What kind of person is introvert

When you hear the word introvert , you might think of someone who's painfully shy and avoids human interaction at all costs. You might even immediately identify with the word because you prefer staying in with a good book rather than going out. But those associations tend to be a rather simplistic view of introversion. Psychiatrist Carl Jung developed the concepts of introversion and extroversion in the early s. According to him, one of the easiest ways to spot an introvert is by the way they recharge their social battery.

Introverts, he said, prefer to be in minimally stimulating environments and tend to go inward to recharge, while extroverts are re-energized from interacting with others. Many researchers have since tried to clarify the definition of introversion. In , research by psychologists Jennifer Grimes, Jonathan Cheek, and Julie Norem broke introversion into four main types : social introvert, thinking introvert, anxious introvert, and restrained introvert. Social introverts value solitude more than most people.

They like being alone but aren't opposed to the occasional gathering of close friends and family. He also notes that it's easy to confuse a social introvert with someone who's dealing with social anxiety, but it's not the same thing: "A social introvert doesn't avoid crowds because of anxiety but rather [because of] their preference.

Where they feel the most comfortable and happy is either in complete solitude or in small groups in more subdued places. When it comes to dating, social introverts will do well with both online dating and in-person dating.

And because they do well in small groups, they can even try speed dating. Often intellectual, this type of introvert is often at peace when studying, reading, learning, researching, and investigating," clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly, Ph.

The thinking introvert will often pause to cogitate before offering a response to a question. Manly says introverts of this type are prone to getting lost in their thoughts and may actually mentally "disappear" from conversations due to a retreat into the mental world. Laurie Helgoe, Ph. When it comes to close relationships, Helgoe says, "It can be helpful for thinking introverts to 'narrate their introversion' by asking for time to think in response to a question, for example, or by being upfront about requiring alone time to refuel.

Without making this known, others especially extroverts may misinterpret their silence or take it personally when the introvert takes time out from socializing. The anxious introvert is often quiet and may appear on edge or nervous, says Manly. This type of introvert shrinks away from people and settings that may further stimulate anxiety. The "anxious" introvert can be highly avoidant and even seem rude, yet the "turning inward" behavior is simply a protective, sheltering defense mechanism at work.

You'll likely find anxious introverts at home because of nervousness or fear, usually catastrophizing events before they happen, which ultimately prevents them from stepping out of their comfort zones. When it comes to dating, anxious introverts probably won't do well with speed dating and other social dating events, Osibodu-Onyali says.

But dating as an anxious introvert isn't impossible: They tend to do well-being introduced by close friends or even with dating a close friend. The restrained introvert, also called the inhibited introvert, tends to be more reserved and can have their guards up around others until they get to know them. But rather than seeming shy or avoidant, they simply come off as thoughtful and grounded.

Often unemotional, this type of introvert is often very controlled and may have very grounded energy," Manly says. The restrained-type introvert is often the quiet, dutiful person that others tend to rely on.

When it comes to relationships, a restrained introvert will be on the more reserved side while getting to know a potential love interest. Of course, many introverts excel in detail-oriented tasks — but they often have a mind for more abstract concepts as well. Introverted adults often say that as children, they were told to come out of their shells or participate more in class.

Introverts are often better at communicating in writing than in person, and many are drawn to the solitary, creative profession of writing.

Rowling — say that they feel most creatively charged when they have time to be alone with their thoughts. But when they move too much — possibly by over-exerting themselves with too much socializing and busyness — they get stressed and need to come back to themselves, according Olsen Laney. This may manifest as going through periods of heightened social activity, and then balancing it out with a period of inwardness and solitude.

News U. Politics Joe Biden Congress Extremism. Special Projects Highline. HuffPost Personal Video Horoscopes. Follow Us. Terms Privacy Policy. Part of HuffPost Wellness. All rights reserved. You find small talk incredibly cumbersome. TakakoWatanabe via Getty Images. You go to parties -— but not to meet people. You often feel alone in a crowd. Since introversion lies on the other end of the spectrum, it tends to have the opposite characteristics.

Introverts generally:. A number of factors help shape the unique characteristics that make you who you are, and these factors can also affect the ways introversion shows up in your personality. To put it another way, no two introverts are exactly alike.

That said, you might recognize introversion in yourself by some of the following traits and behaviors. Do you consider periods of solitude essential for optimal health and well-being?

Maybe you find the thought of a quiet night at home positively delightful, whether you plan to spend that time simply resting or enjoying a quiet hobby on your own. All the same, you might find yourself needing more time to recharge between events than a more extroverted person. Hanging out with friends on Friday might max out your energy, leaving you craving solitude on Saturday to rest and refuel.

Everyday interactions can be draining enough on their own, but what about situations that involve the possibility of conflict? Some evidence suggests introverted people tend to have a greater sensitivity to negative evaluation and criticism.

You might find it tough to share your thoughts when you believe others might disagree with you or disapprove of your opinion. As a result, you might find yourself avoiding conflict whenever possible.

Working at your own pace gives you time to reflect and consider your approach before focusing your energy on the task, without having to navigate group dynamics or tune out the chatter. You may just find it easier to concentrate when working alone. That goes for your hobbies, too — introverted people often choose solitary pastimes, like reading, crafting, gaming, or gardening. Research suggests, in fact, that high-quality relationships play a major role in happiness for introverts. After all, you need more time to yourself than an extroverted person might, so you probably have less time to spend connecting and catching up with a crowd.

If you tend to keep to yourself, you might find it perfectly natural to listen and observe from the sidelines. Watching what goes on around you can give you more insight into others and offer clues to their personality and preferences. Expressing yourself not your strong point? The end result? You learn more about others, which can boost empathy and your ability to offer emotional support.

Introverts often have an active inner thought process, so these traits can all suggest introversion. Anyone can zone out , but turning inward may offer introverts a way to leave situations that feel chaotic or uncomfortable. In short, it can serve as a survival mechanism, of sorts. In reality, though, it can help you cope in tense or overwhelming environments, from a loud holiday party to a long meeting with several short-tempered colleagues.

Many introverts take time to think carefully before speaking, so you might have a hard time offering a quick opinion about anything. Writing, on the other hand, allows you to consider your position thoroughly and choose just the right words to express yourself with confidence and care.

Some evidence suggests introverted people might experience emotions more intensely and have trouble managing those emotions. This greater sensitivity could help explain why many introverts develop depression. Learn more about the complex link between introversion and depression.

A heightened sensitivity to emotions and other stimuli can factor into your preference for spending your time with loved ones who recognize and understand your need for space and solitude.