Introvert Thesaurus

Explaining Five Misconceptions About Introverts

Since the Introvert Dictionary episode received such positive feedback, I’m back with a new spin on things: the Introvert Thesaurus. Here I am going to dispel a few common assumptions and misconceptions (usually used with certain word associations) that introverts often face:

ALONE ≠ LONELY

Introverts are often assumed to be lonely because they enjoy spending time alone, however this isn’t always true. While introverts can get lonely from time to time, it’s not caused solely from being alone. Rather, the loneliness they may feel stems from the same things extroverts feel lonely about, too. Introversion doesn’t cause loneliness -- it’s merely the way introverts recharge by spending time with themselves.

QUIET ≠ SHY

Many people assume that because an introvert is quiet, they must be shy. Again, this isn’t the case for all! Sometimes, introverts are quiet simply because they don’t have anything to say, or can’t think of the right thing to say in the moment. Or they might just be listening to what others have to say, not feeling the urge or need to include their input at that time.

PET = FRIEND/SOCIALIZING

While a lot of people might not realize it, spending time with pets is a great way to socialize, especially for introverts. Introverts can easily get the same amount of companionship or socialization from their pets as their friends. Pets also encourage (or sometimes force!) their owners to get out of the house and spend time outdoors/around others, which is never a bad thing.

BOOKS = ADVENTURE

Books can often cause a great sense of adventure! They help the reader live through the story they’re reading with powerful imagery and a sense of imagination. Non-fiction books can be a great source of inspiration in learning about other parts of the world/new places/new cultures, while fiction books can take the reader into incredible fantasy worlds (think Harry Potter!)

FORCED CONVERSATIONS ≠ BEING NICE (can actually = TORTURE)

Oftentimes, we get pressured into having conversations with people that we don’t want to talk to (people who we don’t feel are respectful, kind, etc.) because of social norms: we’re expected to talk to them because it’s the “nice” thing to do. In reality, being forced to talk to someone you don’t want to talk to isn’t nice. If it’s not a genuine, authentic conversation, it’s a waste of time for both you and them. It’s okay to enforce your boundaries and stand up for yourself when you don’t feel comfortable talking with someone.