Thursday, December 1, 2011

An Introvert, Am I?

I have always wondered if I am an introvert or not. I was never really bothered about being lonely or alone. I prefer going places on my own. (Well in that way nobody will come to know the blunders which I usually do.) I can sit in a busy train without talking to anyone for 11 hours straight and I have done that more than once. I don't mind going for movies alone and that many of friends can't digest that because they apparently can't just think of something like that happening.

I prefer talking photos rather than posing for one. Even though I can talk to a person for hours, I am never comfortable in a group of people whom I barely know. (There is an exception to this, just one) I am that kind of a person who doesn't just go with the group and likes to do things the way it fits me or my logic, which needless to say has made many problems with my friends. For me enjoyment is letting people do what they want to do rather being tied up in a group.

Many a times I have been referred to as anti-social but the truth is if Am comfortable with a particular group of people, then the situation is totally different, I'll go around pulling legs, irritating and taunting everyone probably making them wish I was an introvert. So coming back to the original question, Am I an introvert or not? I don't know the answer but I saw this article in Google plus and I could relate to many points in it.. Especially the last sentence!!

(Another interesting angle is such an awesome article first came in G+ and not in Fb!!)

Some Myths about Introverts. Super Interesting ! and Super True !

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.

This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.

Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.

Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert,
just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.

Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.

Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.

Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.

On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.

Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.

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.

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.

Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.

Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.

Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.

Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.

Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.

Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.

Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.

A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.

So what you think??

10 comments:

  1. this scenario sounds similar to what i've felt quite a few times ... hmm...yeah and g+ is much better...I actually see quite a lot of nice stuff there!

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  2. I went thru g+ after a long time actually and your article was the first thing I saw.. Then the post followed.. Thanx for sharing it!! :)

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  3. everyone used to call me introverted as a child.. as a kid, when I changed schools and came to India, for the first year, I only spoke to 2 guys in my class.. the 2 people on either side of my bench.

    I've changed a lot since then - am not scared of public speaking or leading people... but a part of the introvert remains.. I like my own solitude, dont go to parties just for the sake of it.
    I dont think you're introverted , by the way - ur description in the 1st 3 paragraphs is pretty apt.

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  4. Even I do that but I do try my best to avoid any public speaking or anything like that. I feel awkward at times in a group not knowing what to say or do.. And I just like being me but many a times I have to compromise on that just for other's sake. .

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  5. I wouldn't say I am an introvert...but yes the first para of ur post is something which I usually and can easily do.. and I have done it too many times.. and friends thinking going for a movie alone is weird .. they actually thought i had a secret boyfriend who visited me in the movie hall :D :D :D

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  6. Sukupedia, I had the same problem.. I always used to go for movies alone.. with people wondering how weird it was...

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  7. Hey, this a very informative post. I am an introvert and could relate myself to some of your points here.

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  8. Sukupedia, Even my friends had such doubts! Its sometimes hilarious how others think of it..
    Roshan, Next time call me! (Only if u r paying)
    Tan, Nice to know we are not a minority as I thought!!

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  9. Sounds very much like me! Exactly my thoughts about Introverts, er... myself. Good one there

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