The writer of the quoted article (whom I’ve never met) knows me really well and I want to be able to find this again.

A blogger friend has a weekly writing prompt and today’s prompt was Introvert. I am one but have nothing of value to say so this little discussion doesn’t qualify as the post he is looking for.

Aaron, at Sunday Scribblings is also an introvert and quoted an article that describes folks like us so well. The link to his post is here

The article is excellent but I won’t quote all of it even though I’d like to. I will share the headings though. There are ten myths the author addresses and from my perspective, he is right on.

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk. I totally agree with this one. If you can get me started, you may wish you hadn’t.

Myth #2 – Introverts are shy. The author says we aren’t shy, we just need a reason to talk. Yup.

Myth #3 – Introverts are rude. He says we want real and authentic and this doesn’t always go over well. I find telling it like it is is not usually socially acceptable. This one gets me in trouble sometimes.

Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people. He says we don’t have many close friends but intensely value the ones we do have. True

Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public. He says we do, we just don’t like it for as long a time as extroverts. I agree.

Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone. He says we are comfortable in our own skin but we crave authentic interaction with one person at a time. Agree.

Myth #7 – Introverts are weird. He says they don’t follow the crowd. I find I march to the beat of my own drum and usually don’t fit in with the crowd. Always have. Even in high school.

Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds. I can remember a high school experience. Walking home a neighbor girl and several of her friends were ahead of me on the other side of the road. I heard them comment, calling me stuck up. I was in my own little world and they seemed to be enjoying one another. I saw no indication I was wanted in their group and I was happy where I was.

I’m not good at picking up on subtle social cues and it usually backfires when I do try to act on my interpretation of them. I’m not rejecting anyone I just assume my presence is not desired and do my own thing.

Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun. The author says there is so much going on that we are on sensory overload in a crowd and shut down. True, true, true.

Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts. I wish. No we can’t.

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The explanations in the article are so much better but at least these brief comments give me a reminder of what was said.

Being an introvert is a pain in the butt sometimes. On the other hand there are qualities we find useful in society.

Introverts are thinkers. We do need some of those every now and again.

I am what I am. There is no changing it so why fight it.