What is an introvert in simple terms?

Contents:

• Who is an introvert?
• How to understand that a person is an introvert?
• How to distinguish an introvert from a sociophobe?
• What do introverts like and dislike?
• Why is it good to be an introvert?
• What professions are suitable for introverts?

Who is an introvert?

An introvert is a person who is focused on the inner world, rather than the outer. Introverts accumulate and direct their vital energy inward: they develop imagination and reflection, devoting a lot of time to themselves, their hobbies, and loved ones. Extroverts, on the contrary, replenish their reserves from interaction with the material world and new experiences and spend them in the same ways.
The concepts of extra- and introversion were proposed by Carl Jung, a Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist, a student of Sigmund Freud.
Jung believed that the “extra-” or “intro-” type largely determines the values, motives and behavior of people: some are focused on others and the material world, others - on their own Self, their feelings and thoughts.

How to understand that a person is an introvert?

It is generally accepted that such people prefer time alone to noisy meetings, rely on imagination and creativity, They dream of banning open-plan offices. But these characteristics are far from universal for those who can be called introverts.
Extroversion (and its opposite, introversion) is one of the five basic personality traits, along with conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional stability, and openness to new experiences. Each of these characteristics is a spectrum.
People are not strictly divided into introverts and extroverts: most fall somewhere in the middle. For example, it’s perfectly normal to look forward to lunch so you can nibble on cookies with your coworkers in the communal kitchen, while working from the safety of your glass-walled office.
People who combine equal parts introversion and extroversion are called ambiverts.
Here are some possible signs of a person with low extroversion (or a pronounced introvert):

• takes time to think through and analyze each decision;
• learns by observing rather than by doing (more of a theorist than a practitioner);
• when choosing to call or write, chooses the latter;
• makes a few friends and builds deep, close connections with them;
• likes to reflect, look for their hidden sides, analyze emotions and actions;
• gets tired of long crowded events.

Also, many introverts avoid conflicts that require active interaction with the opponent, and generally prefer to listen rather than talk.
"I need to collect my thoughts" is a phrase familiar to introverts. People with low extroversion need a little more time to analyze the world around them and their feelings in it.
Not because introverts are "slow": they do not act impulsively, but based on long-term analysis, think and feel more deeply. One of the reasons is the increased blood flow to the frontal lobe. This part of the brain is responsible for planning, forecasting, achieving goals and self-control. And introverts are really good at this.
But when it comes to interacting with strangers and shining in public—not always. Avoiding large crowds, remaining silent among acquaintances at holidays, or hiding in your phone at a family dinner are also markers of introversion.

How to distinguish an introvert from a sociophobe?

What tires an introvert, causes severe anxiety and fear in a sociophobe.
For example, an introvert at a corporate party will find comfortable company, eat a delicious meal and calmly leave as soon as the official part of the fun is over. And then he will spend the day at home alone with himself or his loved ones, without delving into memories of the past holiday.
A sociophobe will probably not be able to touch food: excitement and anxiety can go off the charts and cause nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, a feeling of heat and heaviness in the chest. Every minute of the event stretches into hours in a mental cage, alone with thoughts: "I'm definitely going to embarrass myself now," "What should I answer?", "What if I'm called to a competition, what should I do?", "Is everyone looking only at me, am I so red in the face?!"
And such worries will most likely begin a few days before and last for some time after the corporate event itself.
An introvert isn't afraid of people and doesn't lose quality of life due to voluntary, measured isolation - they simply filter the number of contacts so as not to get tired. A sociophobe, on the other hand, becomes anxious (and sometimes panicky) even from thoughts about an upcoming performance, communication, date, or subway ride. Such reactions are severely limiting and reduce quality of life.
By the way, introversion is often equated with shyness. But this equation is unfounded. Shyness is an emotion, it is situational, and can arise regardless of personality type. At the same time, shy people sometimes tend to avoid meeting strangers or conflicts - introverts do too, but not out of fear of awkwardness (as with shyness), but to save energy.

A shy person denies themselves opportunities because of insecurity or fear of being judged, humiliated, rejected. And an introvert often has no need to see anyone or start an argument: both can require an unreasonably large number of resources that an introverted person consciously does not want to spend.

What do introverts like and dislike?

It is impossible to speak for all introverts. Moreover, many introverts are convinced that they are actually extra-: society is geared towards the outgoing, quick, assertive, and aggressive. They have to mimic themselves to achieve success, even if the price is a feeling of total exhaustion.
But here's what many pronounced introverts love:

• working in silence and solitude;
• balconies where you can "disappear" with your best friend during a party;
• self-checkouts and shops without consultants;
• automatic doors (because you don't have to hold them for anyone, wondering whether it will offend the person or not);
• Empty elevators;
• Equally empty meeting calendars;
• Incoming "Sorry, I can't make it today";
• People to whom you can calmly and without guilt write "Sorry, I can't make it today";
• High-quality headphones.

But here's what can make an introvert suffer:

• Forced contests at corporate parties and weddings;
• The sound of a phone ringing;
• Establishments where you can't book a table online;
• open space with intrusive music and noisy colleagues;
• message "A friend is coming with me, he's cool! You don't mind, do you? ? ;
• Sentences like "Tell me a little about yourself";
• Hourly meetings with the message "How are you doing outside of work?".

Why is it good to be an introvert?

People with low extroversion are labeled as "gloomy," "withdrawn," "insufficient," and "lazy." In reality, these qualities can be equally possessed by extroverts: it's not a matter of the direction of internal focus, but of habits and behavior, which depend not only on extroversion indicators.
By the way, these indicators are largely determined by genes, but remain flexible throughout life.
An introvert can behave loudly and assertively when necessary, for example, at work. An extrovert must be shy, thoughtful, and mysteriously silent to please their partner's parents.
Yes, such a disguise will require significantly more effort than their usual behavior patterns, but developing the skills and abilities of the "opposite camp" is entirely possible.
Only ambiverts win this genetic-behavioral lottery: they are the most adaptable and resilient to various life situations. Strong extroverts and introverts alike receive both the bonuses of their status and the less pleasant options. For example, we often have to fight off the myths and stereotypes described above.
Here's what psychologists and neuroscientists say about the benefits of a high degree of introversion.

• Introverts maintain concentration longer. This is because they are naturally thoughtful and tend to maintain an internal focus.
• Introverts are more perceptive. People with low extroversion spend most of their lives observing and analyzing - they learn to "read" others, often unconsciously. And as a result, they are less likely to make mistakes in their conclusions about others.
• Introverts are good at writing. Analytical skills and an aversion to haste also help them express their thoughts more clearly. A useful skill: with well-thought-out, clear formulations, it is easier to avoid conflicts and not violate other people's boundaries.

Introverts can use their "superpowers" both in personal relationships and in their careers.

What professions are suitable for introverts?

Those where you don't have to shout to be heard. Those that allow you to work remotely or on a hybrid schedule (part of the week at home, part in the office). In peace and quiet, introverts can be more productive.
Considering the benefits of high introversion, you should also take a closer look at digital and IT professions:

• copywriter, proofreader, editor, SMM manager or translator;
• data scientist, developer, tester or cybersecurity specialist;
• UI/UX designer or web designer.

Analytical skills and thoughtfulness will also help advance in law and science, logistics, engineering and design, medicine, and, for example, forensic psychiatry. Introverts can also succeed in product management: a tendency to speak concretely, as opposed to the abstract speech of extroverts, the ability to set tasks for clear goals and to plan tirelessly will come in handy.
Creativity is another strong quality of introverts, so they can also become good:

• illustrators and writers;
• actually creative people in commercial agencies (but you will have to communicate a lot in this area);
• Songwriters, composers, and music producers.

"Only an extrovert can be a leader" is a limiting, harmful myth. Introverts are also capable of leading. Moreover, introverted leaders fit better into teams where it is important to encourage others to generate ideas and show initiative.
An introverted boss does not seek to occupy the center of attention and leaves more space for the development of subordinates. Moreover, trained empathy and observation help introverted leaders to show compassion in time: it is easier for those who are used to listening rather than talking to listen to the needs of their colleagues.
Personal hobbies, such as jewelry making or programming, should form the basis for the choice of a profession. You need to choose what brings you more pleasure. And if you are drawn to typical extroverted professions, don’t give them up just because you are an introvert: you can make your working conditions comfortable. For example, allocate more time in your calendar for rest to have time to recover after demanding workdays.