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Introverts feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what's happening externally. They enjoy spending time with just a few close people, rather than a large group or crowds, and these folks make up an estimated 25% to 40% of the population.

However, misconceptions about this personality type are still plentiful. For example, many think that being an introvert automatically makes you socially anxious or shy, which is not always the case!

So let's try and get a better understanding of this unique bunch, shall we? For that, we at Bored Panda suggest taking a look at the Instagram meme account 'QUIET.' Its relatable content is like an introvert's virtual diary.

More info: Instagram

American writer, journalist, and introvert Jonathan Rauch thinks that extroverts are relatively easy for introverts to understand because they spend so much of their time working out who they are in voluble, and frequently inescapable, interaction with other people. Rauch says they are as inscrutable as puppy dogs.

On the other hand, he believes that extroverts have little or no grasp of introversion. "They assume that company, especially their own, is always welcome. They cannot imagine why someone would need to be alone; indeed, they often take umbrage at the suggestion," Rauch writes. "As often as I have tried to explain the matter to extroverts, I have never sensed that any of them really understood. They listen for a moment and then go back to barking and yipping."

And that, he claims, is the reason why introverts are so often misunderstood compared to their more social peers.

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Furthermore, Rauch says that introverts are, in a way, oppressed. "For one thing, extroverts are overrepresented in politics, a profession in which only the garrulous are really comfortable."

"Look at George W. Bush. Look at Bill Clinton. They seem to come fully to life only around other people. To think of the few introverts who did rise to the top in politics—Calvin Coolidge, Richard Nixon—is merely to drive home the point. With the possible exception of Ronald Reagan, whose fabled aloofness and privateness were probably signs of a deep introverted streak (many actors, I've read, are introverts, and many introverts, when socializing, feel like actors), introverts are not considered 'naturals' in politics."

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Chihuahua Mama
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well what else is it supposed to replay when you're trying to fall asleep? That's prime cringe countdown hours!

keyboardtek
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The reason one gets happier when you get to old age is that you can't remember how bad your youth was.

Ben
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I learned that in psychology. Your brain remembers mistakes and bad memories way more than positive. That is about all I remember. That has Pavlov's dog.

Shiva Ho
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cringe memories are actually carved directly into my skin as they happened and remind me every time I see them!

Max Fox
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not "being an introvert" This is "being an overthinker". Most extraverts that I know are like this as well.

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Morgen Stern
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a future doctor right there! Holding the first prescription she wrote (Xanax for her mom, if I am reading it correctly).

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Since extroverts dominate public and social life, they are also the ones who set the expectations. "In our extrovertist society, being outgoing is considered normal and therefore desirable, a mark of happiness, confidence, leadership. Extroverts are seen as bighearted, vibrant, warm, empathic. 'People person' is a compliment."

"Introverts are described with words like 'guarded,' 'loner,' 'reserved,' 'taciturn,' 'self-contained,' 'private'—narrow, ungenerous words, words that suggest emotional parsimony and smallness of personality," Rauch explains.

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Daria
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whatever your age, it is NOT too late to live a good life ☝️

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However, it's worth mentioning that a few studies have found support for some connections between introversion and depression.

For example, this research suggests introversion may play a part in the development of the condition when people also have a greater sensitivity to feelings and emotions as well as neuroticism, a personality trait linked to a tendency toward negative or distressing feelings.

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Pancake_Pansexual_Panda
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I woke up this morning to do my very long assignment, and well, it isn't going to be due until next week? Better just start commenting on boredpanda, chilling...

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However, it's interesting that another piece of research, which explored the connection between social anxiety and personality traits, suggests that the highest overall levels of social anxiety appears in people with moderate to high extroversion, described by the researchers as "anxious extroverts."

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Tempest
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mind is always either worrying about a future event or nitpicking a past event. If it is on the rare occasion focused on the present that will be to just overthink. Sometimes I just wish I could detach my mind from my body and live a few moments in peace 😭

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Birgit M
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A single tiny bird? Lucky you! My mind is more like a flock of screaming geese...

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Tempest
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also works when you’re in a foreign country and isn’t that fluent in the local language. Currently studying abroad and not good with the local language so when people talk to me I just smile and nod hoping they’re not expecting a response from me. If a long silence follows, I know I messed up.

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When messages from others imply that introversion is a negative trait, you might worry there’s something wrong with you and try to change this part of yourself.

But scientific findings show a complex relationship between personality and mental health symptoms — and that's before you even begin to consider any external factors. Therefore, it's difficult to draw a definitive conclusion from them.

Personality generally isn't something you can mold as easy as clay. Forcing yourself into frequent interactions without taking the time you need to rest and recharge your emotional reserves will probably just leave you feeling unhappier.

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Surenu
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey in my defense it does have a weird shape and can't hold cereal very well!

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There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being an introvert, and spending time alone doesn't mean you've given up on life. Plenty of other factors play a part, regardless of where you fall on the introvert-extrovert spectrum, so if you want to just chill on the sofa and laugh at a few memes instead of going out, scroll away!

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Pancake_Pansexual_Panda
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am embarrassed by everything I do, WHY do I always have to be awkward at everything when I try to be nice? Now I have cringe memories inside my mind forever.

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Huddo's sister
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty good at listening to both, which is weird because I think I have auditory processing issues

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Pancake_Pansexual_Panda
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, when I am in school, I wait for the class period to end in five minutes, but five minutes feel like HALF AN HOUR.

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David A Paterson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not stupid, friends are the most dangerous of all. Strangers you can ghost. Enemies can't stab you in the back.

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OWL ON A MISSION
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg and it's like I attract these kinds of people too! There have been countless times that I have been stopped in stores by complete strangers that tell me their life stories. Why? I am not a people person at all but they just seem to be drawn to me.

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David A Paterson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

to solve this problem, stay to the very end of the credits, until after the house lights come up, after the ushers kindly ask me to leave, and cinema security has been called

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Tempest
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Next step would be to question if they’re giving you genuine attention and emotional validation or if they’re just faking it for the time being.

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Tempest
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG I actually once wrote a note to self just like this and kept it as a daily reminder. “Please don’t get too close to anyone.” I get too attached and then hurt by people. As painful as it is, self advice as such is really needed.

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Hootus
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does anyone know the story behind this photo?? Just curious. The hole is not filled in before the attendees have departed, in my experience.

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ShaZam Beaubien
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's from the dust ferries. Because honestly, I don't know how that much dust and dirt gets stuck on a fan that never stops.

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Panda Kicki
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why on earth do you let a unannouced visit to even enter?? Yell through the mail box or open a window.

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S
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why isnt everything crumbling in the background??? Thatd be more like like it

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Echo
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Should I be concerned that this has happened to me in this exact order of events.

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Bored something
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had a postie come to the open kitchen door while I am chopping vegies for spag bol and belting out Faith No More "falling to pieces". He just left the parcel on the doorstep and I only saw it when I turned to the fridge to get out mince.

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Tempest
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn’t have to get in bed for that. It terrorizes me 24/7.

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Will Cable
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, hear it so often and yet look at some of the most horrendous crimes committed and they were social, outgoing people.

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the quickening
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

See, this is when you lower your expectations. A delicious pastry with your morning coffee? Hell yeah. Cat being extra cute? Snap a pic. Dig up your favorite pair of socks and wear them. However small the source of even the most fleeting speckle of joy, hang onto it and make it a big deal.

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Helena
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, I'd rather perform on a stage than be in a crown, or heaven forfend I have to network.

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Daria
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reading books, alone, with my cat and a cup of tea. That's pure joy!

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GREYNOOK
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i just cant get it to understand what to understand and know 😁

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Bored something
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I may not be attractive but I'm not Hapsbourg level of unattractive.

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David A Paterson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"breakfastlunchdinner" - finally, a name for the meal that starts at morning tea time and continues until I go to bed

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prettygirl25
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

im overthinking my overthinking why do i overthink i need to stop overthinking my overthinking!!!!!