Let's talk about Introversion

No, really, let's. I'm an introvert, after all, so we're going to have to broach this topic at some point. What, you might ask, is the reason for this sudden post? One of my pet peeves, namely, people who call themselves introverts without really knowing what they're talking about.

One growing movement which I really appreciate is the movement to get introverts recognized and accepted by a society, that, up until just recently, viewed withdrawn, introverted people as 'lame' or 'socially awkward.'  However, one drawback of this movement is that, the cooler introverts look to the outside world, the more people want to identify in that group, resulting in confused definitions of what an introvert really is. So, I'm here today as an introvert who's done quite a bit of research on introversion to give you an inside look on what it really means to be an introvert.

To begin with, an introvert is someone who derives their daily energy from solitude. That's it. Not 'people who are shy,' or 'people who don't like to go to parties,' but 'people who get their energy from being alone.'  So your first clue is, how does being around other people for extended periods of time make you feel? If your answer is 'no change,' 'happier,' or 'more energized,' then chances are you are not an introvert, but rather, an extrovert.

So if the definition is so simple, why do so many people mis-identify themselves as introverts? The problem arises from a few (for lack of a better word) 'side effects' of being an introvert. This includes a reluctance to go to large social events, a tendency to avoid noisy people, and a habit of being quiet and shy around other people. Since we are all individuals, not every introvert behaves this way, and quite a few extroverts find themselves doing these things, which can lead some to believing they are introverts.

Take me, for example. On every test I have ever taken, and according to the earlier definition, I am almost 100% an introvert. Nevertheless, few would call me 'shy' or 'withdrawn.' Rather, although I avoid large social events, sporting events, and dances, and while I find face-to-face conversation daunting, especially with an authority figure or stranger, I have an almost obsessive love for public speaking. This 'strange' (as far as introverts go) passion, coupled with my raucous and high-pitched laugh, often would not lead most to label me as an introvert. At other times, however, my introversion is painfully obvious, such as me spending all of my free (in-school) time in the library, or coming home from school only to head straight down the stairs and 'recharge' before I do homework.

Such deviancy in one's personality is natural, in fact, life would be pretty boring without it. Still, some of what you've read here should help you determine if you're an introvert or an extrovert, so next time think before you publicly label yourself as one or the other personality type.

(Still unsure where you fall? Try taking the Briggs-Myers personality test online! Besides telling you whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, this test also measures you in a variety of other ways and gives you a fascinating personality type that you can explore more into if you so choose.)