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.
Some of the things mentioned here definitely apply to me. I am a people watcher. I like to observe people, situations, and my environments before I jump in. I like having an idea of how I should handle myself with people, or in certain situations/environments. Watching helps me adapt. Also, being a people watcher provides a lot of entertainment. I see (and hear) a lot of things everyday. People are funny!!
The thing that will make me say "Oh Man!" is being in public and having to interact. If I can be in a large public place and move about without being seen, then I'm okay with that. I like being amongst people so being out in public doesn't bother me. I will also go as far as to say that I can stand being in public for long periods of time. It truly depends on the situation, though, because there are certain places that I don't prefer to go to alone (like restaurants and movies)...but that may be more of a personal preference.
To go along with many of the things I've said earlier in this series, The Huffington Post did a wonderful article about Introverts: "6 Things You Thought Wrong About Introverts". About this subject the article says:
""There are a lot of negative labels placed on introverts -- socially anxious, don’t like people, judgmental (because we sit quietly)," says Dembling. "Introverts may prefer one-on-one interaction ... we might enjoy large parties but want to sit and watch the action from the sidelines. Extroverts may interpret this as not wanting to have fun, but this observation is fun for an introvert." Introversion shouldn't be confused with misanthropy -- introverts do like people, but they typically favor quality over quantity in their relationships, choosing to focus on creating a smaller circle of close friends rather than a large network of acquaintances. “I like to say that we may like people more than extroverts because we take the time to get to know them ... It’s just a completely different style,” says Dembling."
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.
I learned to be alone when I lived by myself for a little over two years recently. It was very hard at first and it's a time that I don't particularly wish to go back to, but I learned how to be alone after a while. You kind of don't have a choice about it in a situation like that. It's to the point now where I get in "the alone zone"...lol. When I'm in "the alone zone" I'm trying to get things done so I'm marking them off my mental checklist, or I'm thinking about all the things I have to do and preparing to do them, or I'm just plain thinking about life (my life, our life, life in general). It's harder for me to pop back into a social place after that because I've been deep in thought for so long...but I've adapted once again!
When I'm alone now you can probably find me in complete silence getting some around-the-house-chores done because I can't sit still. However, if I am still, I'm watching TV, on my iPad, or doing word/number puzzles (like logic problems, Sudoku, Hidato, or crossword puzzles). I rarely read. I feel like reading is too much like work but I will pick up the Bible or a devotional every now and then. Being alone is okay and I take advantage of the time I get alone but I don't set time aside for it. I get about 3-4 hours a day which I feel is sufficient but I would prefer to be around my boyfriend...I'm a lover, remember!!
So, as a refresher, this series is about forgetting what you think you know about Introverts...or anyone for that matter. It's best to get to know everyone for who they are! Check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3
Stay tuned!
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Well said! There is a difference and extroverts just don't understand. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat's right Rebecca! It just seems as if it's so hard to understand that there are different personality types!!
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