There's a lot of misinformation about what introverts and extroverts are; in a nutshell: introverts are more energised by solitary activities and extroverts find their energy by interacting with others. It's obviously a sliding scale because no one is 100% one way or the other and I personally would probably say I'm only about 55% introverted (i.e. an ambivert with a mild preference!) After watching a TED Talk on the Power of Introverts I thought I'd share the positives, given that it's sometimes portrayed as a negative or a hindrance! I feel the world needs a mixture of different kinds of people so we should appreciate what introverts bring to the table too.
1. Introversion isn't shyness - if we're talking to you it's because we want to
This is the most annoying misconception! Most of us are perfectly happy to talk, but you might have to make the first move. We just aren't always energised by socialising in itself so may not seek it out with new people or in certain situations. Shyness is being afraid of or embarrassed about social interaction, so there's a big difference (i.e. not the kid eating alone because they're scared to talk to the other kids, the one who's sat on their own because they want to read their book). You may have an introverted close friend that you wouldn't even know was an introvert because they're so open around you. That's probably because you guys have so many quality interactions. I like to think of it as being selective but if an introvert is chatting away with you; you can be sure it's because they want to be there!
2. We're very independent
As we don't need lots of social interaction, we are quite happy to do our own thing a lot of the time. Because we spend a lot of time thinking and reflecting before we voice our opinions, they often aren't unduly influenced by others.
3. We're good listeners and don't talk over people
I'm not sure if most extraverts feel this way but one of my extraverted colleagues once told me 'I can talk and listen at the same time!' However to me and probably most other introverts; we like to listen to what people are saying before we offer our opinion so will let you finish having your say before jumping in. Likewise, because we tend to be quite reflective, we're happy to let you do the talking when you need to share something.
4. We tend to think through before making a decision
Again, the reflective nature of introverts mean that we rarely make rash or impulsive decisions. We will usually think long and hard before deciding on something important.
5. We can create a calm working environment
Because we don't crave social interaction as much as extroverts, we're happy to work independently before reporting back to the group or to stay pretty quiet and focussed before having a chat whilst making the tea. This can make working with us a nice, calm experience in a world where so many corporate cultures revolve around who can shout the loudest!
6. Our conversations and friendships may be fewer but they're usually meaningful
Most introverts would rather have quiet than small talk that will never lead to anything more meaningful. However if we can get a good conversation going, you'll find we totally open up to you. We often aren't great at chatting to the taxi driver or making friends of convenience but the friendships we develop are deep and will often last a lifetime. We just prefer smaller groups or talking with people one-on-one.
7. We don't feel the need to fill a natural silence
Introverts often don't see a natural lull in conversation as something that should immediately be filled. Sometimes people seem to talk for the sake of it, however introverts generally won't drag out a conversation when its reached a natural end.
8. We're often creative
Not that all introverts are creative or that all extroverts aren't, however time alone, reflecting on what you've seen and experienced means that introverts are often creative. We're also likely to thrive on creative activities like writing, art and photography.
9. We thrive in smaller groups
A lot of introverts actually really enjoy socialising, we just prefer smaller groups. So when we suggest a few of us go the the pub after work and you invite like 10 more people; that's not ideal! There's something about being in a small group that, even if it's unfamiliar, makes us want to open up more.
10. We're in good company
Well-known figures who are apparently introverts include: Bill Gates, Rosa Parks, Michael Jordan, Albert Einstein, Barack Obama, J.K. Rowling, Mahatma Ghandi, Marissa Mayer, William Shakespeare, Nelson Mandela, Isaac Newton, Meryl Streep, J.R.R. Tolkien, Martin Luther King Jr., Steven Spielburg, Mark Zuckerberg and I'm sure many more. So don't see it as a barrier to you going on to do great things!
It's very true that introverts aren't necessarily shy. I think i use to feel nervous and a bit shy that I'd be awkward but now that doesn't phase me. I just think us introverts don't strive to be in constant presence of others and socialising. I find it so draining and i don't know how some people go every single day out and about socialising. In a perfect world I'd like every other day to just relax and enjoy some peace and quiet but too much of that does leave me restless. It will never be perfectly spaced out. I either have too much socialisation or none but i definitely need alone time to quiet and recharge.
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
Yeah I definitely appreciate a balance and would rather just unwind on my own than have a meaningless interaction with someone for the sake of it! xx
DeleteI am definitely an introvert but I bloody love it! Not gonna lie, I can go wild with my besties and dance around the living room and talk with my partner all day long, hehe :), but I also loveeee sitting down on my own with a dreamy hot drink and a plethora of blog posts to read :) Xx
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I loved this, Jasmine! When I was younger, I always received comments about me being quiet. I was nicknamed Mouse! So always hated this common misconception that if you're quiet, there's something wrong with you. I'm definitely one for small groups. I think over time, more and more companies are realising the true value of introverts and how it's not always about having the loudest voice to progress. Xx
ReplyDeletesheergloss
I hope so! xx
DeleteI loved this post! My most 'introverted' habit is hiding away if I've had a bad day - not particularly healthy, but I find I just can't talk about it! I'm also a huge fan of cosying up with a good book!
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I'm an introvert and , like you said, I love solitary activities and being independent. I also really don't like large groups, have no problem staying home and watching a movie over going out and partying. This is often really hard for my boyfriend to understand because he's an extravert. Whenever I say that I'd rather stay home than go out, or I don't immediately pip into conversations with his friends, he just gets quite confused and assumes something happened. I think I've said "no honey I'm just an introvert" at least a thousand times!
ReplyDeletexx Dany | The Queens Empire
Interesting and insightful post and definitely food for thought... being quite a chatty, social and bubbly person, I always thought I was more of an extrovert. The older I get though, the more I prefer my own company, although this might have more to do with the realisation that a large majority of people these days are self-centered...
ReplyDelete– Lubna | The Digital Review
It's funny how we can adapt and flip between the two and how our preferences grow and change over time xx
DeleteI'm an introvert and I can relate to so many of these points - great post! x
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I'm an introvert also, loved reading this Jasmine I can relate to so much!
ReplyDeleteJenny x
www.borntoblend.co.uk
I'm definitely in that shy/introvert overlap! I've been shy since I was a child and have found it hard to grow out of. In work situations I can 'turn it off' so to speak but I'll feel very awkward easily in social situations, especially if I've introduced myself and been ignored (which has happened quite a few times!). Great points about introversion - have you read Susan Cain's book "Quiet"? It's the basis of her Ted Talk I think.
ReplyDeleteLexie
nailgirl.net
It's been on my 'to-read' list for a while - I'll get round to it eventually! xx
DeleteI'd definitely say I'm an introvert. I couldn't tell you how many times I've chosen to stay home and read instead of going out. But being in my own space allows me so much time to reflect and, like you said, be creative! :)
ReplyDeleteSara | www.saraspoke.com
Love this post. I would consider myself an introvert for sure...and you're right, its very often misinterpreted for shyness and a lack of interaction with the world lol! Sadly point number 4 and me haven't found a working relationship...yet!!! xxx
ReplyDeleteSal | UmmBaby Beauty
Haha we are definitely not immune to making some ropey decisions! xx
Deletei am definitely an introvert and proud of being one even though most of the time people think is shyness!!
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Cate ღ 35mm in Style
I can relate to this in huge amounts, I love being an introvert! I love my own company and I feel like I couldn't function if I didn't take a bit of time by myself on the daily. X
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I've become an introvert as I've gotten older, I appreciate my own company more and love to keep my friendship circle small and specific. Since I've been blogging I find that I've been enjoying my own company more and more, but I also going to events and socializing with other people, as it's not a regular occurrence.
ReplyDeleteAlicia x
Aesthetic Obsessed
I totally know what you mean - quality beats quantity every time xx
DeleteI love this! I am always so quiet but as soon as I feel comfortable with someone or a situation then I'm completely different!
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In love with this post!
ReplyDeleteParie x
Class and Glitter
I'm definitely an introvert & can totally stand by all these points! Loved reading this one, Jasmine :)
ReplyDeleteNicole | The Glam Surge
Love this post! Whether your an introvert or not, we should be proud of who we are!
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I loved this post, Jasmine! I definitely an introvert. Its annoying because everybody thinks I'm shy, when actually talking about the weather just doesn't interest me haha! I love that I can sit in my own company and have a friend that really struggles with it xx
ReplyDeleteLPage Beauty
I feel exactly the same! xx
DeleteLoved this post, it's so true!
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This post is so accurate! Being an introvert myself, I recognised my own character in all of these. The ones about being independent and the enjoyment of natural silence are particularly true - I actually really like moments of silence in a conversation, where you just appreciate being with the person no matter if there is nothing special to say. It doesn't make it less interesting or worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post Jasmine :D
Julia x
Last post: Up the Hill of Montmartre, Paris | http://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/exploring-paris-up-hill-of-montmartre.html
Yeah - I know I'm with a true friend when we can just be in each other's presence without feeling the need to constantly talk :) xx
DeleteHaha yes love this! Especially that last one of being in good company :D
ReplyDeletexx Sofia | SOFIAADOT
Reading this made me even more confident that I'm an introvert, and I'm 100% ok with that!
ReplyDelete{ Katie Actually }
Thank you for your comments, they were so insightful :) xx
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love this. Many people see it as such a negative trait, but there is no one more loyal, caring, generous, emotionally invested and true than an introvert!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Lisa x
https://goldenglowww.blogspot.co.uk
Love reading this. Especially as I'm an extrovert. I was just reading it like nope I'm not like that haha. Btw where did you get your candle from in your picture?!
ReplyDeleteJasmine x
www.jasminesimone.co.uk
It's from Kiss Air Candles :) xx
DeleteAww the last point!! I agree with you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCaterina | www.caterinasosso.com