All you will EVER need to know about me

All you will EVER need to know about me

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
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If I ever make an excuse not to go out, or do something, please don’t ask why.  I don’t think people realize how much energy it actually takes me to hang out with a large group of people.  I have to pep talk myself way to far in advance to make sure I’m able to form coherent sentences and not embarrass myself and everyone around me..
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Extroverts may give introverts a lot of crap for “not being social enough” or “always staying home,” but god dammit you guys don’t get enough credit from us extroverts. You’re mentally/emotionally self-sufficient. We actually need social interaction. I can’t go 24 hours without someone’s company before I actually have an anxiety attack. I will go out of my way to sleep on my best friend’s couch when I have a perfectly good bed at home. All you need is a book or music or the internet and you’re fine.

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1. When you need to take breaks and recharge after socializing for too long.

I’m not antisocial, I swear! I just need to recharge my introvert juices!

2. When people mistake your thoughtful look for resting bitch face.

You like to give thoughtful answers, but sometimes people assume you’re just silently judging them.

3. When your friend wants to invite more people over, and you don’t want to sound like a dick by saying no.

You might even secretly like a little more company, even if it does give you anxiety.

4. When spending a heavenly weekend alone means that you’re missing out on time with friends.

5. And the fear that by doing so, you’re slowly turning into a hermit…

6. Who will likely die alone.

7. Having visitors stay with you is a nightmare, because it means you have to be on at ALL TIMES.

8. When people stop inviting you places because you keep canceling plans.

9. Too many social obligations + no alone time = a total grump.

10. When you’re asked to do a group project, and know that you’re going to hate every minute of it.

11. When your ride at a party doesn’t want to leave early, and no one seems to understand your distress.

12. When you hear this question, and your palms start to sweat with anxiety.

Because the answer is “no,” but you don’t want to hurt their feelings.

13. When you hear, “Are you OK?” or “Why are you so quiet?” for the umpteenth time.

Just because you prefer to listen or only speak up when there’s something important to say.

14. Trying to be extra outgoing when you flirt so your crush doesn’t think you hate them.

Seriously, I just have resting b**** face, it’s not you!

15. That feeling of dread that washes over you when the phone rings and you’re not mentally prepared to chat.

16. When you have to deal with that one friend who ALWAYS wants to hang out, and you ALWAYS have to say this:

17. When you have an awesome night out, but have to deal with feeling exhausted for days after the fact.

18. When people pressure you to be more social, whether you like it or not.

19. When you’re really excited to go out, but those good feelings don’t last long enough.

20. When you’re trying to get something done at work, but you can’t, because everyone else is talking.

21. When someone calls you out for daydreaming too much.

22. When you carry a book to a public place so no one will bug you, but other people take that as a conversation starter.

23. When people make you feel weird for wanting to do things by yourself.

24. When someone interrupts your thoughts, and you get irrationally angry.

25. When people can’t seem to grasp that being in small groups is where you excel the most.

26. And when you need to be completely alone so you can recharge and get back to being awesome.

27. Because even though introverts are misunderstood constantly, you know this to be true:

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-XO PattyCakes