I describe myself on this blog as being an "introvert", but what exactly does that mean?
Well, who knows, really. People define introversion (and its opposite, extroversion) many ways.
Some ideas that the average person might tend to associate with introversion are shyness, quietness, lack of confidence, "antisocial", having no friends, social awkwardness, etc. Some people might even associate it with meanness or unfriendliness.
Although some or all of these may be true for some introverts, they certainly do not apply across the board. As a psychology major, the qualities of introversion and extroversion are discussed often- and it seems everyone has there own way to define it. However, I think that the most common and in my opinion, best, definition of it has to do with the way we recharge ourselves.
Extroverts, according to this idea, are energized by spending time with people. They may like being alone for a little while, but will sooner or later need some social interaction to perk them up. Introverts on the other hand, need to be alone to recharge themselves. They can spend an evening at a party and may have even had a lot of fun, but are always secretly glad to get home and spend some time by themselves.
So, answer this for me: Let's say you have had a very stressful week. But on Friday evening, you have no commitments, yay! Which of these would help take your mind off of the bad week you have had?
a. Going to a party or going out with a group of friends, or
b. Staying at home and relaxing or going somewhere by yourself
If you answered b, you are probably an introvert. Welcome to the fold.:)
So you see, although some introverts may be considered shy or may be quiet, they do not have to be. It doesn't mean that you hate people or that you lack confidence in yourself. It is a very misunderstood trait in my opinion. Many people, even psychologists who should know better, see introversion as a misfortune, and it is certainly true that the extroverts tend to be more prized in this culture. Although I know there are certain challenges faced by introverts, I believe that it is a trait that should be valued and respected. By way of this blog, I hope that others will learn to appreciate it like I have.
Well, who knows, really. People define introversion (and its opposite, extroversion) many ways.
Some ideas that the average person might tend to associate with introversion are shyness, quietness, lack of confidence, "antisocial", having no friends, social awkwardness, etc. Some people might even associate it with meanness or unfriendliness.
Although some or all of these may be true for some introverts, they certainly do not apply across the board. As a psychology major, the qualities of introversion and extroversion are discussed often- and it seems everyone has there own way to define it. However, I think that the most common and in my opinion, best, definition of it has to do with the way we recharge ourselves.
Extroverts, according to this idea, are energized by spending time with people. They may like being alone for a little while, but will sooner or later need some social interaction to perk them up. Introverts on the other hand, need to be alone to recharge themselves. They can spend an evening at a party and may have even had a lot of fun, but are always secretly glad to get home and spend some time by themselves.
So, answer this for me: Let's say you have had a very stressful week. But on Friday evening, you have no commitments, yay! Which of these would help take your mind off of the bad week you have had?
a. Going to a party or going out with a group of friends, or
b. Staying at home and relaxing or going somewhere by yourself
If you answered b, you are probably an introvert. Welcome to the fold.:)
So you see, although some introverts may be considered shy or may be quiet, they do not have to be. It doesn't mean that you hate people or that you lack confidence in yourself. It is a very misunderstood trait in my opinion. Many people, even psychologists who should know better, see introversion as a misfortune, and it is certainly true that the extroverts tend to be more prized in this culture. Although I know there are certain challenges faced by introverts, I believe that it is a trait that should be valued and respected. By way of this blog, I hope that others will learn to appreciate it like I have.
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