10 Myths About Introverts
Well, looks like I’m finally back! Today, I have come to bring you a reflection I have written on this article, which I found first in the form of a graphic.  It has some extra commentary that I have not included here, which may or may not help in understanding what I have posted today.  I started writing this a long time ago, and only got around to finishing today.  I apologize in advance for any disagreement, offense, or controversy.
1.      Introverts don’t like to talk.
        I can almost agree with this one being a myth. I just don’t like talking to certain people.  However, it is true that I could go on forever about things I’m interested in.  That’s why some people would say that I talk a lot, and others would say that I’m very quiet.
2.      Introverts are shy.
        Okay, I know I can’t speak for all introverts, and of course I know the difference between the two, but I am extremely shy. Also, DO worry about being polite, just as you would with anyone else! On a side note, you know what else bothers me?  The fact that the original writer felt the need to consistently capitalize the word introvert.  Just…no.
3.      Introverts are rude.
        I try not to be rude, and I’m sorry if I ever come off that way. And for the record, I don’t want everyone to “just be real and honest.”  You see, I don’t take criticism too well, and I am a firm believer (in most situations) of the saying, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
4.      Introverts don’t like people.
        I was honestly about to say that I don’t like people, but then I reevaluated.  Sure, people scare me, and some groups of them just give me a bad vibe, but saying that I don’t like people at all is a bit extreme.  I don’t hate anyone, and to even be disliked by me requires a serious transgression. People may scare me, but I admit that most of them are okay.  Toasters also scare me, but I’m still able to say that I’m glad they’re around.  As for my friends, I regret that they may never know how much I appreciate them, because it’s something so difficult to describe in a way that would do justice to my appreciation. I consider myself lucky to have them.
5.      Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
        This one really hits home for me.  Even as an introvert, I still struggle with loneliness sometimes (okay, actually a lot).  I actually do need to talk to my friends and hang out with them.  I know that doesn’t have anything to do with going out in public, but the interaction element is what counts.  It’s true that I’m not the best at it for extended periods of time, and I do need time by myself to recharge.
6.      Introverts always want to be alone.
        The author definitely got it right this time. I love to think and learn and daydream, but I do get lonely.  In a way, I think it’s worse for introverts because when we’re lonely, we have a more difficult time reaching out.  I know I do. I do need to share my discoveries! I do it all the time!  How can you expect me to keep it all to myself?  And yes, I do prefer connecting with one person at a time.  I can do group messages with the two other wonderful orchestra officers just fine, but when I have multiple conversations going on over text (or in person), I can feel a little overwhelmed.
7.      Introverts are weird.
        Ah, yes.  I am quite the individualist, if I do say so myself.  As I wrote in my “Motivation” essay for my NHS application, all I wanted when I was younger was to be normal, but now I pride myself on my individuality. I must say, this is a much nicer way to live.  While I admit I am not wholly comfortable with myself 100% of the time, at least I no longer strive for conformity. Conformity bores me.
8.      Introverts are aloof nerds.
        While the author’s points are certainly valid and true, “aloof” and “nerd” are two very accurate words to describe me.  I understand that aloof is not something you would want to be called, and believe me, it is not something I particularly like to be called either.  But unfortunately, shyness dictates that this is how I come off.  As for the second part of the phrase, I am proud to be a nerd! You can’t use it against me.
9.      Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
        How rude!  If you have been following along in the article, you don’t tell people you care about to “just look it up.” Secondly, I think the major point to take away from this is that I prefer to “relax and have fun” with only one or two people at a time. Â
10.  Introverts can fix themselves and become extroverts.
        You can’t fix me.  Don’t try.
Thank you, everyone, for listening. Â Everyone, introvert or extrovert, deserves respect and understanding. Â As someone who is friends with both introverts and extroverts, I would love to see the extrovert side to this... Â










