Introverts are a misunderstood bunch. Compared to extroverts, they think differently, act differently, and even look differently when they interact with people. But there are a lot of misconceptions about what it means to be “introverted。” Here are 15 of them:

我们对内向的人有诸多误会。和外向的人相比，他们的思维方式言行举止甚至和人交往的方式都有着差异。下面我们一起看看对于内向的人我们常常抱有的15大误区吧：

Misconception #1: Introverts are shy。

误区1：内向的人都很害羞

Being “shy” and “introverted” are two completely different things. Introverts are not necessarily shy or afraid of people. They don’t just don’t prefer talking for the sake of talking。

害羞和内向完全是两个不同的概念。内向的人不一定害羞或是害怕与人打交道。他们只是不喜欢为了说话而说话罢了。

Misconception #2: Introverts are unemotional。

误区2：内向的人缺乏感情

Introverts may not show emotion with their facial expressions and gestures, but this doesn’t mean they’re not interested in what you’re saying. Introverts prefer to control their emotions around others and internalize them. Although someone who’s introverted may not appear engaged, this is usually not the case。

内向的人也许不会靠面部表情或手势来表达自己的情感，但这不意味着他们对你所说的话不感兴趣。内向的人更倾向于在人群中控制自己的情绪，闷在心里。也许外表看起来内向的人有点心不在焉，但实际也许并不是这样哦。

Misconception #3: Introverts don’t like working in groups。

误区3：内向的人不喜欢团队合作

Introverts often do their best work alone, so co-workers may misunderstand them and think they don’t want to partake in group work. While introverts do have a tendency to shut down in larger groups of people when they feel like their voice isn’t being heard, introverts excel in small group situations and enjoy working in these types of environments, as long as their opinion is valued。

内向的人往往能很好的独立完成任务，同事们就会觉得也许他们不适合团队合作，这可大错特错了。在人堆里，如果别人听不到自己的意见，那么内向的人就会表现得非常安静，在小范围人群中，他们往往会更加突出，只要想法能被肯定，他们也会非常享受这样的工作环境。

Misconception #4: Introverts don’t like talking。

误区4：内向的人不喜欢说话

It’s not that introverts don’t like to talk, it’s that they prefer to listen before they talk. Introverts choose their words carefully and they think small talk is a waste of time. But, they’re more than willing to engage you in a deep conversation about topics they’re passionate about。

不是内向的人不喜欢说话，而是他们更喜欢倾听罢了。内向的人总是斟词酌句，认为闲聊比较浪费时间。但是一旦遇到感兴趣的话题，他们会更加乐意与你深谈。

Misconception #5: Introverts are scared to look you in the eye。

误区5：内向的人不敢看你的眼睛

In general, introverts may not make eye contact with you as much as extroverts. This is because they don’t feel the need to partake in social norms and rituals as much as extroverts, not because they’re “scared。”

一般说来，内向的人不会像外向的人那样和你进行过多的眼神交流。这是因为他们觉得没有必要去遵守所谓的社交规则和惯例，并不代表他们害羞。

Misconception #6: All introverts are poor public speakers。

误区6：所有内向的人都不善于演讲

Some introverts may not like speaking in large group settings; however, many introverts are naturally gifted speakers. And, introverts generally spend more time preparing for speeches and presentations rather than “flying by the seat of their pants。”

有些内向的人也许不喜欢在人多的场合发言，然而有些却真的天生就是演说家。内向的人通常会花更多的时间来准备演讲和发言，而不是“想到哪说到哪”。

Misconception #7: Introverts just want to be left alone。

误区7：内向的人喜欢一个人待着

While it’s true that introverts prefer to “re-charge” with some quiet time reading or reflecting, they also crave human interaction and enjoy the company of others。

当然，内向的人喜欢在安静地场合靠阅读或反思来再充电，他们也需要人际交往享受别人的陪伴。

Misconception #8: Introverts over-analyze everything。

误区8：内向的人什么都要分析一番

Introverts like to analyze situations and consider all possible scenarios before making decisions. Sometimes this can lead to “analysis paralysis,” but in general, it’s a positive trait that allows them to make tough decisions with a rational stream of thought。

在做决定之前，内向的人喜欢把所有可能的情况都想到，分析所有的情景。有时这反而会导致“分析无力”，但通常而言，一番理智分析之后做出艰难决定的方式是值得鼓励的。

Misconception #9: Introverts are high strung。

误区9：内向的人总是精神紧张

The opposite is actually true. Introverts tend to be much more even-keeled and level than extroverts. They are able to objectively view all scenarios, even during times of stress。

说反啦。相比外向的人而言，内向的人更容易平静下来。他们可以客观的看待所有的情况，哪怕是在重压之下。

Misconception #10: Introverts are underachievers。

误区10：内向的人都是差生

Because we have such an affinity for the charismatic, personable, extroverted leader, some people assume that introverts are underachievers compared to extroverts. However, there are millions of successful introverted scientists, artists, physicians, writers, and philosophers. Achievement is not necessarily related to personality type。

我们总是会对有魅力，有个性外向的领导者所折服，所以很多人认为内向的人比不过外向的。然而，我们有无数性格内向的成功科学家、艺术家、医生、作家和哲学家。成功和性格类型其实没有多大联系。

Misconception #11: Introverts can “break out of their shell” and become extroverts。

误区11：内向的人可以突破自己的壳，成为外向的人

Introversion is an inborn personality type that you can’t change. Many people falsely believe that introverts can (or want to) “unlearn” their quiet, passive tendencies。

内向是与生俱来无法改变的个性特征。很多人错误的认为内向的人可以或想要突破他们的安静成为相反的人。

Misconception #12: Introverts are rude。

误区12：内向的人都很粗鲁

Introverts get a bad rap because they don’t show emotion like extroverts do. This causes people to misunderstand them and mistake their stone-face demeanor for rudeness, which isn’t the case。

有这个坏名声在于内向的人不会像外向的人那么喜欢展现自己的情绪。这会让人误会，也把他们面无表情解读为粗鲁摆臭脸，其实完全不是这回事。

Misconception #13: Introverts are no fun。

误区13：内向的人都很无趣

Introverts are all about having a good time–they just prefer environments that are quieter and more low-key. They don’t mind going to parties, but they prefer to spend time socializing in their inner circle of friends。

内向的人也很有趣——他们只是喜欢比较安静和低调的环境罢了。他们不介意去参加聚会，只是喜欢和亲近的人在一起度过欢乐时光。

Misconception #14: Introverts don’t make good leaders。

误区14：内向的人当不好领导

Introverts can be quiet but confident leaders. They are particularly effective at managing extroverts because they’re good listeners and don’t compete with them。

内向的人可以是非常冷静自信的领导。他们可以高效领导外向的人，因为他们是好的倾听者，不会去争抢。

Misconception #15: Extroverts are happier than introverts。

误区15：外向的人比内向的人更快乐

Happiness has nothing to do with one’s personality type. There are happy and unhappy extroverts just like introverts. Personality type does not pre-dispose you to be unhappy。

快乐和人的个性特征其实并没有关系好么。外向的人里也有快乐和不快乐的，这和内向的人没有区别。个性特征并不会预言你这辈子都不会快乐呀。