Introvert or Extrovert? Does it really even matter?
It was “Greek to me” until my first psychology class.
I love learning about all the different personality types and why people act the way they do (maybe a bit too much, ha!)
I’ve geeked out on learning about “introvertedness” ever since I learned the word, and more significantly, since learning I fell into that category. It was reassuring to know I wasn’t just weird (I was surrounded by LOTS of extroverts at that time!)
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And since that was right about the time the internet exploded, it wasn’t long before I found a Myers- Briggs personality test online and discovered I’m an INFJ, in which the “I” stands for introvert.
Sometimes people are surprised to find out I’m an introvert. After all, I’m generally friendly and really do enjoy talking with others. (Though it’s true that I most enjoy a group that’s three or fewer people.)
There are a lot of misconceptions that surround what it’s like to be an introvert, and I hope to dispel some of those here.
Myth #1: Introverts always prefer to be alone.
Truth: Introverts need time alone to RECHARGE – this is the difference. We ALL need community, and introverts are no different. However, when an introvert is “all peopled out” they need to retreat and re-charge. I liken it to charging a phone when it runs out of battery.
If you’re familiar with the multiple intelligences, introverts tend to be more self-smart.
Myth #2: Introverts don’t like people.
Truth: Introverts love people just as much as extroverts. They just need to re-charge alone or in a very small group. Are you seeing a pattern here?!
Introvert ≠ Hermit
Myth #3: Introverts are shy.
Truth: Okay, so it’s probably more likely that a shy person is an introvert rather than an extrovert. But I know plenty of introverts who are not shy at all. In fact, many public speakers are introverts.
Myth #4: Introverts only want to be friends with other introverts.
Truth: It’s true – we introverts do enjoy our introvert friends because let’s face it…. they “get it” when we just don’t want to go out, or need time to do nothing but stare at a wall (haha, kidding!)
BUT, as an introvert, I can honestly say I enjoy having both introverted and extroverted friends. It’s nice to see the world through other people’s eyes and it can grow and challenge us!
Myth #5: You can convert an introvert to be an extrovert.
Truth: An introvert is just who God meant them to be.
As one of my favorite authors and speakers, Dr. Kathy Koch says,”Be who you were created you to be.”
Extroverts and introverts both have different things to offer. One is not better than the other!
As my mom always told me, the world would be a boring place if we were all the same!
If you’re curious what your Myers-Brigg type is, check out this super easy quiz!
