DEBUNKING THE MYTH OF INTROVERSION (PSA FOR INTROVERTS )

Back story
So yes of course I am an introvert. INFJ according to the Myer Briggs personality type indicator ( super rare personality type). It\’s a combination of Introversion, Intuition, Feeling and Judgement.

I always felt like categorizing myself as a personality type meant I was stuck in a box, I don\’t like constriction. But, seeking to learn more about introversion and the INFJ has allowed me to be a lot more comfortable with the branding.

As a kid, my grandmother made a conscious effort to ensure I never felt like anything was wrong with me. So despite the fact that as a child, I didn\’t play outside often with other children and I enjoyed my solitude more, I never felt bad about it, because granny said it was okay.

Then as an adult, I was made to feel more and more that I was lacking. And I had begun to dislike the fact that it was used as a term to excuse my behaviour like something was wrong with me…

let\’s get to it;

One, yes I will come to your party.

No, I may not be the loudest at your party ( I don\’t feel the need for outside approval to rejuvenate me. )
Yes, I will make friends easily with other guests especially if there is a mutual curiosity and the conversation is stimulating.
No, I don\’t like small talk and I may prefer pure silence when there is nothing to be said rather than fill the silence with hot air.
Yes, I have a great perception of people and I do avoid some people\’s energy.
Yes, I may leave your party early when I feel I have done as much as I am willing to do.
Yes, I can be in very high energy situations but I will need time to recharge between sessions. Unwind if I must.
Yes, experiences with me are very memorable because the depth of the conversation is stimulating.
No, it\’s not a personal dig if an introvert doesn\’t connect with you. It\’s just a preference.
Yes, we can have conversations with people we aren\’t in tune with, we just prefer not to.
No, it\’s not that we are anxious about your opinions  we just gladly like what we like.
No, we do not need constant approval and stimulation because we derive that from the inside.

Despite how much my ego wants to say that introversion is better. No, it\’s not. It\’s just a preference in trait. It\’s like eye ️ colour or just food preference. One likes what they like because it serves their needs. Extroversion meets needs externally and that is as well perfect in its own way and can as well have its benefits.

FAQs

1. Is introversion subservient to Extroversion?

No introversion and Extroversion are just personality traits. Yes, society, media has bombarded us with the extreme preference for extroversion but after reading my blog you will realize that neither is greater. The only purpose is to bring more light to introversion since as well it makes up a very large number of the population. So as to allow both types of personalities to feel content in their own identity.

2. Is introversion a mental pathology?

Of course not.
It\’s a personality trait. It\’s not an indication of anything. Asking someone to alter their personality traits or alter a preference seems counterproductive to loving them unconditionally.

3. Does introversion make you at a higher risk of mental pathology?

INTROVERSION allows you some self-awareness that extroverts don\’t have. It also allows one the ability to meet their own personal emotional needs without too much reliance on outside external influences.
So it has a greater benefit when it comes to mental resilience than extroverted personalities but that doesn\’t exempt them either

4. Is introversion synonymous with social anxiety?

Social anxiety is pathological. It gets in the way of you doing what you actually want to do. Introversion is actually one way of doing things. Not out of fear or dread that people will be critical but rather out of self-awareness and contentment in one\’s own company.

5. Can relationships between two introverts work?

Magic is what it is. Especially when both INTROVERTS have worked on themselves and are continuously conscious of their partner\’s needs. So as not to get too carried away on self-contentment. My marriage is comprised of two introverts and I can tell you our whole relationship has been easier because neither one of us feels the need to over-explain themselves. It\’s also contrary to popular belief, can be very exciting. Introverts need little stimulation to feel joyful but they still enjoy doing some stimulating activity.

6. Can relationships between an extrovert and introvert work inequality?
Magically as well, as long as two healthy and conscious people come into a relationship agreement they will be fine. More than fine, they will flourish. Are you both in tune with each other? Do you understand each other without belittling the other person\’s personality trait? Then you are good.

7. Can introverts be expressive and talkative?

My experience is that once I get introverts comfortable they tend to have a lot of things to say. The comfort to open up is what they aren\’t too willing to give. They are very aware of energy and the environment and are careful about who they share theirs with.

8. What does social engagement look like to an introvert?

Introverts go to parties, they socialise at events, hell, introverts are as well great hosts and leaders. They enjoy making everyone feel part and parcel.

benefits of introversion

1. They are responsible for most of the innovation in the world. ( Writers, Researchers, Scientists, Inventors, Movie directors, Painters, Musicians etc)
Did you read a good book lately, listen to some beautiful music, watch an intense film … Thank an introvert. Because seclusion and time alone works for them they are able to come up with brilliant things that add convenience to the world and beauty.

2. Exemplary Leaders
Introverts aren\’t very glitz concerned, so as leaders they are able to focus to actual work because they are more in tune with their stake holders. They serve up complete work because they don\’t use charm as a bargaining tool, they have their actual work to rely on.

3. They make the best friends
Do you want depth, loyalty, reliability, dedication to your friendship? Then adopt an introvert  but on the real though. Introverts are great companions because they are very selective with who takes space. Limited slots means exclusivity and exclusivity means top shelf treatment.

4. They have very low reward sensitivity
Like I said, introverts do not require too much stimulation. They are very self sufficient so it\’s also not draining to have an introvert in your life. Though it\’s not an excuse not to treat them with appreciation and respect because every human is deserving of that.

Yes, there can be some disadvantage in introversion
Anxiety due to the fact that they are more in tune with their emotions and awareness. Being too in someone\’s mind can encourage over thinking, over analysis and over intellectualization which encourages higher anxiety risk.

Partying shot 
I am an introvert. And yes, that means 40 guests at my wedding was welcome, actually preferred. I wear it proudly because misconceptions come from ignorance. I don\’t cringe even when people do not understand. I also do not feel the need to explain myself to anyone who prejudges. I like my personality. It\’s what makes me an in tune spouse, a very empathetic mother and an excellent therapist … I don\’t for a second, apologise for it.

To learn more about different personality traits and other material related to introversion,check out our blog and also our YouTube channel.