13 misconceptions most people have about introverts

friends hanging out
The introvert struggle is real.

The INSIDER Summary:

  • There's a difference between quiet and shy. Introverts are quiet.
  • They find social settings draining and need time alone to recharge.
  • Introverts think before they speak, while extroverts tend to think out loud.

According to Susan Cain, author of the bestseller "Quiet," one third to one half of the world is made up of introverts.

Despite this staggering number, introverts are often misunderstood. Their need for restorative solitude is deemed anti-social; their observant nature is mistaken for shyness; their quiet demeanor comes off as standoffish.

When you live in a world built for extroverts, and that values big personalities that can walk into a room and charm the pants off of everyone, it's no wonder why many people overlook the value that introverts bring to their relationships and surroundings.

Here's what introverts wish you understood about them.


There's a difference between being quiet and being shy. Introverts tend to be quiet.

Anna Vander Stel/Unspash

In her TED Talk, Cain classifies shyness as "fear of social judgment." That's different than keeping your thoughts to yourself and speaking only when you feel like you have something of value to contribute.


Because they don't always feel the need to insert their opinion, they make fantastic listeners.

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Introverts are often overshadowed because they think through what they want to say before talking, while extroverts think out loud.


That doesn't mean they don't have great ideas or dynamic personalities.

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In fact, introverts often make great public speakers.

Flickr/Brett James

Introverts like working alone to refine their ideas before presenting them, so they're always prepared. Their keen listening ear also attunes them to an audience's cues.


Mingling with the crowd afterwards, however, isn't their thing.

*Screams internally*
Tech Hub/flickr

Introverts enjoy long, meaningful conversations. Prolonged small talk is a unique form of torture — all the stimulation of a social setting with none of the connection they crave.


They can enjoy social gatherings, but prefer spending time with people they already feel comfortable around.

Flickr / Alex

Meeting new people at parties is nice, but not the reason they go.


When the party's over, they need time away from people to recharge.

Vadim Georgiev/Shutterstock

If they're out and about for too long, they'll withdraw and resort to zoning out to conserve energy.

A. and I. Kruk/Shutterstock

They value personal space, often opting for aisle seats to avoid being surrounded on all sides.


Phone calls can feel like an intrusion of their bubble.

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They may not be social butterflies, but introverts don't need to "come out of their shell."

Shelby Deeter/Unsplash

Their intuition, quiet strength, and desire for genuine connection speak volumes.


SEE ALSO: 10 doodles that perfectly demonstrate life as an introvert

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