I read this somewhere recently....FINALLY!! someone has actually put into words exactly who I am and how I feel.....it is sooooo me! let me know what ya think! :)
"A section of Laney’s book maps out the human brain and explains how
neuro-transmitters follow different dominant paths in the nervous
systems of Introverts and Extroverts. If the science behind the book is
correct, it turns out that Introverts are people who are over-sensitive
to Dopamine, so too much external stimulation overdoses and exhausts
them. Conversely, Extroverts can’t get enough Dopamine, and they require
Adrenaline for their brains to create it. Extroverts also have a
shorter pathway and less blood-flow to the brain. The messages of an
Extrovert’s nervous system mostly bypass the Broca’s area in the frontal
lobe, which is where a large portion of contemplation takes place.
Unfortunately, according to the book, only about 25% of people are
Introverts. There are even fewer that are as extreme as I am. This leads
to a lot of misunderstandings, since society doesn’t have very much
experience with my people. (I love being able to say that.)
So here are a few common misconceptions about Introverts (not taken
directly from the book, but based on my own life experience):
Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something
to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something
they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.
Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not
necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact.
They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to
an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.
Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with
social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest.
Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts
can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.
Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have.
They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough
for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal
ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of
substance, you’re in.
Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG.
They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public
activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a
result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go
home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely
crucial for Introverts.
Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think
a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to
solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have
anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and
sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.
Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d
prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for
themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They
don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.
Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention
to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of
paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their
inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.
Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public
places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If
there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their
brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine.
Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just
look it up.
Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists,
musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers,
and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques
an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I
reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society
is.) Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their
natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one
study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts
increases with IQ.
“You cannot escape us, and to change us would lead to your demise.” <-- I made that up. I'm a screenwriter.
It can be terribly destructive for an Introvert to deny themselves in
order to get along in an Extrovert-Dominant World. Like other
minorities, Introverts can end up hating themselves and others because
of the differences. If you think you are an Introvert, I recommend you
research the topic and seek out other Introverts to compare notes. The
burden is not entirely on Introverts to try and become "normal."
Extroverts need to recognize and respect us, and we also need to respect
ourselves. "
Ok... so next time I see you, I know that you really do want to talk:)
ReplyDeleteI am definitely an extrovert!
:) most certainly...I always want to talk and stand there wishing I could find the words and/courage to start a conversation..but somehow I never seem to be able to :/
DeleteI think I just learned that I am a true introvert...but I'm learning how to balance that out with extrovert-ness, being in ministry.But I do so enjoy long periods of time at home. :)
ReplyDelete~Leah
BTW, my piano blog is now www.mypianoplayground.com I did some sprucing up! :)
Hey Heidi, I'm really liking your blog!!! AND I LOVE THIS POST! I'm like "relate, relate, relate, RELATE, THATS SO ME!" Haha
ReplyDeleteSometimes I hate being an introvert! Its like, "No, I really actually do like people, its just, huge gatherings of people and following social expectations is really draining." Definitely get the "recharge" part.
Also, people really do think introvertedness is a "disease" that should be cured. When I worked at Starbucks, my manager would say something almost every day about my quietness and how I needed to learn to talk more and "WHY are you so quiet?" I actually got to the point where I dreaded working with him! Not cool.
Well, that's my mini-rant. Great post, thanks for sharing. :)