You’ve always felt different, right? You were the quiet one at school, right? People may have asked you why you don’t talk more. Does that question still come up?

Even though introverts may account for anything from 25% to 40% of the population, they often get a bad rap. It’s also worth noting that introversion is not the same thing as social anxiety or shyness.

Many people, especially those who aren’t naturally shy, fail to recognize their own introversion because they don’t understand that being an introvert involves more than simply prioritizing alone. Although spending time with friends is enjoyable, it may be more illuminating to monitor whether or not they are experiencing a net loss or gain of energy as a result of their social interactions.

What is an introvert?

A person who is introverted prefers to be alone and reflect on their own thoughts and feelings rather than seek out the company of others. Although introverts and extroverts are generally portrayed as polar opposites, the reality is that most people are more ambivalent.

You may picture someone who is reserved and quiet when you hear the word “introvert.” While this may be the case for some introverts, there is much more to the personality type than that. How you take in information determines whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert.

Introvert and extrovert (sometimes spelled extravert) are psychological concepts first used by psychologist Carl Jung in the 1920s. People can be classified into the “get” or “spend” categories based on whatever personality trait they exhibit. According to Jung, introverts go within for inspiration, whereas extraverts actively seek out social interaction to replenish their reserves.

Introvert vs Shy.

Even though shyness and introversion look similar in some ways, they are two different things. An introvert likes to be alone and gets tired of people after being around them for a long time. Even if a shy person doesn’t prefer to be alone, they still feel uncomfortable in groups.

Signs of an introverted personality.

Believe You Can Recognize an Introvert? You might want to reconsider. However, the “social butterfly” might be just as much of an introvert as the conventional introvert who sits alone by the food table and plays with their phone.

1. Alone time is necessary

When it comes to socializing, thinking, and processing the world, introverts need time alone to replenish their social batteries. It’s common for introverts to struggle with anger, exhaustion, poor sleep, and lack of focus if they don’t get enough time alone.

An introvert’s thinking can be profoundly altered by the flood of new information and ideas that occurs during an extroverted activity.

Some introverts enjoy socializing with their peers and venturing out of the house, but afterward they need time alone to recharge their batteries.

2. Small talk is painful

Introverts have a well-deserved reputation for being reluctant to small talk because it can cause them stress or at the very least discomfort. Many introverts find small talk to be insincere.

To begin, introverts are more attuned to the level of interest displayed by the other person in the conversation. An introvert may believe that the conversation is a waste of time if the other person isn’t paying attention or isn’t interested in what they’re saying. They’d rather reserve it for a discussion in which they have the undivided attention of the other person.

3. Large crowds are draining

For introverts, social encounters are a source of draining effort rather than rejuvenation, making this a defining feature of the personality type.

But that doesn’t imply introverts never go out. Many introverts like social interaction, albeit they gravitate toward spending time with close friends rather than strangers.

When introverts are forced to participate in or spend time in activities or situations that are excessively chaotic, they may become distracted and overwhelmed.

4. Small friend groups are ideal

The idea that introverts don’t enjoy social interaction is a popular myth. While introverts may not love large groups of people, they do appreciate a tight-knit group of pals.

Introverts would rather have a few close, long-lasting friends than a large group of casual acquaintances because they value these friends’ company and support more than they value the attention they would get from a larger group.

One of an introvert’s many qualities is the depth and significance of the bonds they form with those closest to them. They also have a preference for small-group interactions over large-scale gatherings.

5. Very in-tune with yourself

A lot of an introvert’s time is spent contemplating their own thoughts and feelings. It’s possible that you’re more of an introvert if you have a deep understanding of who you are and what drives and motivates you.

Introverts want to spend time alone with their thoughts and reflect on the world around them. Introverts frequently spend a lot of time studying about themselves because they place a high value on knowing and understanding oneself.

6. You very observant

Introverts are more likely to learn by observing others than by participating actively, while extroverts benefit more from diving right in. When it comes to new experiences, extroverts learn best through trial and error, while introverts would rather observe first.

Introverts learn best by seeing how a task is done for the first time and then again and again until they are confident they can do the same. When introverts do want to learn from their own experiences, they often do so in a secluded setting where they can hone their talents without fear of public scrutiny.

Types of introverts.

Having an introverted personality is not a categorical label. Psychologists typically use a sliding scale to classify introverts. Naturally, extroverts and introverts are not created equal. However, the vast majority of people are somewhere in the middle. They are known as ambiverts.

The characteristics of an extrovert are often found in an introvert, while the characteristics of an introvert can often be found in an extrovert. A person might be an introvert in a variety of ways.

• Restrained introverts: The reserved introvert, also known as the inhibited introvert, is someone who keeps their guard up until they know they can trust those around them. They don’t come across as withdrawn or distant, but rather reflective and level-headed.

• Anxious introverts: an anxious introvert is one who keeps to themselves and gives off an air of nervousness or tenseness. This sort of introvert avoids social situations where they could feel overwhelmed or anxious.

 Although the “going inward” conduct of the “anxious” introvert can seem harsh and avoidant, it is actually a protection mechanism designed to provide safety and comfort. Anxious introverts tend to stay inside their safe spaces because they worry excessively about what might go wrong if they venture out of their comfort zones.

• Thinking introverts: The introvert who prefers to think things out alone typically has a high level of intelligence. An intellectual introvert finds comfort in quiet pursuits like these: reading, learning, researching, and exploring. 

Introverts who think deeply about things often take a moment to gather their thoughts before responding to a question. For the introverted thinker, “let me think about that” is a common response. Some people who are highly introverted have a tendency to “disappear” from conversations because they are so immersed in their own thoughts.

• Social introverts: Solitude is more precious to introverts than most people realize. In general, they like their own company, but they aren’t adverse to the occasional get-together with loved ones.

It’s easy to conflate an introvert with someone who struggles with social anxiety, but the two conditions are distinct. Someone who is an introvert in social situations does not avoid crowds out of fear, but rather out of preference. They thrive best when left to their own devices or when surrounded by a small, close-knit group in a quiet setting.