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You may have or have not heard the word “Introvert”. Like how many times have you happened to hear it? But, if you do not know what it means, have you ever considered putting up your effort to see whether these kinds of people exist? Are these kinds of people around me too? What is so special about them? What do they do? Oh, are they abnormal? Have you not bothered to know who they (introverts) really are? If not, this one is for YOU!
Have you ever come across a person among you who speaks less, but still enjoys being around, a person who isn’t keen on parties? These are some of the many features of an introvert. Generally, an introvert is defined as a person who prefers calm environments, less engagement with social events, and prioritises their solitude over anything else to energise their soul. (thesaurus.com)
Carl Jung, a psychologist, was the first person to talk about introverts and extroverts in the 1960s. Jung has defined introverts as those who prefer calm surroundings and use the solitary time to recharge themselves. Introverts think that spending alone time is a
gift. It brings out the best of their personalities. However, the world is so dramatic that it appreciates extrovert personalities who are loud and forward. Many think that being loud and open means strong and happy.
Introverts are not weak and unhappy but are super confident and content in private, whereas they are just looking for an opportunity to express themselves more meaningfully.
We often hear that introverts are quiet and do not open up to others; they prefer staying away from parties and fun and possibly being overthinkers.
However, these thoughts are not real but misconceptions. Not all introverts are pessimists; some introverts are optimists. They have fun on their own employing creativity, learning, and doing things that calm their souls. They look for the good in every situation they go through.
Our brains make us either an introvert or an extrovert. This is because there are two chemicals which are released by the brain:
1. Dopamine
2. Acetylcholine
Dopamine: This chemical released in the brain triggers extroverts to explore energetic activities and feel great. Extroverts are over-stimulated by dopamine which makes extroverts go loud, be more talkative, attract the opposite gender, motivate them to actively engage with friends, family, colleagues, and career, and wholesomely lets them get along with the community quickly.
Introverts and extroverts have an equal amount of dopamine in their brain. However, introverts are less triggered by the dopamine activity in the brain. At the same time, extroverts are more stimulated by it, influencing them to take risks and be alert to their surroundings.
Acetylcholine: Another chemical released in the human brain that makes people prefer introversion is, Acetylcholine. It is also related to pleasure, but only when people switch inward. This type of person or an introvert likes a quiet and peaceful environment apart from the external surroundings to energise themselves. And that is what makes introverts focus on one thing they would want to accomplish. In other words, to focus on their goals, be creative, recharge from all the pessimistic energy, and reflect on their own souls. Acetylcholine makes introverts feel relaxed and content, unlike extroverts.
How do you know if you are attracted to introversion?
There are some characteristics or traits of people who are into introversion. Some f the common features of introverts are as follows.
Prefers solitude: Introverts always prefer privacy over socialising. Socialising makes them exhausted. So they like spending time alone in a peaceful environment.
Focus on upgrading themselves: Introverts are creativity enthusiasts. Creativity makes them energetic, like doodling, drawing, gardening, gaming, and crafting. As well as, introverts find relief from watching a movie, listening to music, or even learning something new without associating with other people.
Prefers written communication: Introverts prefer writing over verbal communication, specifically when unprepared. They are excellent writers. Introverts pen down their thoughts more than they express them verbally. They need more time to express themselves and to make decisions that allow them to be confident in their options.
Fewer friends: Introverts prefer having fewer friends, unlike extroverts. But that does not mean introverts do not like to socialise. On the contrary, they love spending time with fewer friends who commit to having a deeper connection and also bring the best out of them to succeed in an extroverted world.
So emotional: According to the studies, the chances of introverts getting into depression is so high. They do not often be as happy as extroverts do. Meanwhile, another study suggests that introverts do not register higher happiness levels because they prefer deep connections with friends and crave emotional support.
So, when things do not go right, Introverts fall into depression easily.
Socialising drains your energy: Unlike extroverts, introverts feel tired after a party or a hang-out. On the other hand, extroverts think precisely the opposite. Socialising makes extroverts energetic. But that does not mean introverts are antisocial. Introverts party, go on trips or even hang out with friends, but when it is over, introverts need to recharge themselves away from everyone in a comforting atmosphere.
Is being an introvert a strength or a weakness?
Of course, being an introvert is a strength. Introverts are mistaken for pessimistic people who are shy or considered people who dread going into an extroverted environment. But introverts are more capable of what people tend to think who they really are.
Introverts are excellent writers. They write better than they speak. They point down everything perfectly. For instance, through a blog post, social media, or even a research paper, they can state precisely what has to be told through writing. And that is one of their potencies. Alone time is the space introverts utilise to improve their writing and creativity skills.
Did you know that introverts are good at preparing beforehand? If an introvert is to go through a presentation at the workplace or university, she goes through a lengthy thinking process before putting them into action. Introverts have an active inner thought process that lets them go for an imaginary network. It helps them plan their strategies, implement them, and succeed.
Another strength of introverts is that they are good at listening to others. You may or may not have a friend who could give you the best companionship, who would be there whenever you are in trouble, a person who would listen to all your problems and soothe you in the best possible way. You are fortunate to have such a personality as your friend. But on the other hand, introverts who keep everything to themselves give the best advice because introverts listen carefully to what the other person says and can provide mental or emotional support to make peace with the latter.
The extroverts may have a more extensive and more astounding circle of friends. But when it comes to the level of connection, an extrovert struggles. A deep connection is a possibility for an introvert. Their circle of friends might be small, yet the depth of their friendship is much more profound. It is a strength for introverts to have meaningful and mutual conversations within their small network.
Despite people’s negative thoughts, introverts are extremely good at who they are. If you are an introvert, this is to you. Do not be disheartened that the world does not see the good in you. Know that you are capable of smashing the challenges that are set right in front of you. Stand up for yourself, “I am an Introvert, and I love myself for that”.
References
1. Elvira Veksler, (2020), “5 ways introverts silently succeed at work”, accessed: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.theladders.com/career-advice/5-ways introverts-silently-succeed-at-work/amp
2. Jennifer Granneman, “Why introverts and extroverts are different: The science”, accessed: https://www.quietrev.com/why-introverts-and-extroverts-are-different the-science/
3. Kimberly Holland, (2018), “Are you an introvert? Here’s how to tell”, accessed: https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-an-introvert
4. BBC Ideas, (2020), “The quiet power of introverts”, accessed: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Y4Z0oh1GE
