came to be so widely believed. It’s all too easy to spend five minutes with someone and make snap judgements about who they are and how they operate.

The truth is, we can’t really know someone without spending time with them, learning about them and their life experiences.

And when you make assumptions about someone when you don’t actually know them, this can lead to a division between people.

The socially quiet, creative, thinking introvert is certainly misunderstood by many.

Can’t we all just get along?

Here’s hoping I was able to shed some light on some of the myths and truths about the introverted nature.