Introverts are often labeled as being loners, awkward, hating people and antisocial. This issue derives from a simple yet contrasting difference between extroversion and introversion, causing stigma for both variables.

"The difference between the two personality characteristics is far more complex than just the timid and the ‘happy go lucky’," said Sophia Dembling, author of The Introvert’s Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World, as reported by The Huffington Post.

Distinctions between introverts and extroverts are rooted in Jung’s psychological theory that views extroverts as people naturally oriented to the outside world, while introverts focus more on an inward orientation. Perhaps, the most suitable description to explain introversion is that introverts obtain their energy from internal stimulation, from solitude and inner peace, not from outside factors. Meanwhile, extroverts obtain their energy from social situations, such as interaction with many people.

Below are five assumptions fallacies regarding introverts—along with their reasons.

All introverts are shy people—and all shy people are introverts

Wrong. We often get confused about the terms “shy” and “introvert”, which are often used interchangeably—but in fact, these two traits are two completely different things. Shyness is a behavior, psychological characteristic that derives from the learning process; fear of negative judgment, influenced by discomfort and awkward situations that oblige us to be involved in social interaction. Meanwhile, introversion is a psychological trait; a person that prefers peace and minimum environmental stimulation.

There are a lot of shy extroverts and confident introverts. Many introverts are really not shy at all; they might feel confident and easy to get along with their peers, but to simplify, they just need more alone time to balance the energy used during interaction. Same with shy extroverts, they feel comfortable hanging out with many people, but maybe withdraw a little and feel uncomfortable in a small group.

Introversion is a motivation; how much do you want and need to be involved in certain social interaction?

Introverts are antisocial people

Although introverts need—and enjoy—solitude more than extroverts, the assumption that introverts are antisocial people is not true at all. They just prefer a different cup of tea to extroverts in how they socially interact.

There are a lot of labeling fallacies that are addressed to introverted people—awkward and judgmental, for instance—because they tend to look reserved; making them tend to look ignorant and arrogant. But in fact, introverts don’t feel the need to speak if they feel it’s not necessary. Sometimes, they prefer to observe the surroundings or sink deep in their thoughts. Other people may associate that trait as boring, but to introverts, the act of observation and observing people is regarded as fun.

Introverts tend to prefer face-to-face interaction with a single person at a time. Not to be cocky or cold, introverts are generally fond of people, but appreciate quality time together, and accentuate quality more than the quantity in relationships. They prefer to devote their attention and energy to one or two very close friends rather than creating a huge gang or adding friends only as acquaintances. They are good listeners and very good at keeping a good relationship for a very long time.

(Read also: 6 things to know about introversion)

Introverts are not good leaders or accomplished speakers

Bill Gates, Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, and many other important figures were introverts. Many introverts enjoy leading and have proven to be able to do a great job at leading other people, public speaking and being the center of attention. During public speaking, introverts focus on themselves to be fully prepared, and think out all aspects in details before doing it; making them good eloquent speakers. Moreover, a study in 2012 by Corinne Bendersky and Neha Shah, published in the Academy of Management Journal, showed that introverts work well in group projects.

Social capability and introversion do not actually correlate. A person’s introverted character can actually contribute to success, because introverts are often more conscientious and thorough in doing research, reading, planning things and other duties that require peace and concentration.

Introverts are more intelligent and creative than extroverts

Many artists and scientists in the world—Albert Einstein, Marcel Proust and Charles Darwin, for example—are suspected to have been introverted. According to Jonathan Rauch, a writer with The Atlantic, introverts are considered “smarter, self-reflected, more independent, have a balanced head and heart, civilized and a more sensitive group of people". In fact however, do understand that the introversion character trait you have does not automatically make you smart and innovative. To achieve such things, persistent effort is necessary. This does not rule out that there are clever and creative extroverts out there; usually, bright ideas pop out when people are in their personal zone and in a more reflective or introvert mindsets.

Without extroverts and introverts, nothing would be possible. On the other hand, there are groups of people who think out every little detail and there are groups of people who are willing to and have the ability to transform those thoughts into action.

Introversion can be cured

If you are introverted, you may be familiar with being misunderstood by people. Unlike timidity and a lack of sociability, which are psychological characteristics influenced by outside factors, introversion is a biological condition cause by over-sensitivity to dopamine; meaning, when introverts receive too much outside stimulation like socializing, their energy (physically and mentally) will drain out.

You cannot alter this one characteristic; it’s like fixing your eye color or sexual orientation. These things are all intrinsic elements of yourself. (kes)

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