Member-only story

Introverts and Highly Sensitive People: Misunderstood, Not Miswired

Debunking myths about shyness, emotional instability, and social withdrawal

Alain Suppini
3 min readNov 13, 2024
Photo de Samsung Memory sur Unsplash

Society loves labels. But when it comes to introverts and highly sensitive people (HSPs), these labels often miss the mark. If you’ve ever been told you’re too quiet or too emotional, you’ve probably encountered some of the common myths that surround these personality types. Let’s set the record straight.

Myth 1: Introverts Are Just Shy

Introverts get a bad rap. Many assume they’re shy, awkward, or socially anxious. In reality, introversion isn’t about fear of social interaction — it’s about energy. Introverts recharge alone, while extroverts thrive in groups.

Shyness, on the other hand, stems from fear of judgment. An introvert might love public speaking but need quiet time afterward. A shy extrovert could avoid the spotlight altogether. Introverts don’t lack confidence; they value depth over breadth in their relationships.

Next time you see someone quietly observing at a party, don’t assume they’re uncomfortable. They’re probably enjoying the show.

Introverts may not be shy, but their calm demeanor often leads to another misconception about emotional…

--

--

Alain Suppini
Alain Suppini

Written by Alain Suppini

Anesthesiologist and Intensive Care Physician passionate about Holistic Medicine and Well-Being.

Responses (7)