what it means to be an introvert

Blog Challenge Day 29

One of the most interesting aspects of personality is introversion versus extroversion. It's also a lot easier to "get" that someone is an introvert or extrovert, than whether they are a "thinker" or a "feeler." At the same time, the issue of introversion vs. extroversion also carries its own misunderstandings.

While we all use both our introverted and extroverted skills, we're hardwired to be more one than the other. "Introverts" merely have a preference for the introverted function, but there is no implication that one preference is "better" than the other. 

I am an introvert, remember :-) (If you're not sure whether you have introverted personality traits, try this test for introversion.) And while I definitely feel like an introvert, some people are surprised to hear this because they think of introverts as being shy/aloof, maybe even awkward. I actually used to be pretty shy, but I don't think I am anymore. I'm definitely an introvert though!

Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Jung -- "the Father of psychological types" -- explained introversion as an "attitude-type" in which a person tends to focus inward, and derive their energy from going within to their own thoughts, rather than from external sources, such as people and events. Our society is predominantly extroverted, however. According to various sources, Introverts account for anywhere from 25-40% of the population...and we tend to regard any majority as "normal" and a minority as "different." So, Introverts are often viewed anywhere from "a bit different" to "defective and antisocial." The terms "loner," "aloof" and "snobbish" are also often used in connection with introverts. Basically, there just seems to be a negative connotation associated with being an introvert.

So today's post is about introversion...explaining what it is and what it isn't. 

I really like this summary:

• Introverts think. We think a lot....Sometimes we like thinking more than talking or socializing. Sometimes we like to think too much. I definitely think a lot. I'm very introspective. I get "lost in thought" all the time. An introvert's personality traits aren't necessarily tentative or hesitant, but introverts do prefer to think before they act. When introverts are ready they take action! I definitely identify with this.
• Introverts can be entertained by their own thoughts. You might think of this as "intertainment". LOL. I like that word.  
• Introverts are not dependent on having other people around to keep themselves amused. You'll rarely hear me say that I'm bored. Some people may find a quiet day/night at home to be unbearable, but I love to spend time like that.  
• Introverts find interaction with other people to be tiring or draining after a period of time. Extroverts generally feel happy and energized around other people and they "wilt" without interaction with other people.
• Introverts usually need time to "recharge" their internal batteries after being around other people. Time alone watching TV, reading a book, listening to music, or otherwise contemplating things in solitude will refresh the introvert.

To clear up a few misconceptions about introverts:

• Introverts do like other people, usually in moderation.  LOL - this seems pretty dramatic (it's not my language).  
• Introverts do have feelings. In many cases they have very powerful feelings, but they may tend to process them in solitude. 
• Introversion is not the same thing as shyness. Shy people are afraid of interacting with other people, probably due to a lack of self-confidence and comfort, but at the same time they crave love and affection. Introverts aren't afraid of interacting with other people and they aren't afraid to speak their mind when needed. As a general tendency, however, introverts tend to prefer small groups. This very much applies to me. Some introverts aren't stereotypically shy and can strike up conversations with anyone. Introverts can find small talk easy but tiring – and sometimes boring. They'd rather have meaningful conversations about the depths of human souls and minds (lol). I like to explain this by using the example of being at a party or social event. You definitely won't find me in the middle of all the action. I'm more likely to be having a conversation with one person or a small group. 
• Introverts are not all alike. Extroverts are not all alike. It's possible to have a mix of introverted and extroverted personality traits. It's possible to have a slight tendency towards one or the other. It's also possible to be strongly oriented toward introversion or extroversion.

Here are some more info points:

• introverts have an inward focus and aren't usually the life of the party
• they have a strong sense of self that can make them feel highly self-conscious around other people – making walking into a crowded room a little nerve-wracking
• introverts have a hard time being goofy in front of the camera and telling jokes to more than a couple of people at a time, but they can be extremely witty. 

But that doesn't mean introverts' personality traits are neurotic.

• introverts process their emotions, thoughts, and observations internally
• they can be social people, but reveal less about themselves than extroverts do
• introverts are more private, and less public
• introverts need time to think before responding to a situation, and develop their ideas by reflecting privately
• introverts' personality traits can be passionate, but not usually aggressive.
• introverts can focus their attention more readily and for longer periods of time, and they aren't easily swayed by other people's opinions.

According to Laney, author of The Introvert Advantage, there are several advantages to being an introvert: 

• work well with others, especially in one-to-one relationships
• maintain long-term friendships
• flexible
• independent
• strong ability to concentrate
• self-reflective
• responsible
• creative, out-of-the-box thinking
• analytical skills that integrate complexity
• studious and smart

Introvert or Extrovert, the best thing you can do is to be yourself! (First you have to know what that self is.) Know your strengths/shortcomings and how these different characteristics may be influenced by your environment. Jung observed and reported that there were significant and troublesome risks associated with falsifying type (not being yourself), including low self-esteem; confusion with respect to the identity of the self and its gifts; fatigue and depression; general health problems; and a lack of synchronicity between a person's life and their chosen direction or career.

I have today off (for those of you keeping track at home, this is going to be a 2-day work week for me. Thursday/Friday, I'm going to interview at one of the schools to which I applied...wish me luck!) so I've been trying *and failin) to be productive...basically I've been reading blogs and watching tv lol. Anyway, Jill Scott's The Way came on VH1 soul, and I had forgotten how much I like this song....so it's today's *big chune*


:-)