A deeper look into introverts

Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Gandhi – all these people described themselves as quiet and soft-spoken and even shy. And they all took the spotlight, even though every bone in their bodies was telling them not to.
Video presentation by Susan Cain (*1968) US American former corporate lawyer, negotiations consultant, self-described introvert, lecturer, author of “Quiet”, The power of introverts, transcript, presented by TED Talks 2012, minute 6:54, 19:04 minutes duration, filmed February 2012, posted March 2012

A third of the world’s population are introverts.
Following their calling allows them to step out.
I am one of them.
Not all but many of the characteristics listed below apply to me as well.

Introverts …

• find small talk incredibly cumbersome.
• go to parties — but not to meet people.
• often feel alone in a crowd.
• networking makes them feel like a phony.
• have been called “too intense.”
• are easily distracted.
• downtime doesn’t feel unproductive to them.
• Giving a talk in front of 500 people is less stressful than
  having to mingle with those people afterwards.
• When they get on the subway, they sit at the end of the bench
  — not in the middle.
• start to shut down after they’ve been active for too long.
• are in a relationship with an extrovert.
• would rather be an expert at one thing than try to do everything.
• actively avoid any shows that might involve audience participation.
• screen all their calls — even from friends.
• notice details that others don’t.
• have a constantly running inner monologue.
• have low blood pressure.
• have been called an “old soul” since their 20s.
• don’t feel “high” from their surroundings.
• look for and at the big picture.
• have been told to “come out of their shell.”
• are writers.
• alternate between phases of work and solitude,
  and periods of social activity.

Myths about the suppposedly “worst things” of introverts

• It is not true that introverts don’t like to talk.
• It is not true that introverts are shy.
• It is not true that introverts are rude.
• It is not true that introverts don’t like people.
• It is not true that introverts don’t like to go out in public.
• It is not true that introverts always want to be alone.
• It is not true that introverts are weird.
• It is not true that introverts are aloof nerds.
• It is not true that introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
• It is not true that introverts can fix themselves and become extroverts.

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More info here (SpiritualWiki):
Characteristics of and myths about introverts

First published here: https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-thing-about-being-an-introvert/answer/Elfriede-Ammann