Introvert Dictionary

Introverts are often misunderstood. People make assumptions about introverts that often are just not true. Introverts and extroverts see and experience the world differently. Even some common words we all use have different meanings to an introvert than they do to extrovert.

Ten Words with Different Meanings for Introverts

Awkward

What to an extravert may appear awkward and introvert views as genuine. I’m willing to be myself and if that means not talking about topics that don’t truly interest me, so be it. I’m not all that interested in sports or hairstyles, so I’d rather not participate in conversations around such topics.

Loneliness

The thought of time alone for an extravert brings feelings of loneliness and they assume the same must be true for introverts. However, alone time for an introvert is much loved solitude. Time alone is time enjoyed!

Quiet

Not all of my thoughts need to be shared! The world needs more listeners. Introverts don’t feel the need to hear themselves talk for the sake of talking. Being quiet doesn’t mean they don’t have thoughts, ideas, or opinions, it means they will only share if they feel what they have to say is of true value.

Self-Centered

Introverts are commonly viewed as being self-centered. What? NO! We are self-assured.

Strange

What some see as strange I see as original. People who are willing to be themselves without getting caught up in the opinions of others. Tattoos, hair dye, whatever their style – those choices don’t make that individual strange, it makes that person a one of a kind original.

Not Popular

There is a common presumption that introverts aren’t popular. Their willingness to listen over their desire to talk can sometimes hold them back both in social and workplace settings, but it certainly doesn’t mean they are less liked. In fact, many people love introverts for their ability to listen.

Weird

How boring would this world be if we were all the same? I don’t see people as weird, I see them as unique. I see people living different lives, making different choices and being themselves.

Crowd

Extroverts are drawn to being part of the crowd, they love the energy they feel from being around a large group of people. An introvert even thinks about being in a crowd and says, NO! The thought of a crowd deters me from somethings I would like to be a part of, like a rally or protest that might interest me. I have to prepare myself for family gatherings, so the thought of a bunch of strangers in my space is just too much.

Books

To extroverts books are books. To introverts, books are a way to travel, meet new people, and explore from the comfort of home. Books are tools and friends, they are cherished companions that don’t place any pressure on us to be anything other than ourselves.

Home

Home to an introvert is freedom. A place where we can be ourselves, a place where we don’t need to hide anything. For an introvert home is the most special place. Home is our sanctuary.

The Deeper Meaning

Perhaps this podcast can provide some understanding and bring some awareness to how introverts see some things differently. We are all unique and the sooner we learn to appreciate our differences, the better. The stereotypes used to categorize people don’t do anyone any good. Just as making assumptions about one another doesn’t either. Let’s look deeper.

New Podcast Announcement

I’m excited to share a new podcast called I Don’t Want to Fit In that will celebrate individuals who are choosing to live their lives on their own terms and not be confined to society’s norms. I look forward to sharing more with you soon.