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