What are the myths about introverted personalities?
You may have heard, or even believed, that people with introverted personalities are always shy, quiet, good listeners, and able to deeply understand everything. Unfortunately, none of these are entirely true. So, what is the truth? The fundamental difference between introverts and extroverts is that introverts gain their energy from within through self-reflection, while extroverts gain their energy from external activities with others, various places, or stimuli outside themselves. This is also reflected in the brains of introverts and extroverts, which show differences. Let’s check it out:

You may have heard, or even believed, that people with introverted personalities are always shy, quiet, good listeners, and able to deeply understand everything. Unfortunately, none of these are entirely true.

Myth: Introverts are always shy.
#Fact: There are introverted people who are shy, but introverted and shy are not related. Introverted people may initially appear shy because of their tendency to think before speaking. They process things internally, which sets them apart from extroverts, who process things while they are talking.


Myth: Introverts have difficulty speaking.
#Fact: Introverts and extroverts can both be speakers. Even leaders. Introverts who prepare themselves, practice, and recognize their own strengths will not have difficulty speaking in front of others.

Some introverted folks are also shy, but being introverted doesn’t automatically mean someone is shy.


Myth: Extroverts are happier than introverts.
#Fact: Extroverts and introverts simply have different ways of experiencing happiness. Extroverted people are happier in crowds, high spirits, and socializing. Meanwhile, introverts seek happiness in different ways. They find happiness in something or someone close, calming, and peaceful. Or they may do things that make them feel relaxed.


Myth: A person’s personality must either be extroverted or introverted.
#Fact: Introverts and extroverts are a continuum. Each person can fall on a different part of the continuum, and no two people are exactly the same. Many fall in the middle, or what is commonly known as ambiverts. What is an ambivert? I will explain it in the future article.

Extroverts and introverts simply have different ways of experiencing happiness.


Myth: Introverts are always good listeners.
Fact: Both introverts and extroverts can be good listeners, or they can be bad listeners. Extroverts can also be good listeners, as can introverts.


Myth: Introverts always want to be alone.
Fact: Introverts do need time alone to recharge their energy, but they also enjoy meeting other people, especially if they meet someone they get along with. Extroverts also need this time, but it may be shorter and their approach may be different.

Not all introverts can think deeply, just as not all extroverts are shallow thinkers.


Myth: Introverts always think deeply.
Fact: Not all introverts can think deeply, just as not all extroverts are shallow thinkers. The difference is in how they process information and their ability to think critically.