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5 Myths about Dating an Introvert

If she wasn’t so adorable, you might have missed her: She’s the sexy girl who seems beyond fascinated by the painting on the wall of the party, and not that into the party itself. She doesn’t look unhappy to be there- more like, content to hang back, think deep thoughts, and swirl the ice around sexily in her almost-empty glass. She is an introvert. 

But who exactly is an introvert? 

Introverts feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what’s happening externally. Introversion is not an oddity or a weakness. Sometimes it is beneficial to be an extrovert and sometimes it is beneficial to be an introvert. If you discover that you are dating an introvert and you are an extrovert or an ambivert- or even if you also are an introvert- it can be helpful to know how to approach dating with an introvert. This shouldn’t be a challenge if you know what your partner might prefer. 

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Here are some of the most common myths about introverts: 

• Introverts don’t know how to have fun 

Introverts have a slightly more sensitive nervous system. Just being around the right people, having a meaningful conversation, or watching favorite Netflix shows is enough stimulation. Introverts could be so much fun if you are the right company. Travel, have adventures, dance, and drink with them, but in their own introverted ways. 

• Introverts are rude/ do not like people

Very few friendships, but close and long-term. Introverts don’t like small talk. One hard truth about life is that much of our culture’s rules of etiquette are designed by and for extroverts. Introverts are not rude- at least unintentionally. However, this distaste for some of the ‘accepted’ forms of fun makes introverts appear rude. Consequently, introverts choose their own sanity over being polite. 

• Introverts can be ‘cured’ 

Extroverts are reenergized by social status, money, and power. This makes them compatible for competitive, high-stress, and full of social interaction careers. On the other hand, introverts are responsible for much of the art, music, poetry, and literature of the world; including this article by Nim Notty. Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Barrack Obama are some of the self-professed introverts. We do not need ‘fixing’, society needs to embrace and appreciate our true nature. 

• Introverts are shy 

It is important not to confuse shyness with introversion. Introverts feel energized by spending time alone. ‘Alone time’ is a concept most extroverts can’t understand. Introverts feel drained by social events and this leads to many people getting the wrong idea about introversion. People accuse us of being shy, but the truth is, many introverts love being around people, but they just can’t do too much socializing. 

• Introverts are depressed 

Social settings drain introverts. The desire to withdraw into their interior world is not necessarily because of depression. Introverts refuel by disconnecting from the outside world. They love listening, thinking, reflecting, and daydreaming so their silence is definitely not due to depression. 

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Bottomline 

Establish good communication habits in your relationship, appreciate your differences, honor your needs and always strive to compromise. This ensures a healthier and more successful dating relationship with an introvert. 

 

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