Explaining Introverts

Extroverts.

We all know a few. It seems that the world is full of them. You might even be one.

They’re the life of the party and get their energy from being out and around other people. There are people who thrive in social settings.

And then there are the few notorious for being quiet. The one’s who would rather stay home under a cozy blanket binge watching their favorite show.

They are the introverts.

Introverts are often labeled as shy, but are they really? Maybe its time we do some rethinking because there is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to introverts.

They are unique individuals and there’s more than one type. When I was going through these to see what kind of introvert I resonated with the most, I found myself in every one of these but I was especially drawn to the thinking introvert.

Don’t be surprised or conflicted if you resonate with more than one type.

The Social Introvert

This is the type of introvert who prefers a quiet and calm atmosphere. They’d much rather engage in small gatherings such as with family or a few close friends. They will avoid large crowds and noisy places at all costs unless absolutely necessary. While quiet, with the right people, in the right situation, they can offer meaningful engagement to the conversation.

How I relate:

I can relate to this type of introvert because while I prefer spending solitude and time to myself, I do enjoy spending time with family and close friends from time to time. When I do socialize with others, I am most comfortable doing so with a few close friends and can even become more outgoing when I’m with them.

The Thinking Introvert

These are the daydreamers. The one’s whose sole focus is on their wildest imaginations. Maybe it can’t be denied that they are the one’s with the ideas that helped change the world.

These introverts are more introspective because they have more of a focus on their inner thoughts and feelings rather than what’s going on in the world around them.

How I relate:

If there is one kind of introvert I am, it’s this kind. Without a doubt! My mind is always occupied and wandering lost in the clouds somewhere. I daydream about the latest story idea as well as the mysteries of the universe.

The Restrained Introvert

This type of introverts has a cautious personality. They think first before they speak. This means that they’re also more introspective. Since they tend to think before they speak, it might take a while for this kind of introvert to feel comfortable talking to other people. Because of their cautious and introspective personality, they favor routine and avoid spontaneous events like last minute invitations to hang out.

How I relate:

I’m someone who has a tendency to think first before I speak. When I’m with a group of friends or any other social gathering, I’m usually the last to speak. Moments of awkward silence will likely go by before I think of something to say! 😅

Oh! And while I enjoy being a little spontaneous from time to time, I do not like random spontaneous invites! Give me at least a few days notice!

The Anxious Introvert

This type of introvert feels nervous and self conscious in social gatherings even in a small group with people they know and trust. Overthinking what to say, they might have a difficult time initiating or adding to conversation.

These are the introverts that make us mistake and misunderstand introverts as being shy.

How I relate:

Previously I stated that I think before I speak around others. Well, I also do a lot of overthinking!

“Should I say that? No, that just sounds dumb.”

“Oh wow. I really shouldn’t have said that. I’ll be thinking about this for years!”

And I can’t tell you how difficult of a time it is for me to initiate conversation!

Are you an introvert? Which type resonated with you? I know without doubt or any shame that I am.

I hope someone out there found my experiences relatable. We are unique individuals just surviving in an introvert’s world!