Do you think you are an introverted person? Do you know what the advantages of introversion are? Discover the skills and secrets behind an introverted personality.
There are many qualities of a person who define him/her, but one of the most outstanding is extraversion and introversion. These two personality traits cause people to have different abilities both socially and intellectually. Here we will show you all the characteristics and the most hidden secrets of introverted people according to current psychology.
What is an introvert?
Although many of us can identify ourselves as introverts most of the time our character is a balance between the qualities of an introvert and an extrovert.
When we refer to an introvert in psychology, we are pointing to that person with a personality type that makes him feel more like his inner thoughts and ideas rather than what is going on around him. So much so that introverted people enjoy the solitude or company of one person much more than they do in large groups or crowds.
The first to use the terms introvert and extrovert was Carl Jung in the 1920s. This psychologist determined these positive qualifiers to establish two types of people based on the way they get or spend their energy. While the extroverted get it by being with other people, the introverted seek it in their own minds.
Causes of introversion
Although scientists do not yet know with certainty the causes of an introverted or extroverted personality, the differences at the mental level of these two types of people have been established.
According to different investigations, it has been discovered that introverted people have a greater blood flow towards the frontal lobe. This is the part of the brain where functions are performed to remember things, solve problems, and plan the future.
Besides this characteristic, it has also been determined that the brain of an introvert reacts differently to dopamine than the brains of an extrovert. This substance is involved in pursuing rewards and pleasures. Thus, although the brains of an introvert and an extrovert generate this same chemical, extroverts experience emotion when they receive this reward. When introverts have a lot of dopamine they end up feeling overwhelmed by this sensation.
Types of introverts
As we have already mentioned, people are never completely extroverted or introverted. So much so we can qualify certain degrees of introversion within psychology. In addition, there are cases in which extroversion and introversion occur in a balanced way, these are called ambivalent people. Therefore, an introverted person will have traits of an extroverted person (but in a lesser amount) and vice versa. Thus, four subtypes of introversion are established according to extroverted traits.
Social Introverts
When we refer to introverted people, we rarely think of them as being too sociable. Instead, introverts of this style like small groups and quiet environments in crowds. Therefore they do not avoid socializing even though they dislike being in crowded environments all the time.
Thinkers
These introverted people could be defined as daydreamers. So much so they spend much time in their thoughts and tend to constantly imagine certain creative situations. Thus a reserved person can enter this kind of introversion.
Eager
An introverted person of this style seeks time alone not only because they enjoy it but also because they need it on a psychological level. This happens because they often feel uncomfortable or shy with other people.
Inhibited
This introverted personality usually thinks before acting. In this way, they are much quieter than usual and meditate much on their decisions. For this reason, this type of introverted person takes longer than usual to act.
Each one of these types of introversion can change with time and in different environments. Although introverts can move from one type of introversion to another, they are not likely to become extroverts.
Are introverts shy by nature?
Frequently, an introvert is seen as shy, but these two characteristics of a person do not go hand in hand. Introversion is one quality of a person, whereas shyness is an emotion.
Thus, shy people felt uncomfortable when they are in a social environment. An introverted person does not feel this sensation, he or she simply prefers to be in a quieter environment.
Shyness can cause a person to skip social events because of the negative feelings they experience being in such an environment. In fact, many times this emotion can lead to a psychological problem such as social distress. In these cases, it is vital to have a psychological consultation.
An introverted person will prefer to skip social events, but only because she feels more comfortable in a calmer environment. They do not relate social events to negative thoughts.
Myths about introverts
There are some myths that shake-up introverted people. That introverts get a bad reputation is simply because there is more of a tendency to extraversion than introversion in society. It is for this reason that an introvert can be seen in situations where others prejudge his or her personality.
- They are shy
As we have already seen, shyness is an emotion differentiated from introversion. Although on some occasions introverts can be shy, this is not always the case.
- They create hostility
Introversion does not mean being less or more friendly. One virtue of an introverted person can be sympathy or joy. Therefore, being introverted is not linked with being less or more friendly.
- They cannot be leaders
Although most people think of the qualities of an outgoing person when referring to a leader introverts can also be in this position.
- It is difficult to meet an introvert
Not that it is difficult to meet an introverted person. They prefer deep friendships, but only with a handful of friends.
Despite all the myths about introverts they have qualities that can be an advantage over extroverts.
How do I know if I am an introvert? Qualities of introverted people.
There are some common traits that all introverts share. Knowing whether you are an introvert or an extrovert will help you understand yourself better and learn more about yourself.
- You are exhausted from being with many people
Introverted people feel exhausted after a whole day of interacting with people. Thus, introverts expend energy in social situations, unlike extroverts.
- You enjoy solitude
One of the favorite plans of introverts is to spend some time alone with themselves. Enjoying their hobbies and pastimes is one pleasure in their life.
- You have few friends but very close
Although introverts do not enjoy being continuously socialized, they always have a group of very close friends. In this way, their friendships are characterized by very deep, close, and intimate relationships.
- They define you as hard to know
When most people define you as difficult or complex, you are most likely an introverted person. Despite this though most times introverts are not that difficult to meet.
- You don’t like the hustle and bustle
Introverts feel overwhelmed when there is a lot of activity around them. So much so that according to different studies, introverts are much more distracted than extroverts.
- You are very self-conscious
Since introverts spend a lot of time with themselves, it is normal in these cases they are very aware of their identity. One virtue of an introvert is precisely his self-knowledge.
- They like to learn by watching
An outgoing person will prefer to learn through hands-on experience. In contrast, introverts want to know through observation and reflection.
- Love to work independently
Of course, an introvert will not like jobs that require a lot of social interaction. Therefore, most of them will love to have a job where they can enjoy their independence.
Introversion and Mental Health
People who are introverted are more likely to have mental health problems. The reason is precisely because of the introspection and loneliness that these personalities have, unlike the extroverts. This happens because the more time you spend thinking, the more anchored you are to your own thoughts. So much so that if they are negative, it is very likely that you will end up with anxiety and depression. In addition, an introvert who suffers from high shyness can become antisocial and even develop agoraphobia or social anxiety for fear of bad social experiences. In each of these cases, it is essential to see a psychologist before referring to a major pathology.
Introverts have many qualities that are sometimes not valued in society. Despite this, it is vital to think that the virtues of an introverted person are great for getting to know oneself and enjoying life in every way.
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