Words Sadnan Sattar | Photo RF Studio
There are mainly two theories that play vital roles in order to identify the personality type of a human being – the introvert and the extrovert theory. People showcase different kinds of characteristics that define whether they are introverts or extroverts. The term ‘introversion’, was made familiar by Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung. Carl Jung suggested that an introverted person’s interest is naturally directed inward toward his own feelings and thoughts. Introverted people are often known as quiet, thoughtful and reflective. They usually turn away from the limelight and known to not seek special attention on any occasion. Introversion is such an attribute that is predominantly focused on internal feelings rather than on external sources.
Personality Traits of an Introvert
Few characteristics are commonly seen in introverted people.
1. Working Alone: An introvert prefers to work solely most of the time rather than working in a group. This segregation enables the introverts to work more attentively and passionately while getting the best outcome. Moreover, working alone allows them to produce a stupendous quality of work and focus on their work sharply. They navigate the tasks they have in their hands rather than focusing on other social aspects of working in a group setting.
2. Prefer writing and listening over talking:Introverts are always more comfortable and relaxed writing their opinion rather than describing them verbally. They prefer to think alone and write their thoughts rather than sharing with others. They do not like to gossip and have conversations whenever they are in a crowded place. Though they do not talk much, they start talking when it is necessary to do so. They listen to conversations, remain silent and observe everything closely.
3. Maintaining a close circle of friends: Introverts do not make a lot of friends like their extroverted counterparts. Introverts always give preference to high-quality, deep and meaningful relationships rather than making a lot of friends. They enjoy talking to fewer people and getting to know them very willingly instead of having large circle of friends. Their aim is to pass quality time with their closed ones in place of making friendships on a larger scale.
4. Spending Alone Time: Introverts feel more encouraged by spending their time on their own. In this circumstance, introverts can accelerate both their personal and professional growth by having fun, spending time and resting in their own comfort zones. After taking part in social gatherings or parties, introverted people need to spend a period of time alone in order to energize themselves. This time span of solitude is pivotal for an introverted person to maintain happiness in his/her life and to increase creative thinking to the fullest.
5. Self-Aware: Introverted individuals often feel that they have a very good understanding and knowledge about themselves, their motivations and feelings. They tend to relish by thinking and examining activities in their own minds. They like to spare a considerable amount of time in order to learn more and gain deep knowledge about themselves as they take self-awareness seriously. Furthermore, they spend time exploring their favorite hobbies, thinking about their lives and reading books that are significant to them.
6. Drained by Social Correspondence: Unlike extroverts, introverts always try to avoid social interactions and social anxiety is what they fear. They get exhausted after attending social gatherings and replaying all the activities they had done there and expanding energy in social situations. After interacting with others, introverts need to recharge and retreat to a quiet place for an ample amount of time.
Other traits and characters introverts possess:
· Learn by watching
· Self-understanding
· Prefer to work independently
· Too much exaggeration makes them uncomfortable and distracted
· Reflect before making decisions
· Enjoy one-on-one conversations
· Sociable with people they know closely
Conversation with an Introvert
We had an anonymous interview with an introvert. For the sake of this article, let’s call him Fred.
Fred pointed out some of his personal opinions regarding this issue. He said that he had been an introvert since childhood. He did not speak much as a young student in school and university. Moreover, he stated that he likes to spend time alone at his home rather than participating in family occasions. He does not feel good talking to a large group of people, if it is not necessary. However, he loves to engage in deep conversations with his close friends and raise his points when it is really important to do so.
“I always listen to what others say and if anyone wants to hear my opinion, only then I comment on that specific topic”, he added. “I prefer 2 or 3 people around who are really close to me to spend quality time. I always try to remain silent and observe everything closely and silently rather than talking. Talking much without any concrete reason isn’t my cup of tea”, he answered in response to the question about how he deals with himself in public gatherings.
Misconceptions
Many people have misconceptions about introverts. Most time, introverted people are categorized as being shy, mousy, arrogant, selfish and the list goes on. However, it is important to note that introversion does not necessarily compare with shyness or arrogance. Introverts desire to be with the people they are close to and they enjoy engaging in deep and meaningful conversations. Many introverts do socialize with others easily and confidently, however, they like to do so preferably in a small group setting or familiar surroundings. Given the circumstances above, introverts are being portrayed as if they are suffering from social anxiety disorder or avoidant personality disorder and they are highly negatively judged by others.
In Conclusion
Extroversion and introversion have been the two topics of psychological theories for decades. Psychologists have been studying and researching these two subjects widely to explain and measure personality. These two classifications have important consequences for our well-being and behavior according to studies. Introverts can be classified into different categories with diversified characteristics. After a lot of research, it is evident that there are plenty of introverts who are socially self-contained and there are many introverts who prefer socializing and prefer to be socially interactive as well. It is important to acknowledge the valuable traits that introverts possess.
REFERENCES:
Ø https://time.com/5373403/surprising-benefits-introvert/
Ø https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-you-are-an-introvert-2795427
Ø https://www.healthline.com/health/youre-doing-alright-introvertism
Ø https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/introversion
Ø https://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-like-to-be-an-introvert-and-what-everyone-gets-wrong-2018-5
Ø https://positivepsychology.com/introversion-extroversion-spectrum/
