Shy, arrogant, awkward, and vain these are some ‘labels’ introverted people are often branded with. Introversion is one of the most misunderstood personality traits that is oftentimes confused with social anxiety and a moody personality.
What is Introversion?
Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a focus on internal feelings rather than on external sources of stimulation. Introverts turn inward mentally. They enjoy solitary activities and thrive on quietness and introspection. The other opposite personality trait is Extroversion, just like introverts turn inward mentally, extroverts seek social stimulation and gain energy from social interactions.
Quiet
In the book Quiet, author Susan Cain champions the introverted personality, as being extremely capable individuals bundled with talent, imagination, and discipline. According to Cain, one out of every two or three people are introverts.
Here Are 8 Signs You Are an Introvert
1. You Enjoy Solitude
Being an introvert does not mean that you like being alone all the time, it simply means that your idea of a good time translates to ‘me-time’; wherein you like spending time by yourself pursuing your interests or hobbies, it could be a quiet place where you read a book or simply reflect and recharge yourself. Creativity can be your biggest strength as solitude often sparks imagination and curiosity.
2. Being around a lot of people leaves you drained
You feel your energy sapped after interacting/spending time with a lot of people, unlike extroverts who gain energy from social interactions, introverts expend energy in social situations.
3. You are very self-aware
Self-awareness and self-understanding are a hallmark of introverted individuals since you turn inward mentally you are very reflective and value your internal experiences.
4. You are observant
You pay attention to details and observe people’s body language and facial expressions. You also learn through careful observation by watching people closely.
5. You have a small group of close friends
You are not anti-social, you are selective when it comes to making friends and enjoy the warmth of deep connections. You enjoy the company of a closely-knit circle of friends and love interacting on a one-on-one basis. You value intimacy and close bonds.
6. Quiet temperament
You are quiet around people and otherwise also. Your quiet temperament is your hidden superpower and because of this ability, you make a great listener.
7. You are drawn towards careers that involve independence
Since you enjoy solitude and are less drawn to social interactions, you find yourself being drawn to careers that involve independent work. For example- artist, writer, accountant, graphic designer, computer programmer…, you prioritize your work and value quality and hard-work.
8. Focus
You are very focused on all aspects of your life, whether work or relationships. You are very organized and implement tasks well. You are a critical thinker and analyze situations. You think before you speak/respond.
Some insights to mull over
Introversion is not an all-or-nothing personality type. Introversion and Extroversion lie on a continuum and people tend to lie somewhere between the two. Ambiverts identify with some elements of both introversion and extroversion. No type is ‘better’ than the other.
Introverts are not socially anxious or moody individuals, they like being by themselves. The myth that introverts are not outgoing is untrue. Society is conditioned to believe that introverts ‘lack’ social skills, it is seen as a character ‘flaw’ in individuals who love spending time by themselves and occasionally disconnecting, only to reconnect later.
If you want to know what personality type you are, you can take this short personality test and find out.
A Sunflower
Just as a sunflower turns towards the sun to optimize growth, introverts need their sun, which is in the form of space, solitude and quietness to optimize their energy and recharge themselves. Introversion can be liberating once an introverted person uses their personality type to their advantage. The society has to stop labeling introverted individuals as anti-social and capping their abilities.
Introverts in Relationships
Introverts can nurture very deep and long-lasting relationships, as they value intimacy and emotional connection. An introvert in relationships is giving, understanding, and committed, they give the other person space as they themselves value it so much.
They are sensitive and respectful to the other person’s needs and are balanced in the midst of conflicts with their partners, friends, or family. But in case it is bad and you want to save your relationship, you should checkout ReGain. Introverts are like layers of onions, it takes time to peel the onions but the richness the latter offers is deep and sacred, similarly, this stands true to an introverted individual in relationships.
What Introverts Can Do for Themselves
Embracing your personality can be the best gift you can give yourself. You do not have to change for others or justify your personality type to others.
Remember you are enough. You matter. Your quietness speaks volumes.
