In a nutshell, an Introverted personality type is someone who tends to feel more energized and relaxed from spending time on their own. While an Extravert might be invigorated by a big party or a crowded festival, Introverts often find these situations draining, even if they like them.
One telltale sign of an introvert is someone who prefers alone time, or at least the company of a small, close-knit circle, over a large group activity. They may also prefer to hang out with people one-on-one than in groups in general, and they need ample alone time to feel "recharged."
But, according to psychiatrist Carl Jung, who introduced the terms into psychology, there's actually no such thing as a pure introvert or extrovert. "Such a person would be in the lunatic asylum," he famously said. Most people are ambiverts, he said: extrovert-introvert hybrids.
It seems Extraverts rule in modern society, but academic studies suggest that anywhere between 30 and 50 percent of the population is Introverted. So even if you feel alone sometimes, you are not. Introversion is as normal and as common as Extraversion.
The truth is that most of us are Ambiverts, which means that we have some features of extroverts and some of introverts. And almost everyone would agree to that. Carl Jung, who came up with these terms, himself said that nobody can be a 100% extrovert or 100% introvert.
Introversion isn't totally genetic. It gets influenced by your environment at a young age, and our genes allow a certain amount of flexibility in response. This happens through “set points,” which are the upper and lower limits of how much extroversion your brain can handle.
Those landing on the extreme side of the spectrum of introversion have traits that make others think something is wrong with them. For example, locking themselves away for extended periods, avoiding almost all social interactions, and doing practically everything by themselves.
Being an introvert is naturally attractive because others can trust them with their secrets and vulnerabilities. The type of confidence people have in introverts makes them stand out from the crowd.
Introversion is considered a temperament — a general way of approaching the world — so for the vast majority of people, it won't change dramatically over time. Once an introvert, always an introvert. In fact, research shows that most people get more introverted as they get older.
Introverts are loyal and devoted friends.
People are attracted to loyal and devoted people. While introverts may not always realize it, this is a trait most people find attractive in them. Their loyalty isn't just attractive to the recipients of that devotion, but to anyone who observes them.
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.
According to relationship therapist Tracy Ross, LCSW, introvert-extrovert relationships are pretty common, and that might be in light of humans craving balance. “Introverts and extroverts are attracted to each other because of the differences,” says Ross.
To summarize, we can think of each of these concepts as follows: Shy: Fear of negative evaluation, a tendency toward avoidance. Outgoing: Tendency to approach others, no fear of being around other people. Introvert: Becomes easily overstimulated, needs time alone to regain energy after spending time with people.
“Most introverts need to think first and talk later.” When it comes to sex, this means that introverts are observing and dissecting everything that's going on, which is just as tiring as the physical act itself.
If you are in love with an introvert, here are things you should keep in mind. If you are looking for a long-term relationship, an introvert can be a good choice as they make for loyal and loving partners according to relationship experts. They may not be conversation-starters, but they may have the best things to say.
They actually don't flirt
Depending on their level of confidence, they'll be talking to you about things you like to talk about and hoping that perhaps you will put them out of their misery and just notice how much effort they are putting into it.
ISFJ. ISFJ's are quiet, conscientious, and kind.
Weaknesses: social anxiety, shyness, navigating a predominantly extroverted world.
There's not just one way to be an introvert, Cheek now argues — rather, there are four shades of introversion: social, thinking, anxious, and restrained. And many introverts are a mix of all four types, rather than demonstrating one type over the others.
Yes, emotional trauma can cause a person to become a lot more introverted.
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.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Research in Personality found that people can't really change their personality. The researchers suggest that even if you, for example, adopt some extroverted behaviors, you'll fall back on your original introverted ways when you are exhausted, tired, stressed, or anxious.