I really appreciate this. I have a master’s degree in clinical psychology, and it’s amazing how many psychology terms get misrepresented and misused by the general public. I’ve also seen the word extrovert used as a synonym for outgoing, which is also inaccurate. I’m an introvert, and I used to struggle with shyness. There’s a huge difference between just being worn out by being around people for too long and not feeling confident. I know extroverts who are shy, and I know introverts who are fearless.
Both words are separate and distinct things. They should not be treated as synonyms, because they just aren’t.
It’s time that this misconception be cleared up! I am so tired of assuming people I am shy when I mention introvert. I am def not shy! I actually recently had someone I had just met tell me that I’m NOT an introvert~just because I was being friendly and open. Yeesh! But I am def an introvert! I believe the misconception is why it took so long for me to self identify as an introvert. I was under the wrong impression it meant shy. Had I know I was an introvert earlier in life it would have been easier. It’s time we take back the word “introvert”!!
Hi Lisa. Thanks for sharing! I’m guessing there’s a lot of introverts out there with a similar history, and a lot of introverts out there who still don’t know that there’s a difference.
And thank goodness there’s dictionaries out there who define it correctly, and people like you and Susan Cain who are talking about introversion (and how it’s not the same as shy)!
I really appreciate this. I have a master’s degree in clinical psychology, and it’s amazing how many psychology terms get misrepresented and misused by the general public. I’ve also seen the word extrovert used as a synonym for outgoing, which is also inaccurate. I’m an introvert, and I used to struggle with shyness. There’s a huge difference between just being worn out by being around people for too long and not feeling confident. I know extroverts who are shy, and I know introverts who are fearless.
Both words are separate and distinct things. They should not be treated as synonyms, because they just aren’t.
Hi Charlene. Exactly!! They’re different things.
Thanks for your comment.
It’s time that this misconception be cleared up! I am so tired of assuming people I am shy when I mention introvert. I am def not shy! I actually recently had someone I had just met tell me that I’m NOT an introvert~just because I was being friendly and open. Yeesh! But I am def an introvert! I believe the misconception is why it took so long for me to self identify as an introvert. I was under the wrong impression it meant shy. Had I know I was an introvert earlier in life it would have been easier. It’s time we take back the word “introvert”!!
Hi Lisa. Thanks for sharing! I’m guessing there’s a lot of introverts out there with a similar history, and a lot of introverts out there who still don’t know that there’s a difference.
And thank goodness there’s dictionaries out there who define it correctly, and people like you and Susan Cain who are talking about introversion (and how it’s not the same as shy)!