Based on my observations, there seems to be a misunderstanding among many people about introverts The most common one being that they are just shy people. As a result of these misunderstandings, people begin to make wrong assumptions and judgments about the introverted person. But this should not be happening.

What exactly is an introvert? An introvert is basically someone who enjoys more personal time than extroverts, the more social people. While shyness can sometimes play a part in one’s social preferences, it’s not always the case.

The way I think about it is this: shyness is an obstacle, something that prevents one from stepping out of their comfort zone. Introvertedness, on the other hand, is a personality characteristic. Their preference to spend time by themselves is not necessarily because they are nervous about being around others, but simply that they enjoy more time of solitude than others. For other introverts, it may just mean having time to think and destress. Whatever the reason, introverts need their own time every now and then.

Aside from shyness, another common misconception about introverts is that they’re lonely people. Again, this is an assumption that is made purely on the outward appearance of a situation. As with the issue of shyness, there is a difference between being alone and being lonely. The two don’t always correlate. While this may not be the most serious example, the root of this issue is misjudging someone based on appearances.

With so many students with so many personalities, understanding the social needs of others is an important part of acceptance and diversity on campus. Not everyone is willing to go out and participate in social gatherings. They should definitely be encouraged, but never forced. This is important, because it shows the introverted person that they are welcome to be a part of something if they so choose to, but they won’t be judged for deciding against it. This way, the introverted student may consider participating simply because there’s no pressure on them and they might as well give it a chance.

We can’t expect everyone to enjoy the same activities that we do. It’s always important to remember that regardless of how social someone may or may not be, we should still accept them and respect them for their choices.