Introduction
Socialization is significant among human beings, but introverts are comfortable being alone. The introverts possess some habits associated with small but deep conversations, awkwardness in groups, and scowling when accosted with pleasantries from people. In the article “Caring for your introvert”, Jonathan Rauch discusses the facts and misconceptions about introverts. According to the author, introverts have some special characters that are often misunderstood by extroverts. Unlike introverts, the extroverts are overrepresented in public and are seemingly lesser arrogant. Moreover, the author states that the introverts’ habits make the extroverts misunderstand them. Therefore, although introverts possess ‘awkward’ habits, they are respectful and can make better leaders than extroverts.
Main Ideas
Introverts are identified by their salient habits that distinguish them from other people. Common habits among introverts include spending time alone, being interested in quiet conversations, and having difficulty associating with groups. Many introverts love spending time alone and are scornful about associating with groups. A typical introvert is interested in quiet conversations about feelings and gives a dynamite presentation to a big audience (Rauch, 2003). While the introverts can be dragged to a party, they spend the rest of their time recuperating. Introverts are lesser social than extroverts, requiring extra effort to associate with them. Their unique habits make many people misunderstand them, describing them as “too serious” and “arrogant”.
The unique characters of introverts distinguish them from extroverts. The introversion concept dates back to the 1920s and is associated with personal traits (Rauch, 2003). Although many people describe introverts as misanthropic, they are not (Toal, 2020). Unlike extroverts, introverts find other people tiring (Rauch, 2003). Meanwhile, extroverts are always energized and can wilt when left alone. For instance, extroverts reach out to their cell phones when lonely. The introvert’s salient behavior makes them more depressed than the extroverts. Therefore, it is common for introverts to insist that they are okay, unlike extroverts. In contrast, introverts opt to charge or switch off their cell phones when lonely.
The unique introversion behaviors lead to misconceptions about the introverts. Therefore, it is common for extroverts to misunderstand introverts. Meanwhile, extroverts are easily understood because they spend much time expressing their personal feelings. The introvert’s behavior of hiding their feelings and frustrations from the extroverts makes it difficult for the extroverts to understand their pains and happiness. It is common for introverts to fail to describe themselves to extroverts. The misunderstanding is precipitated by the extroverts’ character of assuming the introverts’ inner feelings and ignoring deep conversations about ideas and personalities. The extroverts misconceive the introverts as arrogant and difficult to associate with due to their underrepresentation in public.
Although introverts are believed to be oppressed, they can make better leaders than extroverts. Overrepresentation of extroverts in politics makes them comfortable due to much publicity that introverts are uncomfortable with. Consequently, very few introverts have risen to the top in politics. Calvin Coolidge and Richard Nixon are typical introverts who came to the political limelight despite their introversion (Rauch, 2003). Therefore, introverts are not considered “naturals” in the realms of politics. Many actors are introverts, and their socialization seems fictional. While many extroverts dominate the public life, introverts’ governance can be better (Schritt, 2021). Introverts are associated with beneficial characteristics that promote peace and sanity among people. Therefore, introverts are more peaceful, saner, and calmer leaders than extroverts.
The societal perception of introverts makes them look timid and withdrawn. Society does not expect much from introverts compared to extroverts. Unlike extroverts, introverts do not set expectations that may be socially detrimental. The extroverts appetite to talk and associated with every person make them more social than the introverts. Consequently, many people describe the extroverts as bighearted, warm, empathetic, and vibrant. Meanwhile, introversion is associated with loneliness, reservation, and self-containment. Society has, therefore, misconstrued the extroverts as outgoing with desirable leadership habits.
Introversion is associated with independence, reflectiveness, and intelligence, leading to a misconception that they are arrogant. The introverts are disinterested in small talks, and the extroverts mistake that for disdain. Typically, a meeting of extroverts cannot last more than six hours since they think by talking (Rauch, 2003). Meanwhile, the introverts hold fruitful conversations since they think before talking. Moreover, when aggravated, the introverts do not complain but roll their eyes and silently curse their complainants. Misconstruing the introverts as arrogant torments them, making their lives difficult. Therefore, the extroverts can accommodate the introverts by recognizing their habits as orientation and not a lifestyle. Additionally, extroverts should say nothing when they see an introvert lost in thoughts. Although introverts are misconceived as arrogant, they can be accommodated in society.
Conclusion
The introversion behaviours are different from the extroversion ones. The introverts exhibit habits that may seem stranger than the extroverts. Loneliness and quiet conversations are associated with introversion. Consequently, many people have developed misconceptions about introverts (Rauch, 2003). However, the salient introversion characteristics lead to peaceful and sane governance. While introverts are considered timid, their intelligence and unique situational approaches make them lead better than extroverts. Moreover, the introverts do not set expectations in life, and may be misconceived as arrogant. Although the extroverts misunderstand the introverts, they can accommodate them in the society by viewing their habits as orientation and saying nothing about their situations in life.
References
Rauch, J. (2003). Caring for Your Introvert. The Atlantic. Web.
Schritt, J. (2021). Janus-faced presidents: extroverted and introverted politics in oil-age Niger.Review of African Political Economy, 48(169), 420-441. Web.
Toal, C. (2020). Misanthropy of Form: John Banville’s Henry James. ABEI Journal: The Brazilian Journal of Irish Studies, 22(1), 173-182. Web.