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.
Thinking better when you're alone, not initiating small talk, and even wearing headphones in public can all be signs of introversion. Introverts are less likely to make social gaffes or get bored when they're alone, but they can be mistaken for being aloof or snobbish.
INTPs and INTJs are typically seen as the most introverted types. They both enjoy reflecting on their own thoughts and ideas. It's important for them to have time and space away from others in order to truly engage with their inner world.
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.
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.
Sometimes referred to as the "Advocate" or the "Idealist," people with this personality type often feel misunderstood. Perhaps it's because INFJ is the rarest MBTI personality type, making up only 1% to 3% of the U.S. population.1 Or maybe it's because they're walking, talking contradictions.
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.
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.
Even though introverts are everywhere, and even though so much information on the personality type is out there, there are people who still look at introverts suspiciously. Being an extreme introvert isn't a weakness or a disorder. Remember that people don't need to accept you.
In fact, more than 75 percent of people with an IQ above 160 are introverted.
INTP. According to Comen, both INTJs and INTPs are among the smartest, adding that thinking is actually "the primary life goal" for INTPs, as opposed to the key tool. These people are most likely to be engineers and mathematicians, Robledo says.
Weaknesses: social anxiety, shyness, navigating a predominantly extroverted world.
Introverts tend to experience more anticipatory anxiety and anxiety disorders than extroverts. Anxiety typically means your stress response is constantly activated, even if there's no clear cause for it.
First and foremost, introverts seek out and enjoy opportunities for reflection and solitude; they think better by themselves. They are drained by too much social interaction and are the first to leave a party. Even as children, they prefer to observe first and act later.
Introverts tend to prefer deep and meaningful relationships over a large social circle. Being an introvert, you know only too well how to spend time alone. But it's also important to have social interaction—it might just look a little different to someone who's an extrovert.
While autism and introversion share some similarities, it's important to remember that they are two very different things. Not everyone who is introverted is autistic, and not everyone who is autistic is introverted.
Because they're quiet by nature, introverts are “natural-born listeners,” writes Kahnweiler. They tend to carefully take in all information and opinions, and only after digesting it, offer a thoughtful answer.
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.
Introverts enjoy spending time in nature as it makes them feel more grounded and at peace. Being surrounded by the smell of rain feels like a piece of nature is with them inside the comfort of their own home. This sense of being grounded is important, as many superficial conversations can remove this feeling for them.
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.
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.
Introverts and extroverts are often viewed in terms of two extreme opposites, but the truth is that most people lie somewhere in the middle. While introverts make up an estimated 25% to 40% of the population, there are still many misconceptions about this personality type.