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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

10 Myths About Introverts

I found this on Kottke, but it comes from a guy named Carl. As soon as I read it, I sent it to two of my bosses and two of my direct reports with a note that said, 'This is my instruction manual." Is it too long to get tattooed on my forehead?
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 #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 #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. 
Full list is here.

6 comments:

  1. YES!

    Reading this list was like cool water on a hot day. Each item was more exciting than the last because it felt like someone was finally seeing me. Myth #6 almost made me cry a little - it's so true

    THANK YOU... am going to check out the full list now

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  2. Wow, fits me to a T. Thanks. You've got an introvert reading your blog who very easily identified with the list you provided. So much so that I had to go read them all from the source post. Thanks again. Oh, and hang in there...

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  3. I had to have this entire "small talk brain module" installed so people wouldn't think I was rude, so now I can say things like, "Yep, that sure is some weather we've been having. Clouds, right? Crazy!" and whatnot.

    I'm so glad I'm not the only one! Now go away, I need to be by myself for a while.

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  4. I am pretty much an introvert as well. Although I can occasionally do a stunning extrovert impression.

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  5. Wow. Somebody just wrote down exactly how I feel.

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  6. Love this as I'm a pretty hardcore introvert.

    Like Iron Fist, I've worked to install the "small talk brain module" including the nodding, uh-huhs, and so forth that demonstrably indicate I'm listening. sigh.

    But that's not even what I consider rude. I prize politeness in people, myself included.

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