If you're an introvert, you likely possess emotional intelligence skills that your more gregarious counterparts secretly admire, and rightly so. Introverts are often misread as people who wish they could change. But that's not so!
Here's the easiest question to begin telling if you have a high EQ: Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introverts tend to be less emotionally intelligent — not because we're stunted in some way, but because we usually prefer to spend time with ourselves than with other people.
An introvert typically does not express emotions and feelings freely. In fact, it is draining for them to do so. Self-expression allows others to understand what we are thinking and feeling.
High Emotional Intelligence. Contrary to popular belief, many people will assume that an extroverted individual will have higher EQ than an introvert. But what most people miss out is this — they are mutually exclusive.
However, our research at Bandelli & Associates has found that introverts often possess greater levels of Relational Intelligence than extroverts do. Relationally intelligent introverts are often highly self-aware, observant, and are excellent listeners.
ISFJ. ISFJ's are quiet, conscientious, and kind. They are responsible in nature and are committed to meeting their obligations. They have a tendency to put the needs of others above their own.
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.
The finding of the study showed that introvert, intuition, feeling and judging (INFJ) personality type were more emotionally intelligent than the extrovert, sensing, thinking and perceiving (ESTP) personality type.
Introverts tend to be more prone to overthinking than extroverts, but it's possible for anyone to fall into this trap. Being an introvert means you have a tendency towards self-reflection that can take its toll if you're not careful.
The brains of introverts look and react differently than the brains of extroverts. The key differences: The prefrontal cortex. Introverts have a thicker prefrontal cortex than extroverts, which means they have more tissue in the area of the brain associated with deep thought and decision-making.
Introverts are looked down upon for lack of good 'communication skills'. Right from an early age, introverts have to compete very hard with peers, who seem to have no problem in public or interpersonal speaking. What seems to be effortless for peers is actually the most difficult task for an introverted child.
When Introverts become angry, they tend to hold everything inside, hiding their anger from others and even from themselves. Or at least this is what most people think. In fact, this idea is more myth than reality. When Introverts become angry, they may try to repress their feelings.
Introverts draw their energy from their internal world of thoughts and emotions. This is why, unlike extroverts, introverts can be easily overstimulated by the external world. Social experiences can leave them feeling drained. A less stimulating environment, such as home, help introverts restore their energy.
As introverts are thinking, they reach back into long-term memory to locate information. An introvert will often compare old and new experiences when making a decision, which slows the processing down but leads to carefully thought-out decisions.
"Introverts are deep thinkers, meaning they need to focus on what they're doing to produce good results. They like to put their headphones on and get in the zone," explains Shriar. "One big mistake that people make with introverts is that they're shy. It's not that they're shy, it's that they're thinkers.
While introverts are generally likely to report lower levels of happiness than extroverts, this does not mean that introverts are unhappy. Ultimately, it's important to note the happiness benefits of both introverted and extroverted behavior, no matter where you fall on the spectrum.
“Being an introvert is actually a strength because they do take that time to process and filter their responses,” says Owens. “And they tend to be better active listeners and strategic thinkers.”
Mental health issues are more common among introverts because it is hard to find completely isolated environments, according to Dr. Rice. Introverts often feel things deeply, and without proper settings for self-care, this can lead to mental health issues.
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.
Difficulty in regulating emotions can be a symptom of a mental health problem. You may be experiencing depression, social anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. If you develop social anxiety because of low EQ, you become stressed out about social interactions.
As might be expected, the Extraverted (E) and Introverted (I) traits make a difference when it comes to where and when people cry. While most survey respondents, regardless of personality traits, say they prefer to cry when they're alone, Introverts are more likely than Extraverts to say so.
INTJs are also known for their low EQ and unwillingness to engage the emotions—their own or others. Preferring to conceptualize the world on a logical, rational basis, they tend to have little patience for emotional concerns.
Not only is Einstein one of the most famous scientists in history, but he was also a known introvert. Leaning into his introverted nature, Einstein believed that his creativity and success came from keeping to himself. He said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”
In fact, more than 75 percent of people with an IQ above 160 are introverted.
Intelligent people seek solitude, especially when they have work and other important things to do. They also seek it when they just want to enjoy time alone with themselves. They're able to survive in this world alone and are perfectly happy because their happiness lies within themselves.