Calling all introverts

Welcome fellow introverts

I came across this article recently, which made me chuckle and appreciate my introversion on a deeper level. Please read and laugh as I did.

I made my partner read it, and I actually think she has grasped a better understanding of my mentality. For one she has stopped asking me ''what's wrong'' when I stare into space, lost in thought ! and she now can understand why I'm just not bothered about the 99% of things in life that she thinks I should be bothered about.

I'm proud to be an introvert, and wouldn't have it any other way. The only downside for me was growing up. I remember spending everyday in play school from the age of two, to five, sat in a corner watching and observing for the whole six hour duration. The supervisors would sometimes force me into activities by dragging me across the floor by my wrist, resulting in me crying.

I believe there should be more awareness about introverted children, to stop them from being treated like they have problems.

Other than that, it's all gravy baby

reply to post by Red_xi


That was honestly a great little read there!
How funny, and how true...

I've never heard 'Introvert' put into words so articulately - it broadened my understanding of the term for sure.
Thanks for that.

Wag

This quote taken from your link:

As Coolidge is supposed to have said, "Don't you know that four fifths of all our troubles in this life would disappear if we would just sit down and keep still?"

This made me laugh - I could have said that. It's so very true.

First, recognize that it's not a choice. It's not a lifestyle. It's an orientation. Second, when you see an introvert lost in thought, don't say "What's the matter?" or "Are you all right?"
Third, don't say anything else, either.

Perfect!

My wife has lived with me for 20+ years and could write a book on the care & feeding of an introvert.

Thanks for posting that article.

I recognize a lot of myself in it.

The author mentions Meyers Briggs personality types and mine is indeed that on an introvert (INTJ or INTP depending on my mood).

It's true that introvert and shy is not the same thing. I can get up in front of a crowd and make a speech or presentation. I've done so in front of crowds ranging from a few people in a executive's meeting at work to over 800 people in school.

I do need my "me time" though and many people don't understand that. Especially "social butterflies" who think something is wrong with you.

Introversion describes my personality pretty well. I usually score 80% introvert on the myers briggs. It's the only trait that is me without a doubt.

The article talks about how introverts are not necessarily creative. I really agree with this in my case. People may think I'm creative because I am quiet and philosophical, but truth be told I'm not "creative."

I have been horribly misunderstood pretty much my entire life. I have to go to great lengths for people to get me and enjoy my time with others. This just makes it more exhausting to go out to social gatherings. Thing is though, I do it, I go out, I have fun.

I love a good extrovert actually and can pretty much jibe with one. Truth is there are a lot of bad extroverts though lol.

I usually score INFP or INTP. I and N are the only ones that are always the same.

[edit on 20-8-2010 by Novise]

Funny, I'm an introvert (100% according to the Meyers-Briggs test) and came across the same article not long ago. I found it very entertaining and it describes me almost exactly. I'm perfectly happy with being an introvert with one exception, and that is the lack of small talk. Situations can be so awkward when you're expected to have a short conversation with a stranger and have absolutely no idea what to say. I hate it when people think I'm stuck up or don't like them just because I can't make small talk with them.

[edit on 22-8-2010 by HarvestMoon]

Introvert here and much prefer it. Scored as introvert on tests but I already knew it. I know this sounds strange but I usually prefer the company of nature and animals then the company of people, especially those I don't know well. I stand back and observe people pretty well before entering a conversation or getting to know them on a more personal basis. I am the quiet type but I can chat when the need arises, and I am not shy - I can get up on front of an audience and tell a story or speak. I just prefer to listen and be low key. When I worked at the college in Florida I taught classes and gave speeches but my peers were always making remarks about me being reserved. I think I was friendly enough just never felt the need for a lot of chatter which in my opinion leads to drama and gossip.

I am naturally an introvert. The description perfectly defines me. But I have learned to be an extrovert. So much so that people are shocked when I tell them it is hard work. My shy friends are always asking me how I can be so extroverted. I can go ANYWHERE, and make friends.

Because I have learned the art of conversation, it is not an inherient behavior, it is learned. Watch older people, they have mastered the art of conversation, that has been lost on younger generations.

I do not use shyness or anything else as an excuse to be excused from life. it is not a shield, or anything else, to prevent having to be social, or even excluded altogether from social, work, or any other human associations.

It only means that you have to work harder at being social, not use it to excuse yourself altogether.

Let's just face it, we are all verts of one form or another.

Intro, extro, per, doesn't matter.

We are all verts and need to get along in this world.







Support your local verts.....

reply to post by nixie_nox


Yes, but there is no requirement to be a social being. Nobody should feel guilty if they like to stay in. As long as you are doing no harm, do whatever you want I say.

Hello my name is Netties Hermit and I am an introvert.

I could in all seriousness spend the whole week just by myself and still not want for company. My friends & fam have to honestly drag me out of the house.

And it seems to be getting worse as I get older!

ATS is a sanctuary for me in this regard. I can chat to people but I don't have to socialise (if that makes any sense).

At least I know I'm not such a freak after reading that article.

OK - back in my cave I go.




[edit on 23/8/2010 by Netties Hermit]

This article rang some bells for me. I guess according to that Carl Jung test, I'm a moderate introvert. I, like nixie can turn it on when required, but truly am myself being left to my own devices. I talk a good game, but don't be fooled... I rather like being left alone in my personal life. Not that I'm a total antisocial, but I get great pleasure out of being out in nature with my own thoughts.

Luckily, both my husband and I are introverts. Makes things MUCH simpler!

reply to post by Red_xi


Interesting post. Will add some more info which was a great source of realisation for people in my life who sometimes misinterpret an Introvert personality.
10 Myths About Introverts

Example

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk. This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.
Myth #2 – Introverts are shy. Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.
Myth #3 – Introverts are rude. Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.
Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people. On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in. Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public. Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.

Adult individuals have two options to choose from to make their way through life; they can either pluck their own strings or find someone who is willing to pluck them in return for their own strings being plucked. One can imagine a world where everyone plucks each other's strings. We kind of have that now but in a very limited degree. Just imagine if we all plucked each other's strings with abandon. Mmmmm...interesting!
In such a world the introverts, the self- pluckers, would be out-castes of society and in fact they kind of are now. But in reality it is impossible to pluck one's own strings entirely alone. Usually the introvert is holding an image or emotion in their mind or heart of someone while plucking their own strings or they are performing a spiritually uplifting act and therefore are in the presence of their God. Either way they are not actually performing alone.
In a world full of introverts everyone would be a Saint, comfortable in the presence of each other yet untouchable because they would have given their physical bodies to their God. Mmmmm....nice!

Every one should be an introvert.
the world would be better for it.
No wars, no fighting. mostly.
Hug am introvert!
um! I dont feel like going out just now.
I will do it later.

Seem's I've mellowed over the years from an ENTP into an INTP.
Bonkers...

Not meant to be off topic so I apologise if I offend, but just curious if there is any connection between introverts and those with large noses?

I hav ea large nose hey and Iam proud...and Iam or was introverted as a child, so much taht I did not speak to strangers for any reason until about six.

I know somey people are wary even hostile to Big noses, and they normally turn less than nice people, but they appear just heavenly to others.

This has been my experience, and many writers and scientists seem to have large noses, usually professions of the introverted?

Iam now at th eage I do not give a dam what people think , Iam me and I try my best is my attitude, but somehow I do have a hunch people asssociate evil with big noses?

So that's what wrong with me , or should that be right with me?. In the good old day we woulda been called Hermits. I feel so proud to be an introvert.