5 myths about introverts

Welcome to The Introverted Path!

Football is back on, the weather is cooling down…fall is officially here. I don’t know about y’all, but I’m not mad about it.

Anyone remember the show MythBusters? For those that have never heard of it, it was a science entertainment show on the Discovery channel that aired from 2003 - 2016.

The basic premise is that the two hosts used parts of the scientific method to dispel common myths or rumors. And they did this in a very entertaining way that made it suitable for television.

Well today, I am going to dispel some of the most common myths about introverts in my own version of #MythBusters.

In today’s email:

• 5 myths about introverts

• My thoughts

• Links to other content I enjoyed this week

Let’s dive in 🤙 

5 common myths about introverts

1. Myth: Introverts are shy

Shyness ≠ introversion. In a previous newsletter, I explained that shyness involves a fear of negative evaluation by others. Shy people are worried about how they will be perceived by others, which keeps them from interacting with people.

Introverts tend to enjoy socializing, but can easily become over-stimulated. For this reason, many introverts stick to small group settings or the comfort of their own home.

Introverts may have a higher likelihood of also being shy, but being an introvert doesn’t guarantee that person is shy.

2. Myth: Introverts are bad at public speaking

Public speaking is something many people fear, regardless if they are an introvert or an extrovert.

People tend to assume introverts are bad at public speaking because we aren’t overly talkative to begin with. If we don’t talk often, how can we be good at public speaking??

But one of the things that makes someone good at public speaking is being well prepared. And introverts can excel when it comes to putting together a plan and sticking to it.

3. Myth: Introverts aren’t good leaders

I previously wrote about how introverts can make great leaders.

Introverts have a calming presence that makes them good people managers. They also tend to have a good grasp on their emotions and can handle pressure well.

Introverts also are very open to listening to other people’s opinions. This can be important when trying to take in all the necessary information to make a correct decision.

4. Myth: Introverts always want to be alone

Introverts enjoy social environments where they feel comfortable. This can be spending time alone at home, but it can also be with a close group of friends.

Introverts need time to recharge their batteries. They don’t have the same stamina as extroverts when it comes to large social gatherings.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy them…at least in small doses 😃 

5. Myth: Introverts don’t have emotions

Introverts tend to be even-keeled and not show their emotions as much. But this doesn’t mean we don’t have them at all.

Introverts can be more passive aggressive. We don’t like direct confrontation much.

But this doesn’t mean we don’t show our emotions. We just don’t get overly emotional about everyday things.

My thoughts 💭 

One thing it seems all introverts can relate to is that sometimes others have a flawed perception of what being an introvert is. Equating shyness with introversion is very common.

Understanding the differences between the two can help people with the relationships in their lives.

I do also feel strongly that in the right situations, introverts can make great leaders.

And while we don’t wear our emotions on our sleeves, it doesn’t mean they aren’t there. For better or for worse.

Alright — that’s it for this first episode of #MythBusters. Stay tuned, maybe there will be an episode 2 sometime in the future 👀 

Links that I enjoyed this week 💥 

• Tweet: This guy saves “sentences I wish I wrote” when he reads. Cool idea. (link)

• Tweet: Video of a cute Irish child telling a trolley problem joke (link)

• Article: 5 ways to reduce your stress levels (link)

That’s it for today - hope you enjoyed this weeks newsletter!

Best,

BG