25 Characteristics Of An Introvert
As Found In Susan Cain's Quiet
Author’s Note 1:
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Author’s Note 2:
I am going on a break for the whole month of December and half of January. Will be back on January 18th 2023, Wednesday.
In September, I read a book called Quiet by Susan Cain.
This book had two impacts on me.
First, it broke my heart.
It broke my heart to learn how introverts are mistreated and sometimes not even acknowledged.
Second, it healed my heart.
It healed me by making me realise there is nothing wrong with me. Since extroversion is all up in our faces, I usually end up in places and with people who don't understand me. And because of them, I didn't understand myself. But now, thanks to this book, I know what I must do and where I need to be to unearth myself.
Are you an introvert?
Below, I am sharing the characteristics of an Introvert I found throughout the book. See if it applies to you.
Characteristics Of An Introvert
Introverts are drawn to the inner world of thinking and feeling.
Introverts focus more on finding the meaning and patterns of the circumstances around them.
Introverts recharge their batteries by being alone.
Introverts prefer less stimulation - coffee date with a close friend, reading a book, doing pottery, walking in the park, and playing with a pet.
Introverts works slowly and deliberately. They focus on one task with mighty concentration.
Introverts prefer deep and deliberate work instead of shallow work.
Introverts are not moved by wealth and fame.
Introverts prefer to work independently, alone and in solitude.
Introverts cannot work in busy, noisy or disturbing environments,
Introverts have strong social skills and enjoy parties but with close friends, family and colleagues.
Introverts hate small talk and love deep conversations.
Introverts prefer listening to talking.
Introverts think before they talk.
Introverts can express themselves better in writing as that helps them think better.
Introverts dislike conflicts.
Introverts are not necessarily shy. Shyness is the fear of social disapproval or humiliation, while introversion is a preference for environments that are not overstimulating. Shyness is inherently painful; introversion is not.
Introverts hate faking enthusiasm.
Introverts feel more guilty, therefore, are taken advantage of.
Introverts are better at making a plan and sticking with it.
Introverts are not motivated by the regular reward systems of society.
Introverts are better at analysing a new situation with past experiences and predicting potential outcomes and threats.
Introverts perform better at long-term tasks which require persistence, patience and discipline.
Introverts are capable of acting like extroverts for the sake of work they consider important, people they love, or anything they value highly.
It's tough for introverts to identify who they are and their purpose in life because they have spent so much of their lives conforming to extroverted norms that by the time they choose a career or a calling, it feels perfectly normal to ignore their own preferences.
For many introverts, adolescence is the great stumbling place, the dark and tangled thicket of low self-esteem and social unease. But as they grow older, their vision of themselves gets clearer, and life becomes more aligned. In short, Introverts age like fine wine and in reverse.
I highly recommend reading Quiet by Susan Cain.
