I’m an introvert.  There.  I said it.  They say introverts make great therapists, so at least I’m in the right field!  In this culture, introverts are often assumed to be loners, losers, withdrawn, stuck up, or socially inept.  It’s the extroverts that get all the attention, are often popular and the life of the party, and make up 75% of the population.  Outnumbered, under-spoken, and passed over, many introverts are easily misjudged.  To more accurately understand the introvert, it’s helpful to revisit where the terms introverted and extroverted came from.

Carl Jung popularized these terms in the early 20th century and defined introversion as “the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominately concerned with and interested in one’s own mental life.”  Extroversion, then is “the act, state, or habit of being predominately concerned with and obtaining gratification from what is outside the self.”  These fairly simplified definitions have led to a quite general misconception that introverts are anti-social, shy, and self-centered, while extroverts care more about others and are somehow better mentally adjusted.  At the heart of Jung’s theory was what is called psychic energy.  We can think of this as a flow of energy that either comes from outside or inside ourselves.  In other words, introverts have an inward flow of energy from being alone with their thoughts and are conversely drained from prolonged interaction with others.  Extroverts, on the other hand, are energized from social interactions and are drained when they are alone.

In a study by Dr. Debra Johnson, positron emission tomography was used to measure the amount of blood flow in different parts of the brain of introverts and extroverts.  She found that introverts by and large had more blood flow in their brains in general, but particularly in the regions responsible for memory, problem-solving, and planning.  On the other hand, extroverts had intense activity in the brain regions responsible for sensory processes (sight, sounds, touch, and taste).  Extroverts are focused on the outer world, while introverts are focused on their inner world.

So why is this a bad thing to be introverted?  I know some introverts who also have social anxiety or depression and this is certainly not the best combination.  But introversion is a personality characteristic, not a clinical disorder.  They have nothing to do with each other.  I also know plenty of extroverts who have atrocious social skills and I would be embarrassed to associate with them.  Just because you enjoy being around people doesn’t mean you’re any good at it.  It’s just a matter of the direction of that psychic energy.  And just because introverts are drained by social interaction, doesn’t mean they necessarily avoid it or hate it.  Many introverts are hysterically witty and have a reputation of not being much for words, but can make the most profound statements when they do talk (because they think before they speak). 

An introvert might have fewer friends than an extrovert.  But the quality of those few friendships are likely to be more genuine and fulfilling.  An introvert might wish to leave a party early, not because they don’t like the people there or because they aren’t having any fun, they just seem to have a lower energy level after a prolonged social activity.  An introvert may be less likely to engage in chit chat and, because it is exhausting, may come off as disinterested or aloof.  It’s not the person they are disinterested in, but the superficial niceties that have no real meaning. 

The misperceptions can be harsh.  Party-pooper.  Anti-social.  Full of himself.  Rude.  Introverts have a lot to offer if you’re patient enough to get to know them.  And unfortunately many introverts feel there is something wrong with them and try desperately to change in order to fit in or be successful.  I think this is sad.  Our society can be unkind and quick to judge.  My hope is for introverts to embrace their lovely strengths and gain a better understanding of their personality so they aren’t intimidated by the outspoken majority culture and, in their quiet way, assert their brilliance.

And here are some brilliant quotes:

“The less you speak, the more you will hear.” -Alexander Solshenitsen

“Do not look for sanctuary in anyone except yourself.” -Buddha

“in solitude, where we are least alone.” -Lord Byron

“Solitude is strength.  To depend on the presence of a crowd is weakness.  The man who needs a mob to nerve him is much more alone than he imagines. -Paul Brunton

“Loneliness can only be conquered by those who can bear solitude.” -Paul Tillich