Introverts: Definition, Types, Traits, and Myths

You may hear the term "introvert" frequently, but what does it actually mean?

An introvert is a person who possesses the personality trait of introversion, which suggests that they prefer to pay attention to their own inner thoughts and ideas as opposed to what is happening around them. Instead than being among vast crowds or groups of people, they prefer to spend time with one or two people.

You will easily understand the introvert personality after reading this essay. View this debate to learn more about the introverted personality!

Definition of Introvert

According to the Healthline page, introverts are the kind of people who would rather be alone themselves than around others. An introvert requires time to recover from meeting lots of people.

For those individuals who are unaware of what an introvert is? The introverted personality is viewed as anti-social by them. This is not the case, though. Actually, introverts enjoy little amounts of social interaction or meeting new people. Typically, they favor good conversation.

In fact, according to the webmd.com article, introverts feel more at ease in a more intimate setting where they can meet one or two people they already know.

Carl Jung, a psychologist, talked about how introverts exhaust their energies. After meeting plenty of people, introverts need time to gather their thoughts and emotions. Introverts are the reverse of extroverts in that they prefer spending time alone than socializing with a large group of people.

Types of Introvert

After knowing the definition of introvert, then you need to learn the types of introverts. In a 2011 study, researchers explained that there are 4 types of introverts. Here's the personality of an introvert:

1. Social

Someone who tends to spend time in smaller groups of people or alone.

2. Thinking

Someone who tends to spend time thinking or imagining thoughts.

3. Anxious

This type often spends time alone because the presence of other people triggers feelings of shame, social awkwardness, or lack of confidence. An introvert is easy to reflect on past experiences or worry about the future.

4. Inhibited/ Restrained

An introvert with the inhibited type, often refrains from acting directly. They tend to keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves. Before acting, they will think about it over and over again. That's what makes them a little hampered.

Characteristics of Introverts

You should be aware that there are many causes for someone to become an introvert. An individual's distinctive traits define who they are. Therefore, you should first recognize these traits before concluding that you are an introvert.

1. Need a lot of time alone

Have you ever considered solitude very important to maintain health and peace of mind? If your time alone encourages feelings of peace and relief instead of disappointment and stress, you are likely an introvert.

2. Socializing makes you tired

It's impossible for an introvert to hate social interactions and avoid them altogether. However, if you need more time to fill your spare time than attending a hangout or gathering with friends.

For example, when your friends invite you to spend time with them to hang out at a cafe, you don't feel comfortable hanging out with them. This is a sign that you prefer quiet situations over crowds.

3. Difficult to deal with conflict

If interacting with many people would be exhausting, what about situations that involve a conflict? Some evidence suggests that introverts tend to be more sensitive to negative criticism.

You may find it difficult to refute other people's opinions, even if you know they are true. You prefer silence and avoid conflict. When you do this, you tend to be a person who doesn't want to be complicated with complicated things.

4. Enjoy working alone

For some people prefer to do their work alone. For introverts, they find it strange to have to work with other people.

If you feel the same way, chances are your introverted personality is greater. You are able to work at your own pace, and always reflect on your work, without the help of others.

Of course, this doesn't mean you have a hard time getting along with other people. You may find it easier to concentrate when working alone. The same goes for your hobbies. You need to know, an introvert chooses solitary entertainment, such as reading, making crafts, playing games, or gardening.

5. Prefer close friends

Many introverts have only a small circle of friends, but that's not because they can't make friends or don't like people. Research shows that high-quality relationships are won by introverts. If you are an introvert, you may prefer to have a few close and intimate friendships over a large circle of casual acquaintances. After all, you need more time to yourself than an extrovert, so you may have less time to meet people.

6. Prefer to write than talk

Maybe the thought of small talk makes you feel nervous, but when asked to explain in writing, you are able to explain in a coherent and detailed manner. Many introverts are cautious before they speak, so it's natural that you have a hard time giving a short opinion on anything.

On the other hand, it's easier for you to compose sentences coherently and confidently. Because an introvert does not meet directly with his communicant.

7. Feeling deep emotions

Some evidence suggests that introverts experience more intense emotions and have difficulty managing them. This is because an introvert has sensitive feelings, so this personality is prone to depression. Therefore, an introvert prefers to meet people who already know them, who understand very well their time alone.

What causes introverts?

Maybe you will ask, what actually affects someone with an introverted personality? Most likely someone prefers to be alone because of factors from family and environmental factors that affect a person. Family, shape your personality since childhood, how the upbringing of your parents, and your closest family. Then, the environment in which you socialize also influences your personality.

The following are environmental factors that influence a person to be an introvert:

Parenting style
Type of education received
Experience with peers
Life experience, especially in childhood
Some evidence suggests brain chemistry may also play a role

Are Introverts and Shys the Same?

You can definitely be shy and introverted. Actually, shyness and introvert are two different traits. Unlike introverts, shyness has nothing to do with how a person expends and regains energy. (So ??yes, you can be a shy extrovert)

Shyness often goes away when you can adjust to new situations. For example, you may not want to start a conversation on the first day of school, but by the second week, you may feel relaxed enough to chat with a classmate.

So, shyness and introvert are two different things. An introvert can be shy, but an extrovert can also be shy. This shyness can change over time, or as you adapt. While introvert, is a character that you carry since childhood.

Myths about introverts

Next, you'll learn the myths about the introverted personality. Most people think of an introvert as someone who is not easy to get along with or anti-social, whereas introverts are personalities who don't like crowds. Here are the myths about introverts:

Introverts don't like people

An introvert usually prefers to save their social energy for people who understand and support their needs, such as close friends or family members. So, it's not that introverts don't like meeting other people, they just trust the people closest to them.

Introverts have social anxiety

Some introverts can experience social anxiety. In fact, an introvert can meet many people, as well as speak in public. They just need more energy than an extrovert.

Introverts are more imaginative and creative.

Creativity comes from openness, and good observation. Introverts with high levels of openness may easily become more creative, but this is not the case for every introvert.

Introverts can't socialize

In fact, an introvert just needs to put in more effort to socialize. Actually it's not impossible, an introvert needs a lot of energy to heal himself after meeting a lot of people.

Conclusion

Introverts are just a part of your personality. That's not a drawback or anything you need to change. There's nothing wrong with needing a lot of alone time, preferring your own company, or just having a few friends. Most importantly you feel comfortable with your personality and accept yourself as you are.

After studying the definition of introvert, the types, characteristics, and myths about introverts, it is hoped that you will understand more, and not isolate yourself. There is nothing wrong if you are an introvert, you can work in certain fields that do not require meeting with many people.