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The world of personality types offers fascinating insights into human behavior, including how people recharge and draw energy from what surrounds them. It’s this very trait which makes each one of us unique and influences decisions, including how one spends their time.
Introversion and extroversion are two well-known personality traits. While extroverts feel revitalized through socializing, introverts find their energy in quieter, solo moments. Most people are familiar with these two personality types, but did you know there are different kinds of introverts? The personality type comes in all shapes and sizes, verywell mind reports. Understanding which type you are can help you embrace your natural way of being and foster personal growth.
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The Four Types of Introverts
Introverts come in four distinct forms, with each having its own set of characteristics. Explore the four types and explore what makes each one different from one another.
Social Introverts
You might find it surprising to see the words “social” and “introvert” paired together. After all, how can someone who craves solitude also enjoy socializing with people? But here’s the key: social introverts prefer spending time with people they are close to and in smaller social settings.
For social introverts, large groups can be draining and require significant effort to recharge. Instead, these personality types thrive in small groups and where they can enjoy deep, meaningful conversations as opposed to small talk.
Anxious Introverts
While social introverts prefer small gatherings, anxious introverts may avoid socializing due to fear of judgment or making mistakes and sometimes overthink interactions. To navigate social situations, anxious introverts can take several steps.
These include focusing on listening, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness, and giving themselves permission to leave an event early and not engage in every conversation. HuffPost suggests seeking professional support to address anxious thoughts. A therapist can help by teaching skills to build self-compassion and overcome a critical inner voice.
Thinking Introverts
Thinking introverts enjoy deep reflection, daydreaming, or getting creative whether it’s through writing, painting, or other activities. They tend to feel overwhelmed in fast-paced conversations. Monica Cwynar, a licensed clinical social worker, recommends balancing socializing with time for solitude. This could mean going on a trip with a few friends and engaging in creative and reflective activities.
Restrained Introverts
Restrained introverts can be reserved and thoughtful. They tend to observe groups before participating in them and prefer planned events instead of spontaneous or last-minute invitations. Other characteristics of restrained introverts include disliking the feeling of being “put on the spot,” acting reserved in groups, and taking time to “warm up” to people.
The Difference Between Introversion and Shyness
It’s a common misconception that introversion and shyness are the same. According to WebMD, the two are different — while introversion is a personality type, shyness is an emotion. Shy people can feel awkward or nervous in social situations, and ultimately choose to skip social events.
In comparison, introverts prefer to skip social events because they recharge and feel more comfortable in solitude or with one or two people. So, if you're an introvert, embrace your need for solitude, reflection, and close-knit interactions. These preferences are not only valid, but essential to your wellbeing.
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