Hi everyone. Today in my contribution to the #AtoZChallenge, I want to talk about introversion. This, like being a highly sensitive person, is another trait that’s often described in a positive, special-sounding way by those who identify with it and as a negative trait by those who don’t. Of course, as with most traits, introversion vs. extraversion is a continuum with most people not being at either extreme.
So what is introversion? The concept was originally brought into the public’s awareness by Carl Jung. According to Jung, introverts’ main source of energy comes from within rather than from the external world. For example, introverts get energized when alone and get overloaded when having to interact in a group.
It is not, as such, the same as shyness or social anxiety. Introverts, after all, do not necessarily fear interacting with others; it simply drains their energy.
Introversion is also not the same as loneliness. In fact, introverts need considerable time alone in order to recharge. I think many introverts actually feel more alone when surrounded by a large group of people than when they’re spending time in solitude.
Like I said, most people are neither explicitly introverted nor explicitly extraverted. For example, I for one get overstimulated in a group, but also don’t do well when alone for a long time. Like I said when discussing the Enneagram, my instinctual variant is one-to-one. That being said, preferring one-to-one interactions over group chatter is also a sign of introversion.
In other respects, I’m not really an introvert. This, once again, however relates to the positive traits of being an introvert. For example, introverts prefer to have one or two truly close friends rather than a large circle of acquaintances. While this is true for me, it’s not like I form deep connections easily.
Most societies in the developed world tend to value their more extraverted members. In this sense, it is understandable that introverts want to know how to deal with the world around them, a world that doesn’t primarily cater to them. For this reason, as with HSPs, there are many self-help books focused on introverts. There is also some overlap between being an introvert and being a highly sensitive person.
A Multitude of Musings 
I usually use Jung’s ideas when talking about introversion. I definitely get worn out by a lot of social interaction, but know others who are energized by them.
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Ah yes, I see. I know many people who get energized by bubbly social events too.
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I think of myself as a highly sensitive introvert, but I haven’t read much about it and none of the scientific stuff. I’ve also never tried to self help myself to me different.
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That makes total sense. For what it’s worth, being an introvert or HSP isn’t a bad thing and if you’re functioning to your satisfaction in society, why do self-help stuff?
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I don’t think it’s hard to identify if you’re introverted. Our society, sigh. There really is need for more than extroverts.
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Agree about society needing introverts too indeed.
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I am definitely not an intrevert! I enjoy being in the company of others. X
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Thanks for sharing. I think you’re indeed quite extraverted.
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I’m definitely an introvert. As my mom always said, “It takes all kinds to make a world.”
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Thanks so much for sharing your Mom’s wisdom.
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You’re very welcome.
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I recently read a book called The Personality Brokers, about the Myers-Briggs test. It talked a lot about how the concept of introversion/extroversion changed over the years. Interesting post!
<a href=”http://multicoloreddiary.blogspot.com“>The Multicolored Diary</a>
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Thanks so much for sharing about that book. I’ll check it out.
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I am an introvert married to an extravert. While I really do prefer to be alone or just with him, he needs the crowds. And yet, we work and have for 53 years.
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I’m so glad you and your partner have made your marriage work despite your differences. Thanks for commenting.
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I have never looked too far into it but I have always considered myself an introvert. And it really doesn’t bother me, it is just who I am. Thanks for the info!
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Thanks for stopping by. Of course, labels like this don’t always make it easier and if you are content the way you are, that is the important thing.
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You’re welcome.
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