Introverts are stereotypically viewed as the shy, less assertive counterpart to the boisterous, personable extroverts of the world. However, being quieter and more reserved does not necessarily make you less of a quality friend or colleague. In fact, introverted personalities often have a number of hidden talents that truly benefit friendships, classrooms, and businesses. While the introvert may not be a social butterfly, lots of people find great value in spending time with this type of individual, as they often complement more energetic teams well and balance out an organization’s energy.
In this article, we will address a number of misconceptions about introverts and identify common personality traits they share. To gain deeper insight into your own personality tendencies, consider taking the HIGH5 strengths assessment. This science-backed tool provides a comprehensive analysis of your unique strengths, helping you understand and embrace your introversion as a powerful asset. By identifying your key strengths, you can learn to leverage them in personal and professional settings, maximizing your potential as an introvert.
Who are introverts?
Introverts are individuals who tend to be referred to as “quiet types.” They usually feel more comfortable alone with their own thoughts and emotions as opposed to sharing their ideas and feelings with others.
Introverts get their energy from within themselves, not from outside sources. Their circle of friends tends to be smaller but more tight-knit. Many fear or dislike speaking to large groups, while others are fine with public speaking but dislike small talk, preferring deeper conversations with trusted friends. While many introverts are usually quieter than their extroverted colleagues, each introvert is a unique individual.
To understand some of the intricacies of introversion, we can look to Carl Jung. Dr. Jung was one of the earliest voices in the fields of psychiatry and psychology [1]. In his work, Jung identified introversion as a personality trait, on a continuum with extraversion at its opposite end, based on how people get and spend their energy [2]. Where extroverts are energized by interactions with larger numbers of people, introverts draw strength from time spent alone and occasionally from time spent one-on-one in deeper conversation [2]. While some introverts can be bashful or avoidant of crowds, many are not at all shy but simply feel more refreshed after time spent alone.
Am I an introvert? Characteristics of the introvert personality
While not all introverts are alike, a few common attributes set introverts apart. Below are a few of these personality traits that could be signs you are an introvert:
1. Social events often stress you out
Most introverts feel exhausted after participating in social situations. For instance, if, after a day of work and stress, you prefer to retreat to your own quiet environment instead of letting loose with others, you may be an introvert. If we think of our energy as currency, introverts spend their energy in social gatherings, while extroverts gain energy from these same events. However, introversion and social anxiety are not the same. Where introversion is a description of how your innate personality recharges in solitude, social anxiety is an anxiety disorder that develops over time [3]. Introversion usually does not have a negative impact on your life, while social anxiety is fear-based and can lead to unhealthy isolation. If you are concerned you may have social anxiety, contact a qualified mental health professional for help.
2. You enjoy solitude
If you’re an introvert, your ideal weekend probably involves spending time alone, enjoying the peace and focusing on your hobbies. Maybe you enjoy watching television, reading a book, or taking a walk with your dog in the morning instead of spending time partying and mingling with others. The average introvert does not want to be alone constantly, but they do value their quiet time and look forward to spending time with themselves to recharge.
3. You have a small, tight-knight friend group
Contrary to popular belief, social relationships truly matter to introverts. They may not be comfortable speaking to everyone or be exceptionally popular, but they do have a handful of people they consider close friends. Introverts prioritize deep, long-lasting relationships, so their social circles are typically smaller than extroverts, who have a wide range of friends and enjoy speaking to them just for the sake of getting a feeling of euphoria achieved through interaction [4]. Having a few very close relationships is one of the key characteristics of introverts.
4. People may think you are quiet or reserved
Many introverts are described as mellow, reserved, quiet, or even shy. This happens because, most of the time, introverts simply do not wish to spend their energy on small talk or unnecessary conversations. However, the notion that all introverts are shy is a myth. Plenty of introverts can be outgoing when necessary, but doing so drains their social batteries.
5. Too much social stimulation leaves you distracted
When you are in a hectic environment, do you feel discombobulated and find making decisions nearly impossible? Introverts often get this confused and panicked feeling in stressful or noisy environments, while extroverts tend to thrive on this hectic energy [5]. Because of this discomfort with distraction, introverts tend to enjoy more peaceful and controlled environments as opposed to action-filled situations. Of course, this does not mean introverts enjoy monotonous tasks or unexciting work. They simply prefer a quieter, less chaotic environment.
6. You are immensely self-aware
Because introverts enjoy focusing their energy inward, they tend to spend more time evaluating their own experiences and performance, successes as well as failures. Thus, being very in tune with your emotions, thoughts, and inner desires could mean you are an introvert. Such personalities tend to enjoy examining their own thoughts and behaviors, and as a result, they often enjoy getting to know themselves and their own weaknesses and strengths.
7. You learn better by watching
Extroverts enjoy jumping into tasks and learning hands-on, but introverts often enjoy learning by observing. Introverts often avoid trial and error, as they prefer to watch the best way to perform a task before doing something themselves. They may watch others perform the task multiple times, especially with detail-oriented tasks, before gaining the confidence to try it themselves. When introverts do try to learn from experience, they tend to prefer doing so in private. They do not wish to perform a task for the first time in front of an audience. If you prefer learning through watching as opposed to hands-on learning, chances are you are more introverted.
8. You enjoy independence at work
The social aspect of a job may not appeal to most introverts, so they are more attracted to jobs with independence and less social activity. Possible examples of introverted and independent careers include accounting, writing, computer programming, art, and design.
Pro Tip From HIGH5
If you resonate with several signs of introversion, consider exploring your unique strengths through the HIGH5 assessment. This personalized analysis can reveal how to leverage your introverted tendencies as powerful assets in your life.
What are the types of introverts?
Introversion and extroversion are personality traits that exist on a continuum: in other words, most people fall somewhere between the two personality styles. In fact, those who fall somewhere in the middle between the two sides of this continuum are also known as “ambiverts.” Additionally, there are different sub-types that fall under the umbrella term “introvert.”. However, most people who fall more towards the introverted side of the personality continuum fall into the following groups:
Social introverts
This type of introvert is one that is most commonly thought of when you say “introvert.” Such individuals enjoy reserved settings and independent work, and they prefer spending quality time either alone or with a small group of people.
Thinking introverts
This subtype is especially prone to daydreaming. Thinking introverts are imaginative and creative and spend a lot of time thinking. Often, they have clear goals and enjoy pondering the outcomes of their decisions and their future.
Anxious introverts
This type of introvert experiences a higher level of unease in social situations. They seek out time alone not only because they enjoy solitude but also because they feel awkward or shy. Their level of extroversion is especially low, and they often have lower levels of self-confidence.
Restrained introverts
People in this group often carefully consider their options and think deeply before they make decisions. They are the exact opposite of impulsive, and they typically avoid taking action until absolutely necessary.
Challenging traits of introverts
All personalities have positive traits and negative traits, and introverts are no exception. While introverts can be great partners and friends, introverts also have some traits that their more extroverted friends may find difficult to understand. For instance, if you are more boisterous, you may experience the introvert’s mellow nature as a barrier to connection. When hiring a new work colleague for a customer service or sales-oriented role, an extrovert may overlook introverts for such positions, assuming their quieter nature would prevent them from success.
Some other challenging introvert traits include:
- Prone to being viewed as socially awkward, weird, or snobbish
- Overly quiet and unwilling to stand up for their beliefs for fear of conflict or chaos
- Poor ability to handle stressful situations
- Overthinking decisions and delaying action
- Avoid asking for assistance, even if it is helpful or necessary
- Easily disoriented in new environments
- Difficulty concentrating unless the environment is familiar or comfortable
Pro Tip From HIGH5
While introversion is not inherently negative, some perceived ‘negative’ traits may arise from failing to understand and strategically apply your introverted strengths. Take the HIGH5 assessment to illuminate your most powerful introverted strengths, then develop an action plan to leverage them, minimizing potential drawbacks like overthinking or struggling in unfamiliar environments.
The main differences between introverts and extroverts
Most people have varying amounts of introversion and extroversion composing their overall personality type. However, most individuals also have a dominant way to send and receive energy, which determines whether someone is introverted or extroverted. Personality attributes vary quite substantially between these two types. Here are a few key differences:
- Introverts enjoy solitude and recharge when they are left alone.
- Introverts tend to be reserved, quiet, and mellow. Extroverts usually are more energetic, gregarious, and talkative.
- Introverts are known to listen more in conversations. Extroverts are more impulsive and speak their minds almost immediately.
- Introverts recharge and gain energy through alone time in peaceful settings, while extroverts gain energy from conversations with others.
- Extroverts often embrace change and like excitement, while introverts may be more resistant to change.
The main differences between introversion and shyness
Introversion is often confused with shyness, but they are not directly related. Introversion is a personality characteristic, while shyness is a temporary feeling. Shyness typically arises when one is uncomfortable in a social setting. A person may feel social anxiety, and the physical effects of this discomfort quickly become evident (sweating, blushing, increased heart rate, etc.). Shyness may lead people to avoid social events, for they wish to avoid the negative feelings such events bring about. Introverts may also dislike social gatherings, but it’s usually not because they are afraid of others. They simply prefer to get their energy from within and enjoy spending time with a smaller group of people more than mingling in large groups.
Introverts FAQ
How you can tell that you’re an introvert?
You can tell if you are an introvert if you get your energy from solitude, you enjoy quieter environments, and you prefer to have a smaller group of friends. You may be naturally quieter or mellow. See if you get energized by social interactions. If you feel better alone and get energized by your alone time, you are probably an introvert.
Will an introvert make the first move?
Typically, introverts are not comfortable making the first move in relationships. They may not be comfortable even starting a conversation with a new individual. They prefer to communicate with the same people, and going outside of their comfort zone is quite hard for introverts. Usually, the more extroverted person will make the first move.
Are introvert antisocial?
While introverts may be mistakenly viewed as antisocial, they rarely are. Rather, introverts are just less refreshed by social interaction than extroverts. Introverts do enjoy fascinating conversations about topics they care about with people they find interesting or less demanding, but they place a higher value on their alone time.
How do introverts make friends?
Introverts sometimes struggle with making new friends. However, the most common way to make friends as an introvert is through already existing friends and colleagues. This allows the introvert to already have contact with the potential friend, so they may feel more comfortable reaching out to them. This also keeps the introvert’s friend group tight-knit, which is how they prefer to structure their relationships.
Do introverts like conversation?
Introverts do enjoy conversation, but they often prefer meaningful, deeper discussions over surface-level small talk. While small talk can feel draining or superficial to many introverts, they tend to thrive in conversations that allow for thoughtfulness and genuine connection. Topics that explore ideas, values, or personal experiences are usually more appealing to introverts. Rather than avoiding conversation altogether, introverts are more likely to seek out settings where they can engage in thoughtful dialogue with fewer distractions, often with smaller groups or one-on-one interactions. This allows them to connect on a more authentic and fulfilling level.
References:
- Burton, N. (2024). The life of Carl Jung. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/202310/the-life-of-carl-jung.
- (n.d.). Introversion. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/introversion.
- (n.d.). Introversion vs. social anxiety. Mental Health America. https://mhanational.org/introversion-vs-social-anxiety.
- Barry Kaufman, S. (2014). Will the real introverts please stand up?. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/beautiful-minds/will-the-real-introverts-please-stand-up/.
- Belojevic, G., Jakovljevic, B., & Slepcevic, V. (2003). Noise and mental performance: personality attributes and noise sensitivity. Noise & health, 6(21), 77–89.
