It’s common for people to confuse being an introvert and simply being shy, but that is just because many haven’t learned the difference. Wondering where you fit? Check out these signs that tell you’re more than just a timid being.
Prefer Deep Conversation
If you become more animated when discussing meaningful topics but can’t stand making small talk, there’s a good chance that you’re introverted. Superficial social exchanges make introverts feel drained and they will often be on the lookout for connections that go beyond the surface.
You Need Solitude to Recharge
Edsel & Iris points out that introversion can’t be simplified into simply being antisocial, ‘it is more of a personality trait characterized by a preference for solitude and a need for a quiet recharge.’ For introverts, spending some time alone is essential for maintaining a positive well-being and will usually leave them feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Small Circle of Friends
Generally, those with fewer friends have deeper connections based on mutual understanding of each other. If you’re an introvert, you probably find it tricky to make new friends because you’re very careful when selecting those that you genuinely feel connected to, but once you’ve found your people, you are set for life.
Enjoying Creative and Thoughtful Activities
You might be considered a lone wolf, usually drawn to solitary activities like drawing, painting, or writing. Activities that involve a lot of deep thinking and thoughtful reflection fulfill you more than those that require you to utilize your physical body, and you gain satisfaction from the process of engaging in a creative project.
Routine Planning and Reflecting
Introverts are most fulfilled and calm when they can organize their routines and daily activities carefully. Rather than living spontaneously, they prefer to plan things in advance so that they have the time to prepare themselves mentally and emotionally. Personal growth is also very important, and they understand that it requires a lot of introspective work.
You Prefer Written Communication
Do you prefer texting and emailing over phone calls? We might just have the reason you’re looking for. Many introverts are better at writing, and as Introvert Dear reports, they tend to favor long-term memory over working memory, the opposite of extroverts, which makes speech a lot more challenging and intimidating.
Tendency to Overthink and Analyze
While it isn’t just a trait of introversion, the natural urge to analyze social interactions and be caught up in your thoughts is something that many introverts face. It comes with both pros and cons, with the tendency to seek multiple perspectives and reflect deeply on possible outcomes, but it can also prolong decision-making.
Overwhelmed by Large Social Groups
Introverts are at their happiest in social settings when they connect deeply with the people around them. While some may try, it’s generally not the easiest thing to do when in a busy setting or a large group. Introverts often feel anxious in certain situations because they are extra sensitive to things like noise and light.
Listening Comes More Naturally Than Speaking
There is value in being the listener surrounded by a flurry of talkers. Introverts are known to form more meaningful connections because they can absorb the information that they hear. They find more comfort in responding rather than initiating conversation, which is why you might have noticed that you gravitate towards those who are more extroverted.
Value Independence
While it is key in relationships that people can depend on each other when needed, introverts tend to keep this to a minimum because they prefer to be self-sufficient. Independence to them tends to be a source of pride and gives them confidence that they can tackle anything that life throws at them on their own.
Drawn to Nature and Quiet Places
Truity suggests that introverts value the outdoors as a safe space because it provides them with alone time, helps with stress relief, and encourages creative thought. While you might enjoy just sitting amongst the natural world, you may also engage in activities such as hiking or bird watching.
You Seek Meaning in All Aspects of Life
Do you find yourself unfulfilled when you are working in a career that does not align with your values or beliefs? If so, you will be able to understand the desires of most introverts. They look for deeper meanings in anything that they do, whether it be connections or hobbies, and are never satisfied when something feels superficial.
You Stay in Your Comfort Zone
Despite popular belief, it is perfectly okay to remain in your comfort zone if that is where you thrive. Introverts put great value on their strict routines and spaces that are familiar to them, often feeling distressed when something gets in the way or must change when it is out of their control.
Not Motivated by External Validation
Because their self-assessment is so thoroughly reflected on, introverts rarely seek the validation of others, and even if they receive it, it’s unlikely to significantly affect their own view of themselves. If this sounds like you, your motivation comes from setting personal goals and enjoying the process of achieving them.
Sensitivity to Your Environment
Introverted beings are not aware of how their surroundings are impacting them, particularly when they are loud, busy, and full of stimuli. This sensitivity can even extend to the emotions and energies that exist in their immediate space, almost as though they are able to absorb and feel them for themselves.
You Value Privacy and Discretion
Keeping your cards close to your chest is never a bad way to live. If you’re introverted, you don’t feel the urge to share details of your personal life openly or with just anyone—there needs to be mutual trust. In friendships, introverts view privacy as a method of creating boundaries and maintaining respect.
You Are Highly Intuitive
As a result of deep reflection practices and empathic nature, introversion has also been linked to strong intuition. Verywell Mind writes that once an INFJ-type introvert has formed an intuition, they ‘tend to stick to it very tightly, often to the point of being single-minded in their focus.’
Detail-Oriented and Methodical
Introverts are excellent at handling tasks. They are renowned for their detail-oriented and precise work in both personal and professional projects. They are not scared by challenges; instead, they enjoy the detailed processes involved.
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