Many people think of introverts as shy, but the two aren't linked. Introversion is a personality type, while shyness is an emotion. People who are shy tend to feel awkward or uncomfortable when they're in social situations, especially when they're around strangers.
Being shy and being introverted aren't the same thing, although they may look the same. An introvert enjoys time alone and gets emotionally drained after spending a lot of time with others. A shy person doesn't necessarily want to be alone but is afraid to interact with others.
They are quiet so they can hear their inner “loudness.”
Introverts need to attend to their inner world throughout the day in order to process everything. Otherwise, everything will stack so much — to the point that it causes a discordant inner noise (so to speak), which can lead to the introvert being overstimulated.
People who are introverts often describe themselves (or are described) as shy, but shyness and introversion are not the same. Shyness has, at its heart, a fear of negative judgment by others. If asked to a party, an introvert might think about whether they want to expend their precious supply of social energy.
Because someone is introverted it doesn't automatically mean that they lack confidence, they lack self-belief, or that they are shy. Introversion is NOT something that has to be gotten over or grown out of.
There's a common misconception that introverts aren't social. In fact, introverts can be just as social as extroverts. The difference between the two is that introverts lose energy when they're around people and recharge by spending time alone, while extroverts gain energy by spending time with other people.
Fear of being caught out: If you don't know what to say, it's easy to feel worried about being on the spot. Introverts tend to process thoughts internally, extroverts process externally. In more basic terms, by talking an extrovert processes their thoughts, where an introvert needs to stop and think about things.
Are you born introverted or is it something you become over time? Introverts likely develop due to a combination of both nature and nurture. The way that your body's physiology responds to the outside environment plays a critical role in determining your level of extroversion and introversion.
Introverts are deep thinkers.
Just like emotional regulation, this is a trait that becomes more attractive when someone has experienced its absence. If someone has been exhausted by the shallowness of another person, they'll be even more drawn to an introvert's depth.
What struggles have introverts had? Introverts can't usually start a conversation but they really want to have conversation. Struggle to handle situations that depends on extroverts. Introverts find it difficult to really have fun even at the crowded party.. they just need some people to enjoy with, not a party.
Weaknesses: social anxiety, shyness, navigating a predominantly extroverted world.
Studies have found that introverts get more easily distracted than their extroverted counterparts. Because of this, they might be annoyed when someone steps into their office for a quick chat. They also get annoyed by interruptions when they speak.
Having insufficient time or space to think.
If you're an introvert, you struggle with finding quiet time to gather your thoughts, particularly at brainstorming meetings. Find quiet places to think, and take breaks just for a change of scenery and a chance to gather your thoughts.
In fact, psychologists have consistently found that both men and women rate humility as one of the most desirable traits in a partner. And what group of people are much more likely than average to have this highly sought-after trait? Yep, shy people.
On the contrary, introverts have attractive qualities because they're active listeners. They speak less and listen more, which gets people interested in them.
However, what they may lack verbally in a social setting, they make up for in their thinking and listening. Introverts are mysterious people, and that is because they do not spill their thoughts and opinions out straight away.
On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.
In terms of introversion and extroversion, research suggests that as we age, we become more introverted. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as increased wisdom and self-awareness, which can lead to a greater appreciation for solitude and time alone.
Practise mindfulness and self-awareness
Introverts tend to be introspective and reflective. Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation, journaling or positive affirmations can help you become more self-aware and improve your overall well-being.
Introverts' brains are far less driven by dopamine. We don't get the buzz from it that extroverts do, so we don't seek as much external stimulation. Our dopamine sensitivity is an example of our neurotransmitters in action—and it's determined by our DNA.
Angry Introverts are in a sensitive state, and they can easily become overstimulated by too much social contact. Interestingly, Introverts won't usually respond to their anger by leaving altogether.
Introverts enjoy spending time in nature as it makes them feel more grounded and at peace. Being surrounded by the smell of rain feels like a piece of nature is with them inside the comfort of their own home. This sense of being grounded is important, as many superficial conversations can remove this feeling for them.
The introverts prone to have spontaneous inside conversations are deemed as “anti-social” or “unwilling to cooperate;” those quiet but internally enriching people are stigmatized as “having nothing to contribute” in group work.