Are you introverted too?

Lexington

Banned
Definition of INTROVERT [ from About.com]



Definition: Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has little to do with being an introvert! Shyness has an element of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety, and while an introvert may also be shy, introversion itself is not shyness. Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people.
Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings. They often avoid social situations because being around people drains their energy. This is true even if they have good social skills. After being with people for any length of time, such as at a party, they need time alone to "recharge." When introverts want to be alone, it is not, by itself, a sign of depression. It means that they either need to regain their energy from being around people or that they simply want the time to be with their own thoughts. Being with people, even people they like and are comfortable with, can prevent them from their desire to be quietly introspective.
Being introspective, though, does not mean that an introvert never has conversations. However, those conversations are generally about ideas and concepts, not about what they consider the trivial matters of social small talk.
Introverts make up about 60% of the gifted population but only about 25-40% of the general population.


This article made me realise that I may be more introverted than socially anxious. That I don't always fear social interactions...often they just bore me.
My main problem is with aggressive personalities, being assertive with them. Also giving speeches and talking in groups. One on one with most people does not cause a problem usually.
 

razzle dazzle rose

Well-known member
Introversion and social anxiety are two very different things. I am introverted and will always be, but I do struggle with social anxiety.
 

MikeyC

Well-known member
I think I'm introverted but sometimes I'll be quite social so I don't know. I know I do need a lot of "recharge" time after seeing people.
 
Yes, i definately am an introvert. I've always struggled to not find people "boring". After spending some time with people, i am often a "wreck", and often in a "mood" as well.
 
I know I do need a lot of "recharge" time after seeing people.

this is it, introverts can enjoy socialising but it drains their energy, extroverts are energised by socialising - it doesn't come down to liking socialising or not, but most innies begin to dislike socialising when it leaves them feeling exhausted
 

setmefree

Member
I have a theory about this: I think people who are introvert become socially anxious because society demands us to do a lot of speaking. Take me, for example, I've always liked listening to people more than speaking myself. Studying others is interesting to me. I like speaking when I feel like I have something to add, or something I want to share, but since these moments when I do speak can happen so suddenly and out of the blue people always give me strange looks. It's as if they are thinking ”oh, I didn't know she could speak”. And because I usually get these weird looks when I choose to say something, it has somehow taught me that: if I say something, people will look at me funny, therefore it's better to just stay quiet.

At the same time, society demands me to speak. Which puts me in a dilemma. It is not acceptable to be myself, i.e. speak when I feel like speaking. It is also not acceptable to be quiet. Therefore I have to speak all of the time. I have to try and say something, even when I don't have anything to say, or feel scared to say something because I'm so sure it will come out wrong and make people think I'm strange.

I believe society has got it wrong. The world need deep thinkers, they want people to create beautiful artwork, music, movies, books, they want and need people to be scientist etc. The world need introverts. Being introverted serves a purpose. So why are we treated so poorly, why is our behaviour considered wrong? Why do we need to change our entire personality, make a u-turn, and try to become extroverts in order to be accepted?

Isn't it their problem, that our silence bothers them, and not ours? People are different, and it's as it should be. Trying to medicate and completely remove a personality type instead of learning how to approach them... that just shows that the extroverts are greater in number and too lazy to try to understand us. And we have been fooled to think they are right.

I wish someone could start a introvert's rights movement or something.
 

RoomBound

Well-known member
We're viewed with suspicion because we don't talk much. But that doesn't mean we're not thinking. We're thinking more than the motormouths are.

Another thing, I like kicking around topics/discussing thoughts, as a typical introvert does. But that invariably leads to people disagreeing with me, which gets irritating (how could anyone disagree with me? LOL). Yet small talk is just that. Doesn't hold my interest for long. About the only enjoyable conversation, then, is discussing hobbies that the other person likes as well
 

Barry1979

Well-known member
I am the definition of an exrtovert but when I am having OCD symtoms I can reverse to being in introvert (big time) until it passes, I get to view both sides of the spectrum.
 

twiggle

Well-known member
Definitely introverted in the sense of having my energy consumed by others. I see 'me' time as being a fundamental trip to an analogical petrol station.
But there are times when I do need to be around others to get some energy. I don't like it if I'm alone too much.
I guess I'm an... inxtrovert?!

People! Can't live with them can't live without them.
 
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JJB

Active member
Yes, I hadn't even heard of the term until a psychotherapist I saw told me I was a introverted person after the fourth session with her. I actually never asked her what that meant and later searched it on the web :). She was probably correct, but I don't believe being an introvert as many advantages if any at all in my experience. Yes I find I think things over more then some, but it hasn't exactly helped me in many ways. Generally social scenes take it out of me and I need my alone time, even with friends I get along fine with it zaps my energy and I need to get away for some quiet time on my own to collect my thoughts. I use to think I was going mad, so I guess it was nice to know I wasn't. ;)

Still, there are clear differences between social phobia and being an introvert. I think being introverted generally makes you less comfortable in social scenarios but for me it's the energy thing. I can talk over the internet with a mate for 20-30 minutes and I need to log off and chill out on my own or I have no energy... it's a bit freaky! :D
 

KiaKaha

Banned
I prefer about 60% - 70% of my time alone - although that depends on the company available. I do need alone time - being around people for extended periods of time exhausts me. I get a bit a bored and have the urge to leave so I can just get on with doing my own thing... perhaps I am even a little bit selfish when it comes to my time.

I am an extrovert trapped in an introverts body, I can feel my outgoingness inside of me - I am also shy - when I need to function competently socially - I often falter.

hmmm... a bit too much contradiction in the post.... I dont know, I find it hard to understand myself sometimes.
 

Generical

Well-known member
I've never managed to be carefree and change plans half way through something. Say staying at a friends an extra night, it's like i've already told myself i'm going home and i'm all ready to relax on my own in my bedroom and feel good that i did something.

Going out certainly recharges my happiness though.
 

Tulicks

Well-known member
That describes me completely, although I hate being alone at the same time. I do feel stronger and more energized when I am by myself, but I also strive to be as socially involved as possible. I hate not being able to connect with people because of social anxiety... it's a disgusting stigma that has leeched on to my life in which I value a lot. My sole mission in life is to destroy this virus from my life.
 
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