The terms introvert and extrovert haven’t been used in my life up until about two months ago. I stumbled across a couple of blogs talking about introversion and decided that I wanted to find a definition. All it says on Google is this
and for an extrovert it says this
I’m not shy, but I’m neither socially confident. This could mean that I am an ambivert (a mix of the two) but in the grand scale of things I’m closer to the introvert’s end of the scale and miles away from the extrovert’s.
Looking into unimportant definitions of peoples – from all of my overthinking – I found that I must be more of an introvert. To me, the definition is a broad term for someone who enjoys being around certain people but finds it awkward to build conversation or firmer relationships with people they have only just been introduced to. It takes a long time to a build a friendship, but when thrown into at a stage in life that you are comfortable at, it’s harder. At school you are told to grow and make friends. You may not be aware at your age about who you are going to be, and when you become an introvert it’s harder to make friends later in life (for me, but I’m not socially awkward. I’m a little bit shy and very unconfident but that’s not a definition of an introvert – that’s just me).
What I just described is a stereotype, and people will be different. If you are more confident to open up or to make conversations when thrown into a new situation, you are more of a extrovert. When I, an introvert, is thrown into these conversations I rely on someone else to start the conversation and I make little statements when I think I need to (or I just wont at all, and I’ll hide).
Introversion isn’t a fear to share your opinion. You may, but in a different medium (like written down words or images, rather than speaking loudly), and I try to use disclaimers so that I don’t try to hurt other people. The word is subtle.
An introvert isn’t perfect. Introverts aren’t good. We are not a different species, we are humans. It’s a way of describing yourself.
Introversion is the opposite of extroversion. Neither are wrong. One is not better than the other. You may not think of these adjectives often, or have identified yourself with either, but it’s something to consider and think about.
One of my greatest regrets is being outspoken, or not thinking before I blurt. It hasn’t hurt anyone but myself.
I want to embrace my introvert and not try to be someone I’m not, as an extrovert. This post is directed more at introversion because that is what I know of better. I know it’s late but Happy New Year! I hope you’ve embraced whatever ‘trovert’ you are.
*subtley slurps tea*
I have written this post in collaboration with Pooja! We have both written separate posts to put on each other’s blogs. If you wouldn’t mind checking out my blog to see Pooja’s post about How To Have The Best Experience In University as an Introvert!
Erin is such a great blogger and I had such a great experience working with her for this collaboration. I really hope you take some time to check out her amazing blog because I can assure you it’s going to be amazing.
Erin’s blog: http://kittyjadeblog.com
Instagram: http://Instagram.com/kittyjadeonline
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Reblogged this on KittyJade and commented:
Check out this post that I have written for Pooja’s blog!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with you. It has been amazing! x
It was so fun and amazing for me too!
Hey Pooj – don’t allow being introverted to define you. You are so much more than that. I do think you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Totally agree it’s always great to get out of your comfort zone!
I do agree with Opher – don’t let a label define you. Set yourself challenges, etc. You’ll grow in stature and confidence as you get older.
Totally agree!
I totally agree with you!
Being an introvert has a lot to do with how do we recharge in life. Extroverts draw energy by being around people while introverts feel drained after being around people and need alone time. It is okay to be either and not pressure either way, but also good to stretch ourselves and grow.
Absolutely agree! It’s good to accept yourself and be yourself but new experiences are always a great way to grow.
Lots of my friends say that I am not introverted, but they don’t see how much of my energy is draining as I have to contribute to a social situation.
Big difference being differentiated and being separate . We may be different but we are all connected in many ways and your post highlights this point. I love my own company, however, I also try to be comfortable in numbers. Crowds are not my thing at all and honestly, I avoid them like the plague. Ideally, we need to understand our selves fully to find peace.
Yeah being yourself and knowing what makes us happy is a very important part of being at peace.
I think you make good points. I think as introverts, we used to be seen as a ‘problem to be fixed’. All we needed was a night out or two, a slap on the back and we’d turn into 24 hour party people. I think – thanks to posts like this – people understand us a bit better now. When someone explained to me I was an introvert and not an ant-social nervous mouse, it felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders x
Yeah introversion was often seen as a problem but it helps when people share their experiences.
Most would know, Carl Gustav Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist, however, not sure how well known is his work on introverts and extroverts. He discovered it and pioneered the research and a great book is “ The essential Jung” as a start. Jung writing has offered so much to me this year.
Yeah I learnt about that in the Psychology classes I took. His work is very interesting.
Awesome post 👌
Thank you!
OMG, I need that shirt 😂
Lol I know right!