Welcome, Awesome Introvert!

No need to shout here. We’re listening. Sit down and be counted. Relax, move at your own pace, join in whenever you want.

Be yourself…

This place is for YOU, because YOU are awesome!

So what exactly is an introvert?

Introversion / extraversion is one of those basic personality traits that we use to explain some of our similarities and differences. It’s basic because it describes how we perceive and interact with our world. And people at the two ends of the spectrum are very different in this.

Jung, who originated the term introvert, described it as: “A mode of psychological orientation where the movement of energy is toward the inner world.”

Myers-Briggs, the popular personality typing tool, summarizes the difference like this: “Do you prefer to focus on the outer world or on your own inner world?”

If you look up the definition of introvert, you will often find descriptors like shy, self-centered, trouble communicating, aloof, or anti-social.

Unfortunately, this is how our society, which seems to value extroverts, views those of us who are more introverted. And none of those things are necessarily true.

The introvert definition that I believe most aptly and concisely describes us is that we are energized from our inner world, in solitude or with a small group of people close to us. We are easily drained of energy when surrounded by large groups of people or a lot of outside stimulation.

That basic introvert personality trait leads us to exhibit behaviors that may seem shy or anti-social to extraverts. The truth is that we are not (necessarily) shy or anti-social, although we may also be those things. Introverts aren’t afraid of social interaction – we are just happier alone or in small groups, and with limited exposure to social interactions.

And, there are more of us than we may have realized. Somewhere between 25% and 50% of the population.

Time for us to acknowledge – and to be acknowledged – that we are who we are – and that’s awesome!

I am an introvert. I am social and I am happy. I like people – in small groups. I like to talk about ideas. I am happy with a few close friends. I am energized in solitude. I am easily absorbed in my own thoughts. I like to work without interruption. I thrive on space and privacy and solitude. Sometimes I am just happier watching. I have my extravert moments, but I am an introvert – and I like it!

 

You might notice that this community is brand new, and there’s not a lot of content yet. We’re working on that, of course, and if you feel so inclined, we’d love for you to help get us started by contributing and sharing this with your friends!