Do you often feel that your energy comes from within rather than the outside world? If the answer is yes, then you might be an introvert. Read below the 12 indicators that prove you are secretly an introvert.
The existence of different personality types is not something new – they have been studied and defined in the 1920s by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. His study had also been the basis of the Myers-Briggs personality test that you have probably taken at your school’s career center.
Often, people tend to present introversion as a negative trait, because introverts in most situations act shy, thoughtful, and reserved, as opposed to extroverts who are sociable, outgoing and have no problem adjusting to different social situations.
Though the distinction between these two types might seem pretty straightforward, it is not really simple to define a person within one of the categories. If you are not sure which category you belong to, take a look at these 12 indicators that will resolve your dilemma.
- You appreciate the time you spend with yourself.
Indeed, you would like to spend time with your friends and family, there is no question about it, but at the same time, you feel that you could have a better time being by yourself. Be it reading a book, taking a walk, or just lying in your bed and daydreaming. Simply said, you enjoy spending time with yourself, and engaging in activities that will make you feel relaxed without any social awkwardness.
- You are most productive when you work alone.
The teamwork hype often scares you because it involves many meetings with other people and unnecessary talk with colleagues that might not appreciate your approach towards a specific matter. Working the way out of something seems better when you have the time to contemplate every aspect of the problem and get to a really creative solution by yourself.
- You are a hidden leader.
Introverts are rarely presented as leaders because of the misconception that they are not good communicators. However, in times of need people can always turn to you for help and you would try to make the most of the situation even if you do not feel comfortable about it. It is not because you do not believe in yourself, but because of the pressure, you might feel under by the rest of the team.
- You are not likely to volunteer in public situations.
You were the shy kid in class who would not raise the hand and yet would always know the right answers. Probably you had not been really encouraged to express yourself verbally in the school environment, so teachers were not much aware of your potential. And even though school time is over, you feel like the same applies to any other situation in life.
- Your opinion is highly appreciated.
Due to your ability to think things over and analyze every point of the situation, people feel like you could always have an answer. You have an ability to spot on details far better than your extrovert friends, which makes you the right person to have a suggestion for problems that might seem unsolvable at first glance.
- Your never leave your house without headphones.
Music helps you escape the outside world; it is your shield. Having headphones signals other people that you are not in the mood for random small talk (regardless if they are strangers or even acquaintances) and helps you get out of an awkward and unnecessary conversation.
- You avoid conflicts.
Conflict is another type of social awkwardness that you would rather not get into. Getting into conflict absorbs your energy and peace of mind and might make you feel like you are under threat, especially if it seems that you somehow initiated the conflict. In these situations, you avoid confrontation, and prefer to let it cool down and take a fresh look at the situation afterward.
- Small talk is not your thing.
“The weather today is just lovely” is something that you would never say to the stranger sitting next to you on the bus or the person that is walking past you in the park. Initiating small talk is just not your thing. You do not feel comfortable speaking about stuff that seems irrelevant and would not matter eventually to you or to the person you are talking to. That is why you tend to avoid it whenever it seems socially acceptable.
- You do not get in touch easily.
It is not that you do not miss your friends, or you do not feel like talking to them; simply you are not the one to call first. Now, this might sound like a negative trait of yours, but you just respect too much their private space and would not want to bother them.
Moreover, you are not the one to reach out to people, so you avoid breaking the ice and rather wait for them to make the first move.
- Writing suits your needs.
Writing has always helped you in difficult situations. You probably kept a journal of your thoughts, and it made you feel good about expressing yourself in this manner. That is why you probably opted for a profession where you can write and reflect on your thoughts. Being productive and satisfying your needs at the same time is definitely a plus. I am thinking, journalist, or an author, maybe?
- You hang out with people you know.
There is a limited number of people that you feel comfortable around. It is not that you are so selective that you will not spend time with new acquaintances, but you would rather give your attention to the people that already know you and would really engage into a conversation with you. However, after a certain period, you might give a chance to the new colleague at work or your sibling’s friend who were patient enough to get to know you.
- Being in a crowd takes all of your energy.
This new band you are listening to is having a gig in the bar near your house, and you would enjoy seeing their live show, yet there is so much to take into consideration. Firstly, you will need to ask somebody to join you which means you have to call them and initiate a talk. Next, even if you make a plan, you will feel bad if you see them not having a good time. Finally, it is so overcrowded that you cannot seem to enjoy as much as you thought. All things considered, you decide to stay at home and have a good read.
So, did you find yourself in any of these situations? Feel free to let us know.
Inspired by Psychology Today
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.