The 4 Types of Introverts

Love and support you’ve given us, which enables us to take yet another walk down 

everyday psychology lane! So, let’s begin! What comes to your mind when you hear 

the word: “introvert”? Is it that shy wallflower daydreaming in the social gathering? 

Or the quiet kid who rarely spoke up in class? But wait! Did you know there is much more that 

describes an introvert than just their socialising frequency. Or lack thereof! There are even 

different types of introverts! Who knew, right! By definition, introverts need time by 

themselves to recharge and avoid becoming emotionally drained. But according to research 

by a psychology professor at Wellesley College, there are four different types of 

introverts. These types take into account the varied personalities of introverts 

and acknowledge that introversion is a spectrum. With that being said, here 

are the 4 types of introverts: One, Social Introvert A social introvert? Yes, you heard that right! 

Social introverts are both the most outgoing and the most private of the four types. They don’t 

feel shy or anxious in social settings and may even enjoy them, but they feel emotionally 

drained if they stay out for too long. While social introverts like spending time 

alone, they still want a few close friends they can depend on, and they tend to be the most 

social when they’re among this group of friends. Someone who doesn’t know them might even 

assume they are an extrovert if they meet them when they are hanging out with their close 

friends. But social introverts won’t share much about themselves to anyone 

other than their closest friends. Two, Thinking Introvert Here you can conjure the image of the daydreaming 

wallflower. Thinking introverts also don’t mind socializing, but they rarely do so because they 

are lost in their own little world. They often find themselves daydreaming and may seem aloof 

to those who don’t know them. Thinking introverts are also very introspective and therefore more in 

tune with their feelings than the average person. Other people may have a hard time 

connecting with thinking introverts because they have a unique thought process 

and prefer to experience their thoughts rather than taking the time and 

energy to explain them to others. Three, Anxious Introvert Do you know of someone who might replay social 

encounters in their head and think about what they said or did and what they could’ve done 

differently. Perhaps a better label for the anxious introvert is the shy introvert, to 

differentiate anxious introversion from anxiety disorders. Anxious introverts crave solitude 

even when they are with their close friends. They are extremely uncomfortable in new or large 

social situations and analyze, or ruminate, on their behavior whenever they are in public.

But it is important to look out for social anxiety disorder and not have the two mixed. 

In extreme cases, this aversion to social situations may develop into social anxiety. 

Although any personality type (introverts, extroverts, or ambiverts) can experience 

social anxiety or other anxiety disorders, but if you avoid necessary social situations 

because you have strong physical reactions such as shaking, increased heart 

rate, or nausea during them,it is a sign of social anxiety and not shyness 

and requires professional attention. Four, Restrained Introvert Now this is your introvert-next-door kind of type. 

They get uncomfortable if they feel rushed into situations, especially social ones. Restrained 

introverts are reserved, thoughtful and don’t like change.They will go out if they’ve planned 

for it far enough in advance, but they would rather be relaxing by themselves: bingeing their 

favorite shows, reading, or doing yoga. Restrained introverts find comfort in their routine and may 

also find it difficult to get their mind and body moving right after they wake up. They thrive in 

their routine and appreciate ample forewarning. If you think you are an introvert but 

didn't relate to any of these four types, you may be an ambivert or closer to the 

extrovert side of the personality spectrum. Learning more about your personality type 

helps you communicate your needs to people with different personality types,and 

strengthens interpersonal relationships. Did you find this insightful? Will you now be able 

to tell the different types apart? Can you think of any other types? If you’re an introvert, 

which of these four types did you relate to? Share this with an introvert you 

know to find out what type they are!