It is a widespread myth that introverts, owing to their reserved attitude and tendency to confine themselves are some of the most difficult ones to handle. But in reality it is just the opposite. Opposite because you can really mix with them provided you break this myth.
Before discussing the ways to handle introverts, it is important for you to understand their behaviour in details. So here we go...
Break the myths!
1. They are shy, shy and shy
Shyness is just a part of their nature. It will be wrong to judge them on the basis of their shyness or incompatibility to mix with people. On the contrary they have this ability to mingle with a group. All they need is some time.
2.They are boring
Some people spend a life assuming and believing that introverts are boring. Only because you cannot catch their frequency does not make them boring creatures.
3. They hate crowd
No! Not always! Trust me introverts do mingle with groups and they love parties as well! But in some cases they may choose to avoid a get together depending on their mood and the previous experiences with that group. They tend to shy away from groups where they were mocked or humiliated previously.
4. They run away from attention
Before criticizing an introvert for this, please see whether they deserve this unwanted and cheap attention which they have been getting from insensible people. By cheap attention, I mean-
- ohh! Look at the shy boy....”
- Hey Man, why are you so shy? Look how confident we are!”
- Hey Robert, it seems you are not comfortable here...”
- Everyone is sharing their stories...why don’t you?”
Tell me who would like to hear these in every single day of his life? And you blame them of running away?
Take care of these points while dealing with introverts
1. Do not push them to open up
If you do this they will further fold themselves in their protective shield.
2.Respect their loneliness
When a man wants to spend some time alone, it will be wrong to surmise that he is disappointed or frustrated. Introverts need to spend some lone time. It is in these lonely hours do they find it easy to relax and distress themselves. It is their psychological need. Respect it!
3. Never make fun of their shyness or social phobia in public
Have you ever teased or bullied your introvert friend in front of a crowd? Have you ever ‘explained’ to people (in his presence) how introvert he is? If yes, never repeat this again.
4. Do not humiliate
Suppose in a party it is decided that everyone should sing, dance or perform an act to make it livelier and when his turn comes, if that introvert friend of yours is not ready to engage in any of the above activities, please do not force him to do so.
In fact you should try to protect him by shifting the focus away from him. Do not end up creating an unnecessary scene to humiliate him for his shyness. This is bad.
Every single individual in this world have some unique features and qualities. You cannot expect everyone to behave or think like you do.
Just because an individual speaks less or keeps his feelings suppressed does not give anyone the licence to bully or harass him! Please be very patient and have a sensitive approach while dealing with introverts.
If you have come across people who are victims of this issue, help them to express their feelings, protect them from being bullied and above all consider them as a part of your group. You will do this...if you really care!
Please feel free to share your valuable experiences and ideas to address this issue. If you have been a victim of this issue please share how you overcame the problem to help others come out of this.
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