Introverts are the most misunderstood group of people that anyone can encounter. They are often judged because they seem to not fit in normally with the rest of society.

People have different ways of interacting with the rest of the world. Some people are outgoing and love to be around others. In contrast, there are also those who thrive when they are left in solitude.

These people are known as introverts.

Introverts fight a constant battle against the negative perceptions that people have towards them. They are often thought of as anti-social, awkward, shy, and unapproachable.

In reality, introverts ponder their thoughts in silence and do not like to speak unless they have something relevant to say.

While extroverts enjoy being part of the social scene and can easily start conversations with complete strangers, introverts enjoy staying in and contemplate their inner beings. They enjoy quiet activities such as reading a good book, being surrounded by nature and going to museums.

In an article from the Journal of Nursing Education titled “Understanding the Introvert Preference,” author Heidi Eve-Cahoon stated when introverts “may appear withdrawn, they are focusing inside their heads. They are reflective and this takes time.”

“The neurotransmitters that dominate brain pathways to process thought are different in extroverts and introverts,” said Eve-Cahoon.

Introverts are not loners, they also enjoy being around other people. However, they become overwhelmed if they spend too much time in crowded places. They feel the same way that extroverts feel when they spend too much time alone.

When introverts are out in crowded places, like at a party, they tend to stay quiet and keep to themselves.

They do not do this for the purpose of being anti-social, but because they prefer to be observant and think before they act. Oftentimes, they make good listeners in social situations.

Another stereotype of introverts is they are not good public speakers and get nervous under the public eye.

What people may be surprised to know is that there are successful people who identify themselves as being introverted.

According to an article titled “16 Outrageously Successful Introverts” by Laura Schocker of the Huffington Post, some notable celebrity introverts include J.K. Rowling, Emma Watson, Bill Gates and Audrey Hepburn.

Growing up with an introverted older sister, I made the mistake when I was younger of assuming that she was shy and lacked the skills necessary to interact “normally” with other people.

As time passed, I realized there was nothing abnormal about her, we simply just have different personalities. While I am out with my friends at a bar, she is at home reading “The Complete Sherlock Holmes” and learning to play the ukulele.

If you identify yourself as an introvert, do not let people try to tell you that it is not normal. You just have a different way of interacting with the world. As Stephen Hawking once said, “quiet people have the loudest minds.”