Why Are Introverts And Loners Misunderstood?

Human beings possess both introvert and extrovert personalities with one personality dominant over the other. Most people if not all have days when they just need to be by themselves away from the distraction of the world. Unfortunately or fortunately with introverts, the need to be alone is not just a habit, it is a lifestyle. Introvert and loners since they possess similar personality traits are mostly misunderstood and it is even worse when one is a female.

Our societies are more understanding of extrovert personality while introverts are being frowned upon and often called distasteful names. They are often called quiet, shy, snobby and sometimes they face an unprofessional diagnosis of mental illnesses such as social disorders, anxiety and depression. Below is a list that explains introvert character:

1. Introverts are not shy more than extroverts can be

Shyness is often due to lack of confidence and low self-esteem and this can apply to both introverts and extroverts. A shy person often feels awkward and uncomfortable when interacting with strange people or when exposed to a situation outside their comfort zone. They may display signs of lack of comfortability by shaking, sweating, irritable stomach and inability to communicate. An extreme case of shyness may lead to social disorder or social anxiety. Not all introverts and loners are shy people.

An introvert who is confident and has sound self-esteem can interact with people in an engaging manner like public speaking and attending social conventions when the need arises. This means that introverts are not shy it is just a popular assumption that comes with misunderstanding introvert personality.

2. Introverts are not lonely

A lot of people cannot differentiate between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness is a need for emotional connection which often leads to feeling isolated even when one is surrounded by a lot of people. Often people who are lonely express it by saying “I feel empty inside.” According to Psychology today “Loneliness is marked by a sense of isolation. Solitude, on the other hand, is a state of being alone without being lonely and can lead to self-awareness.” Both introverts and extroverts are capable of being lonely this is not to say just because someone is alone then by default they are lonely.

3. Solitude is essential to introverts

The above point has already described solitude. Introverts prefer solitude over a social convention. This can be in the comfort of their own homes or out in nature reserve areas such as the beach, parks and so on. Solitude is calming relaxing and helps one recharge energy depleted due to busy lives people are living. It helps increase creativity and the connection to other beings and creature.

Introverts’ need to be alone benefits everyone they come in contact with. Without solitude, introverts become moody, snappy, angry over trivial matters and sometimes they cry easily. Solitude is the introvert’s place to release tension and gain those happy moods endorsing hormones.

It’s okay not to understand the introvert personality and its traits but what’s not okay is imposing beliefs and lifestyle that make other people uncomfortable. An introvert doesn’t need to be like an extrovert to enjoy life to the fullest. An introvert needs to be like an introvert.