For those of you who don’t know, an introvert is a person who regains energy by spending time alone. Introverts tend to need time by themselves to recharge, and spending time with other people tends to drain them of energy. This is a simple description of an introvert. However, there are many misconceptions about introverts due to this need to have time alone. Many of these are addressed below in response to some common phrases introverts hear from other people; phrases that irritate many introverts because of their cluelessness. Enjoy.

• “You’re so quiet”
  • Really? I had no idea. You act as if I am not aware of my own amount of speech.
• “Just make small talk”
  • I refuse. Small talk is literally so boring to me. Meaningful conversation is the way to go.
• “Why don’t you like parties?”
  • Do you really want to go there? So many reasons, so, so, so many reasons.
• “You’re being kind of quiet. Are you ok?
  • How can you tell the difference? I’m always quiet, so why would that now be a sign of something wrong? I just don’t understand…
• “Come on, it’ll be fun”
  • Uh huh, remind me again of your definition of fun, because I think we have different opinions about that.
• “Just socialize and meet people”
  • Do you not know me? Don’t make that sound so easy, it’s not fair. For some of us socializing is hard and tiring.
• “You’re no fun”
  • Incorrect. Introverts are plenty of fun in the right situations and with the right people.
• “Why are you antisocial?”
  • I’m not. First of all, your definition of antisocial is probably incorrect. Antisocial (from a psychological viewpoint, at least) refers to behavior that is “against society”, such as criminal behavior. Asocial refers to the behavior of avoiding socializing with other people. Simply put, introverts are quite selective about the people they spend time with because its draining to be with other people, so they do not socialize with as many people.
• “Why are you always so serious?”
  • Honestly, its just part of my personality. Seriousness is one of my personality traits, just like being caring or rebellious. And, contrary to popular belief, introverts are not always serious.
• “Just try to be more extroverted”
  • You do realize that being introverted is a part of me, right? It is exceedingly difficult to change yourself, especially such an integral part of yourself. Besides, I like being an introvert and wouldn’t have it any other way!