Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a focus on internal feelings rather than on external sources of stimulation. So, introverts and extroverts are completely opposite personalities, but the truth is most people lie somewhere in the middle. So, let’s dive deep in and know,
What is an Introvert?
An Introvert is a type of personality who tends to be inward turning or focuses more on internal thoughts, feelings, and moods rather than seeking out external simulations. Introversion is generally viewed as existing as part of a continuum along with extroversion. Introverts tend to be quieter, talk less, and introspective. Whereas, extroverts are more talkative, not at all quiet, and gain energy from social gatherings, and whereas, introverts expend energy in social situations.
So,2020 has been a year for introverts.No social gatherings, no real conversations, completely isolated, no big crowds, working from home, etc. Living in peace and seeking solitude was the goal. Being an introvert is not a curse, in fact being an introvert is blessed in quiet away, but it comes with its edges. So, here are 10 signs that you are an introvert:-
Being around lots of people drains your energy.
Enjoy Solitude.
You have a small group of close friends.
You prefer writing over talking.
People may struggle to know you because you are so quiet.
Introversion is not all or nothing.
You’re drawn to jobs that involve independence.
You like to learn by watching.
People have often tried to change you.
Peer pressure isn’t that affects you.
So let's dive deep further into the topic,10 signs you’re an introvert,
Being around lots of people drains your energy:-
One of the major characteristics of an introvert is that they expend energy in social situations. Unlike extroverts who gain energy from such interactions. But it doesn’t mean that introverts avoid social events. Even introverts do enjoy spending time with other people, with one key caveat-introverts tend to prefer the company of close friends. Whereas extroverts go to some party with the goal of meeting new people, making new friends, interacting, etc. On the other hand, introverts intend to spend some quality time talking to good friends.
Enjoy Solitude:-
As I have mentioned before being an introvert is not a curse. Being an introvert doesn’t mean loneliness, being an introvert could also mean seeking solitude. It means investing in yourself. It’s “Me time”.A few hours of reading a book, going for a walk, learning some new skills, watching some interesting movie or a tv show are great ways to help you feel recharged and energized. But that doesn’t mean that all introverts are alone all the time. Many introverts love to spend time with close friends and interacting with familiar people in social situations. The key thing to remember is that after a long day of social activity, an introvert will probably want to spend some time alone to think, reflect, and recharge. If you love to spend some time alone, and love solitude then you are an introvert.
You have a small group of close friends:-
One of the biggest misconceptions about introverts is that they don't like people. Introverts don’t enjoy a lot of people, they do enjoy having a small group of friends with whom they are particularly close. Whereas, on the other hand, extroverts love to meet new people, make new friends, and build a network of people. Introverts don’t focus on having a large social circle of people, instead, they focus on or stick to deep long-last relationships marked by a great deal of closeness and intimacy. Researchers have found that people high in this trait tend to have a smaller group of friends. Introverts choose their friends wisely and much more carefully. Their closest relationships tend to be more profound and significant and they also have a one-on-one interaction with people rather than having a larger group setting. If you prefer having fewer friends, there’s a pretty good chance of you being an introvert.
You prefer writing over talking:-
You prefer writing down your thoughts to talking about them, especially when you are unprepared. You prefer to think through your response because your communication style is focused and considerate. If you have this trait of writing more and speaking less that’s the sign of being an introvert. That’s where journaling is helpful. Maintaining a journal/diary is important, as you can pen down your thoughts, goals. It’s like communicating silently. Writing down your thoughts, helps you understand who you are? You know yourself better.
People may struggle to know you because you are so quiet:-
Yes, it’s difficult for people to know you, since there is no conversation and you’re always quiet, because of which no new relationship is built. People struggle to know you because you’re perceived as being stand-offish. If people struggle to know you because of your quiet nature, then that’s the sign of an introvert.
Introversion is not all or nothing:-
Yes, it’s not all or nothing. Many people are both and they’re known as ambiverts. Ambiverts are a mixture of both introverts as well as extroverts. Ambiverts can work just as well alone as in groups. They are not uncomfortable in social situations, it just drains them of energy. Being the center of attention is fine for a short period of time, and while they like being alone, they look forward to the promise of the company.
You’re drawn to jobs that involve independence:-
Jobs that require a great deal of social interaction usually hold little to people high in introversion. In Fact, introverts tend to love jobs that don’t require a lot of people. Careers that involve working independently are a great choice for introverts.For eg. Writer,accountant,programmers,web designers,graphic designers,artists,etc.If you love or are drawn to jobs that involve independence then you are an introvert.
You like to learn by watching:-
Extroverts tend to prefer to jump right in and learn through hands-on experience, introverts typically prefer to learn through observations. While extroverts, learn through trial and error, introverts learn best by watching. Introverts learn by watching, observing, where they watch a particular task being performed and then they keep on practicing to master that particular task or skill. Introverts practice and learn from personal experiences. You look at an artist, they practice, understand the nuance, they observe others before performing in front of the audience. It’s really important to observe what’s going on and then practicing that skill or craft. If you are good at watching, observing then that’s the sign of an introvert. You get to know more by observing.
People have often tried to change you:-
Yes, if you are an introvert then will give you advice and will try to change you by saying,
“Come out of your shell.”
“Why don’t you speak?”
“Why are you so quiet?”
It’s difficult for an extrovert to understand how it’s possible that an introvert could be happy. It’s not that the extravert is doing out of meanness, it’s because they genuinely care and want you to be happy, and they truly think that being an extravert is the happier option. Just remain firm with your extroverted companion, and they will respect your boundaries.
Peer pressure isn’t that affects you:-
As mentioned by American writer and lecturer Susan Cain as she wrote the book,” Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking”.In the book she mentioned,” Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured…….Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you think you’re supposed to.”
Those are the powerful words for the introvert and ones that are taken to heart. Introverts can stay at home knowing that there is a party in full swing at a friend’s place and not feel FOMO. If they’ve made the decision to stay home then that’s exactly where they want to be and where they’ll be happy. And as you heard it’s not that introverts don’t love to go out, they just choose when works for them. They need to buffer or a recovery period between events and gathering to stay sane and function properly.
So, there we go. 10 signs you’re an introvert.
What best describes your personality? Introvert, extrovert, or ambivert?
Let me know down in the comments section below.
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Oh! You're still here, so here’s a
BONUS,
Introverts, read a lot like literally read a lot. Introverts are book worms. They spend a large amount of time reading books, as mentioned before the reason why they love solitude is because they read. I would recommend the book called,” Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking” to know more about introverts.
And if you’re an introvert and once you master a particular craft and develop an interest in it, then there is a high chance of you being confident. It could be anything like painting, dancing, writing, entrepreneurship, etc.