Do you ever wonder if you are an introvert? Well, studies indicate that up to 40% of the global population comprises introverts. It is a personality type that society often misunderstands. See, society views most introverts as arrogant, rude, antisocial, and depressive. Probably you grew up hearing others saying how very quiet you are, have few friends, or are always lonely. Yet, people with this personality make the best listeners, innovators, problem solvers, and leaders. So, what are the key signs you’re an introvert? And what implication does this personality trait have? Let’s explore below.
What Does Being an Introvert Mean?
A person with an introverted personality focuses on internal feelings and moods rather than seeking external stimulation. Here, the introvert gains or loses energy by being around others. Hence, they restrict themselves to the indoors. You also find them hanging out with family and close friends, rather than partying or discovering new things. Unless you acknowledge and adjust your lifestyle to accommodate your introverted nature, you may struggle with mental health issues due to living in a society that sees you as weird.
The 10 Signs You’re an Introvert
Here are the 10 common signs to know if you are an introvert:
#1: A Creative Advantage
Are you full of innovative ideas? Well, if you use your imagination and passion to pursue dreams that seem too far-fetched, you are creative. Your creativity blossoms further when you are an introvert. See, whereas extroverts take advantages of their interactions with others to brainstorm ideas, introverts have the unique ability to step aside and incubate these ideas into reality. In turn, introverts become successful artists, designers, and innovators.
#2: Abhor Small Talk
Introverts never enjoy small talk unless inevitable. Instead, they desire conversations that yield meaningful discussions. For example, you like staying at home watching a documentary rather than hanging out at the bar for a chit-chat with friends. Likewise, you express yourself better using phone messaging than calls.
#3: A Deep Thinker
Think about it. Do discussions about the philosophy of life, metaphysics, or conspiracy theories excite you? Or, your friends and family say you over-analyze experiences? Introverts view situations from multiple perspectives. And this is one of the common signs you’re an introvert. In turn, they can pick on disparities that others often overlook.
#4: Constant Inner Monologue
In line with being deep thinkers, introverts talk to themselves. Every moment they are quiet, they listen to a voice in their heads that is always talking. In turn, they predict other people’s reactions and use their inner monologue to practice an appropriate response. Likewise, an introvert can anticipate an argument and play it out in the head before meeting the person.
#5: Crowds Overwhelm You
Introverts feel an emotional drain when around crowds, especially strangers. The overwhelming external stimulation from moods and feelings of people, sounds, and lights are exhausting, causing an introvert to be irritable and bad-tempered. Instead, introverts thrive in one-on-one interactions. They socialize in quiet places, with few close friends.
#6: Acutely Aware of Your Surroundings
Introverts are sensitive to their surroundings. They make mindful observations and ask questions that help them appreciate others better. For example, an introvert will get a headache, nausea, or fatigue when sensing unpleasant stimuli. And, this person may get upset or even angry when thinking about societal injustices or inequalities.
#7: Overly Selective of Close Relations
How long do you take before opening up to a stranger or a loved one about your life? Usually, an introvert takes extra caution in deciding who sees their inner self. Then, they become protective of these close acquaintances, trying to create and maintain boundaries between this relationship and the rest of the world. For this, most introverts tend to have few close friends.
#8: Lead an Independent Lifestyle
First, an introvert prefers to move at their own pace. It could be in careers, hobbies, or education. Here, an introverted student will take up an unpopular academic course and go the extra mile to complete it. Secondly, introverts hardly succumb to peer pressure. They know what they want and how to get it. Hence, they see through any influence from others as minor distractions.
#9: Cherish Solitude
Introverts need time alone now and then to process their thoughts and reenergize themselves. More so, they feel awkward when given the responsibility for others at work, school, or in social gatherings. Conversely, they adore staying at home, where they are at their best when in their own company. Moreover, they also desire peaceful landscapes and uneventful days.
#10: You Prefer Working Alone
Do you often work alone, with colleagues describing you as too shy? Unlike shy people that fear embarrassment or failure, introverts hate over–stimulating environments. That’s why many successful people are introverts. They spend time alone to discover their purpose and use it to excel.
The Implications
Would you agree with the above signs you’re an introvert? This personality trait comes with the following hidden strengths as well:
#1: You’re a Problem Solver
As a deep thinker, you find it easy to solve complex everyday challenges. In turn, your workmates trust your judgment when tackling a strenuous project.
#2: You’re Always Ready
Introverts enjoy making extensive preparation for anything and everything in their lives. They like having answers for any unexpected question thrown their way.
#3: You Make a Great Writer
Introverts use writing platforms as canvases for expressing and articulating their ideas.
#4: Excellent Listeners
Introverts are quiet individuals. They listen more and are slow to speak. And they use empathic communication to relate with others. In turn, their proactive nature makes them better leaders than extroverts.
The Bottom Line
Which of the signs you’re an introvert resonates with you? If you have most of these tendencies, then know that the next time someone complains that you are weird, timid, or ill, you may be an introvert. And an introverted life can also be a fulfilling one. Since you need minimal stimulation from the outside to be happy, you can live a minimalistic lifestyle and still be content. Also, use your introverted nature to your advantage. Become that artist, psychologist, company president, or athlete you always admire.