An introvert is a person with qualities of a personality type known as introversion, which means that they feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what's happening externally. They enjoy spending time with just one or two people, rather than large groups or crowds.
Introverts enjoy activities they can do alone or with just a few others. So, it's not surprising that so many introverted, gifted children love to read. They also tend to prefer activities that allow for creative expression, like creative writing, music, and art.
Weaknesses: social anxiety, shyness, navigating a predominantly extroverted world.
Speaking of gestures, pay attention to the little things the introvert does. If an introvert guy likes you, you'll see him do things like opening the door for you, trying to make you laugh, or being quick to help you with something you are struggling with.
Introverts in distress won't always choose solitude, but if their emotional discomfort is caused by anger, they may seek to isolate themselves from everyone else in the house or building. Angry Introverts are in a sensitive state, and they can easily become overstimulated by too much social contact.
Unlike shy people, Introverts are not necessarily bound by fear. If Introverts choose not to speak, it's because they prefer not to rather than because they are afraid. The other side of that coin is that there is nothing basic to their makeup that stops Introverts from talking as much as they like.
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. It is the essence of communication.
Introverts do appreciate being around people with whom they are close. They find engaging in "small talk" tedious, but do enjoy having deep, meaningful conversations. Introverts also tend to think before speaking.
Introverts show their love by making you their go-to person for almost everything. Be it something happy or sad, the first person they want to confide in is you. You are the first person they want to share their feelings with because you probably have a great influence on this person's life and you on theirs.
Introverts get annoyed by small talk. Since conversations require energy, they often prefer conversations that allow them to go deeper in their relationships with other people. Small talk and vapid conversations about the weather and current events can seem tedious, draining, and even annoying.
Individuals with an introverted personality type are also often known to be perfectionists and very self-critical. Such characteristics can leave individuals feeling unsatisfied with themselves and with their lives. It can also lead to stress, mental and physical exhaustion, as well as mental health issues.
Perhaps the toughest part of being an introvert is not so much talking about yourself, but rather wishing you were better at talking about yourself.
Independence. Unique and fiercely independent, introverts are more inclined to let their own inner resources guide them than follow the crowd. We do our best work — and are our happiest — when we have the freedom to explore ideas, spend time alone, and be self-directed and independent.
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.
Most Introverts, and especially Intuitive Introverts, find it really hard to trust people. The main reason is that we have a finite energy for people and need those exhausting interactions to be worth it.
Introverts want a mind-to-mind connection where you share your inner world with them including what makes you tick. You also could try asking your partner questions. Many introverts will share their thoughts and feelings in response to questions rather than volunteering information. So, be patient and ask your partner.
Seek out comfortable people and comfortable places
Introverts prefer to stay in their comfort zones, Dr. Helgoe said, and they also like spending time with “comfortable people,” meaning friends who don't feel compelled to talk the entire time you are together (or expect you to).
Being asked to speak during a meeting, a surprise party or trip, or unexpectedly running into an acquaintance at the store can feel overwhelming to an introvert. Introverts may also experience more stress when they don't have time to decompress or recharge themselves with some alone time.
Unfortunately, introverts don't exactly thrive on talking about themselves, so they often come off as rude upon first meeting them. But the truth is, introverts just get incredibly nervous meeting new people, and don't exactly know what to say at all times.
Being an introvert doesn't affect how friendly you may be. Some people may think that introverts are unfriendly because they don't tend to have large groups of friends, and they may reflect on situations quietly rather than joining in on conversations at gatherings.