Being Introverted
Monday, January 12, 2015
Why hello there! The third post in 2 days… It could only mean one thing - I am on holidays and completely bored out of my mind.
Recently, I have been really interested in researching the difference between introverted and extroverted people; I have always been told that I was quite introverted but I never truly understood what it meant. Since then, I have watched numerous YouTube videos regarding the topic of introverts and the differences between being introverted and extroverted. Obviously, no person is completely true to one and each person has traits of both. It is just that a person either has higher introverted qualities or higher extroverted qualities. I have become a huge fan of Susan Cain for her beliefs and outlook of introverts; Susan Cain has done an amazing TedTalk video that I watched a few days back called 'The Power of Introverts' which you can watch here.
I often find myself coming across to new people quite standoffish and possibly rude but I know that it is due to my introverted nature, the fact that I am actually quite shy before I know someone well. I 100% understand that when I first meet people I probably come across as an utter bitch but it is honestly just because I am shy and I am not a huge fan of small talk. So, my goal for this year is become more inviting, be more personable and more friendly.
Susan Cain has also written a book called called Quiet: The Power of Introverts and the World That Can't Stop Talking. I feel that she perfectly sums up how I feel personally, being someone with higher introverted qualities:
“Introverts, in contrast, may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pajamas. They prefer to devote their social energies to close friends, colleagues, and family. They listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation. They tend to dislike conflict. Many have a horror of small talk, but enjoy deep discussions.”
Further, Susan explains that:
"Studies have shown that, indeed, introverts are more likely than extroverts to express intimate facts about themselves online that their family and friends would be surprised to read. To say that they can express the "real me" online, and to spend more time in certain kinds of online discussions. They welcome the chance to communicate digitally that same person who would never raise his hand in a lecture hall of two hundred people might blog to two thousand or two million, without thinking twice. The same person who finds it difficult to introduce himself to strangers might establish a presence online and then extend these relationships in the real world"
I mean look at me, writing a blog for all of you to read. Personal details that I wouldn't share lightly.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being an introvert, it just means a little more effort on the introverts part to seem personable and friendly upon first meeting. Of course, just because a person is shy does not mean they are introverted by any means and there are a lot more aspects that one can identify with.
Other ways to tell if you are introverted include:
If you find crowds stressful
If you aren't thrilled to meet new people - this isn't saying that you hate making new friends but sometimes meeting new people is a big drain on your energy
You're good at speeches, but not great afterwards - Just because you're introverted doesn't mean you aren't outgoing and confident
You're friends with extroverts - opposites attract right? Being friends with an extrovert provides balance
You like doing nothing sometimes
You don't trust easily - It can be difficult to find friends who respect your introverted nature so it takes a little bit more time and energy to create lasting friendships
You write - Many introverts are writers, either professionally or in their free time. Writing is a very good way to really connect to yourself.
You plan ahead - You like everything to run smoothly with no issues. This can be anything from a weekend away to running a few errands.
You know what you like
- Emma xo
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