For a long time, people who were introverted were seen as shy or damaged in some way. However, there is nothing inherently wrong with being an introvert, nor is being introverted the same thing as being shy. “Introverted” is simply a term used to categorize a particular type of personality type, a way to help us understand a common personality trait. When we can understand this personality trait, we can deal with social situations much more deftly. So, what is an introvert?
What is an Intovert? Introverted Personality Traits
There are two main “personality types”, and of course a whole spectrum between them. An extrovert describes someone who is lively, the center of the party, always hanging out with people, and always talking. Everyone knows an extrovert because extroverts are good at making themselves known. Commonly, the introvert is thought of as the polar opposite to the extrovert.
The main difference between these two types of people is that extroverts get their energy from being around other people. Introverts get their energy from being alone. It’s very important not to misunderstand this point. If you are an introvert and you want to slip away from a party, it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. It just means that being alone is a lot more comfortable for you at that point.
What is an introvert like with friends?
Likewise, if you are friends with an introvert, don’t be hurt if they don’t want to hang out or join in on the fun. For an introvert, being around people for long periods of time can be tiring. They might just need some time to recharge! Introverts can be good friends. They are introspective (no pun intended) about their own needs and feelings and they tend to avoid toxic people, thus having very satisfied relationships.
Being an introvert doesn’t necessarily mean being a hermit or a social outcast. Many introverts often appear as loud, assertive and social. However, this interaction needs a balance of time spent alone. An introvert needs time alone to recharge energy. Introverts usually greatly enjoy social company from time to time, but their idea of “chilling out” is by reading at home, taking a long walk alone or watching a movie. Time spent with a lot of people needs to be balanced by time spent alone.
Friends and relationships are very important to introverted people. Usually hanging out with one or two people at a time is more comfortable, as large crowds can be draining. Introverts usually keep a few friends in their inner ring, unlike the extrovert who has a wide social circle.
The Benefits of Being an Introvert
Being an introvert has many perks. For one, introverts don’t become anxious when other people aren’t around. Because introverts, left to their own devices, spend a lot of time by themselves, they have the opportunity to become focused and highly skilled in something. Introverts will often spend a lot of time thinking and often have well-formed and articulate ideas on a variety of topics.
Of course, loneliness is just as much of a problem for an introvert as an extrovert. Lack of close and meaningful relationships in the introvert’s lives will cause feelings of loneliness. Introverts need close and meaningful relationships just like extroverts. They key difference is that they don’t need as much interaction or talking as an extrovert.
What’s an Introvert? An Introvert’s Perspective
Being an introvert is not a bad thing, and being an introvert is not a social anxiety disorder. It is not the same thing as being shy, being lonely or being socially inept. It only refers to if a person is best able to re-energize with people or by oneself.
