OPINION

Maybe I’m Not “Too Quiet”. Maybe You Talk Too Much

A letter to extroverts who dominate the room but miss the point

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Let’s clear things up.

If I’m quiet at a party, slow to warm up in a meeting, reluctant to introduce myself at a course or workshop, or sitting at the back of a room during a group gathering, listening, it doesn’t mean I’m shy.

It means I’m an introvert.

And no, these two are not the same thing.

I’ve had to explain myself many times, and people still get confused.

For too long, people have grouped introverts with the shy.

Knowing this, I researched to see if psychology supports my view, and I found that it does.

So, let’s see what’s all about.

Introversion ≠ Shyness

Introversion (according to the Big Five personality model) is a trait that has to do with how we process stimuli. Not how fearful we are of other people.

Introverts tend to:

• Prefer deep over small talk
• Dislike being the center of attention
• Think more than speak
• Recharge alone