It is important to realize that there is a big difference betweenintroversion, shyness, andsocial anxiety.
Introverts tend to be more reserved and inward-turning.
They like to get to know a person more before engaging in a lot of conversation.
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Introverts prefer to think before they speak.
They typically don’t enjoy a lot of chit-chat or small talk.
This can be confusing for extroverts who may not understand why a person needs solitude.
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Introverts might be surprised to find that other people interpret the need to be alone as rude or dismissive.
They Do Have Fun
Introverts are not party-poopers.
They are curious and want to learn more about the world and the people around them.
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While extroverts might accomplish this by asking questions and starting conversations, introverts prefer to listen and reflect.
This can cause others to perceive them as rude.
Before you interpret this initial reserve as rudeness, consider personality and interpersonal styles.
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Based on those figures alone, introversion certainly is not something weird, odd, or even eccentric.
Introverts are sometimes unfairly categorized as strange.
Introverts tend to follow their own interests rather than paying much attention to what is popular or trendy.
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Introverts enjoy spending time with people they know well.
But even spending time with close friends and loved ones can be draining.
People with introverted personalities periodically need quiet time to decompress and regain the energy they expend while socializing.
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Certainly, some individuals are both introverted and agoraphobic, but one is not an indicator of the other.
This does not mean that they are afraid of public spaces.
Don’t assume that reserved people lack confidence or self-esteem.
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Introverts Don’t Hate People
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People who are introverted are not misanthropic.
Small talk is something that makes most introverts cringe.
What they need is areasonto talk.
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So what can you do to start up a conversation with an introvert?
Many introverts report that teachers and other adults often forced them into situations where they felt uncomfortable or overwhelmed.
But introversion isn’t something to “get over.”
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But it should be dealt with in acompassionateand professional way.
Being quiet is not the same thing as being shy.
Introverts don’t need to be broken down and remolded into extroverts.
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It’s unnecessarily rude and comes with the implication that there is something wrong with the individual.
Both personality types need to make an effort to understand those who differ from them.
Introverts have their own needs and quirks, just as extroverts do.
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Final Thoughts
Not all introverts (or extroverts) are the same.
