Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Myths About Introverts

Introverts live in an extroverts world, with only 25% of the population introverted. Many people don't understand introverts. Here are the top myths about introverts.

#1
Myth: Introverts are snobbish and arrogant
Many introverts appear to be cold, snobbish, and sometimes even arrogant. They tend to be quiet around people they don't know and aren't yet comfortable with. This can make them look like they think they are too good for you or dislike you. Introverts are often thinking and processing information in their inner world, so they aren't interacting with you. Introverts get drained of all energy easily, so they might just be too tired to socialize. Another reason for seeming this way is because they think that someone might not want to be bothered by talking to them, so they might not reach out to you even if they want to.

#2
Myth: Introverts don't like people
Most introverts have a close group of friends that they love to hang out with and talk to. A lot of the time they can get their energy from these close friends. Talking to people other than these friends is sometimes stressful and unnecessary, and it can completely drain them of all energy. If you are a close friend of an introvert, count yourself lucky!

#3
Myth: Introverts have no friends
Introverts are very selective about the friends they have. If they don't seem like people who will understand them and make long-term companions, then they are not worth their energy. For this reason it can be hard to open up and make friends.

#4
Myth: Introverts are weirdos
Introverts don't like to follow the social norm. They challenge it. They embrace individualism and don't base any of their ideas on others, making them original.

#5
Myth: Introverts don't like to talk
Introverts don't see the point in saying meaningless things, such as small talk. They want conversions with depth and meaning. Therefore, when they have nothing to say, they won't say anything at all.

#6
Myth: Introverts are aloof
It isn't that introverts are aloof, its that their inner world is much more stimulating to them, so they will often forget to pay attention to the outer world.

#7
Myth: Introverts can become Extroverts
Introverts don't need fixing. There is nothing wrong with them. It is just the way their brain works, and that will not change.

#8
Myth: Introverts don't know how to have fun
Introverts just don't let go in public. They relax in nature or at home, where they are lone with their thoughts. If there is too much stimulation in a place, they shut down.

#9
Myth: Introverts are stupid
Many people assume that introverts are stupid because they don't voice their opinion. In reality, introverts can have some of the best insights into a subject and can be extremely intelligent. They think over everything before they speak so their thoughts are well-constructed

#10
Myth: Introverts don't like to go out or socialize
Introverts enjoy solitude, but they don't hate going out. They can become lonely and restless after long periods of time alone. Introverts just need time alone to recharge after long periods of social interaction.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Introversion for Dummies

I know what most of you are thinking- what's this Myers Briggs Type Indicator you speak of? Or maybe you think this page is stupid, and are about to navigate away from it. Stop! Don't do it! Maybe you're just bored and happened to stumble across this page. Hey-maybe you actually know what I mean by the terms introvert and extrovert and came to this page to learn more about it. Woo hoo for you! Either way, have you ever stopped to just think about why you act the way you do? About how are brains form connections, react to the world, and perceive the world? This blog will look into the details of human psychology and the way our brain works.

Let's start off with the basics. People can fit into one of two categories: Introversion or Extroversion. This is just saying where you get your energy from. Extroverts make up about 75% of the population.  They get their energy from people and can't be alone for long periods of time. They are more outgoing than introverts, and are seen as much more friendly, approachable people. Introverts, on the other hand, get their energy from being alone and only make up 25% of the population. Many people assume that being shy is the same as being introverted. They also think that someone can become introverted or extroverted over the course of their lifetime-this is not so. If you are introverted, your brain thinks differently than an extroverted person. The way your brain thinks will never change from the time you are born to the time you die. Many people that are extroverts are shy and many people that are introverts are outgoing. One misconception of introverts is that they are rude, stuck up, and don't like to talk. Introverts are just very careful on who they spend their energy on. Many introverts need time to talk to a trusted friend, and without that time it can feel like they have bottled up emotions that they can't get out. Introverts will feel absolutely drained after a big party or event. They can be grumpy and irritable and need a day to "recharge". Introverts often take pleasure in solitary activities such as reading, writing, using computers, ect. They can become overwhelmed by too much stimulation. Introverted infants have even shown to react worse to loud noises and stimulation in multiple studies. This is just the basic concept of introversion and extroversion. I will post more on introversion that goes in-depth. I will also post more on the other parts of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator- this is just the surface. Take care of your introverts! Introversion/Extroversion test