The Incorrect Definition of Introversion

Hey, hi , hello, hey guys. My name is Rachel and I don't like this definition.

in·tro·vert

   [n., adj. in-truh-vurt; v. in-truh-vurt] Show IPA

noun

1.

a shy person.

2.

Psychology . a person characterized by concern primarilywith his or her own thoughts and feelings ( opposed toextrovert).

3.

Zoology . a part that is or can be introverted.

dictionary.com

I agree with two. Three I have issues with defining the word with the word. One. One? One! One makes me mad as hell.

Introverts, I will argue are not shy. Rather, being shy is not the same as being introverted. And just because you are introverted does not mean you are shy. It frustrates me that if I tell someone I am an introvert and they have no idea what that means, they could look it up and find this. "Shy." No, not at all.

I describe myself as an open book, I love to talk. My biggest turn off of the opposite sex is if we have nothing to say with each other. I love conversation. I like being the funny one in a group. I like going out to bars. I love big parties. I love chatting to my coworkers.

HOWEVER! In order to be a social butterfly, I need a solid chunk of my day set aside to being alone. On a good day, I have three hours of alone time. In a good week, I spend one whole day in my own company. When those things don't happen, I struggle through my social and work obligations. Without it, I run the risk of feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

Introverts are not shy. We are people who recharge our batteries, rest, and relax on our own. We are our own best friends and the concept of being alone is more of a gift then a punishment. Shy has nothing to do with it. Describing and introvert as a "shy person" is a overly simplistic, ill informed view on the word.


I would like to share with you these fantastic introverts talking about being introverts (in more well developed terms):