Is it bad to be an introvert?

Being the most sociable and open are inclinations valued as positive, especially during adolescence. But What’s wrong with being an introvert beyond this vision or social desirability?

In this article you will discover what an introvert is, what they need and how their mind works. Thus, if you are an introverted person or want to better understand those who have this trait, in this space we will ask and answer questions that will help you reflect.

What is introversion?

Introversion is not only a style of interaction, it is also a way of processing stimuli, organizing time and managing personal relationships. Although it is often associated with it, It is not about shyness, social phobia or antipathy.

Most authors establish the extravert-introvert dichotomy as opposite poles, such as Carl Jung or Hans Eysenck. The latter also relates these trends to the amount of brain activity in the cortex:

Extraverted people have less cortical arousal, so they seek to activate it with external stimuli such as social gatherings.Introverts, on the other hand, have more brain activity in the cortical area, so that external excitement can lead them to become saturated and seek solitude.

This is why introverts They tend to be quieter, shy away from large social gatherings, and may feel uncomfortable around strangers.. In addition, they usually have small groups of friends that they consider close and special, since they do not open themselves to everyone.

What are introverted people like?

Those who have this type of personality have very distinctive traits. Here are some common characteristics of introverts:

They regain their energy by spending time alone. They generally feel tired in environments that require them to be very sociable.They enjoy doing activities alone or with a small, close group of friends. They usually have few friends, but establish meaningful bonds. They prefer deep conversations and not small talk. They think before they speak and take the time to process information.They become overwhelmed in noisy, crowded environmentsThey tend to be good listeners, taking the time to process and reflect on what the other person has told them.They value independence and autonomyThey despise being the center of attention and feel uncomfortable when they are. They think very carefully about their decisions.

Being introverted is not the same as being shy or antisocial. Shyness is related to anxiety in social situations, while introversion mainly refers to the preference for being alone, it is a way of relating to the world and others. Although they can be sociable, they highly value time alone and interaction with a small group of people.

Is it bad to be an introvert?

Here’s the answer in advance: no, it’s not bad to be an introvert. The negative view we have about this style of interaction usually comes from social pressure.which in turn comes from the bombardment of information that presents extreme sociability as the key to happiness.

Also there is a certain social condemnation towards chosen solitude. Not needing as much stimulation from the environment, introverts enjoy and seek solitude when the environment overwhelms them. This is not a bad thing, since it is not about social isolation, but rather a preference for private activities. The introvert needs to find a balance between socialization and disconnection.

In addition, he relates to others to the same extent as an extravert, but in a different way.: You can go to a party and have a good time, but you won’t like to be the center of attention. He has friends, but fewer than an extrovert and, furthermore, they are more attached.

To convince you that being an introvert is as valid and enriching as the opposite, here are some of the advantages of this style of socialization.

1. Promotes careful reflection

Being introverted is not bad because allows people to analyze what they think and feel. This type of introspection can generate a more detailed understanding of one’s own personality, the world, and others.

2. Encourage active listening

Introversion helps the individual listen actively and reflectively the message that others convey in a conversation. The development of this social skill is not something negative, on the contrary, it is a useful tool for interpersonal relationships. Therefore, being an introvert is not a bad thing.

3. Foster deep relationships

There is nothing wrong with having this type of personality, since allows the establishment of meaningful links. Introversion causes the person to assign more value to the quality than the quantity of friends he has. This causes him to invest his energy and emotional resources in a select group of subjects.

4. Promotes creativity

With a suitable environment and a wealth of stored knowledge, introversion could stimulate creativity. The quiet that these individuals enjoy can help them dive deeper into their ideas faster and explore new associations without as many outside distractions.

5. Promotes autonomy

Another reason why being an introvert is not bad is that promotes the development of independence, autonomy and self-sufficiency. By preferring solitude, these types of people develop the ability to fend for themselves.

6. Improves romantic relationships

Upon reaching adulthood, introverts They are usually valued in the romantic sphere for their reflective and serene nature.. This disposition allows them to be stable companions and provide calm and depth to the bond.

7. Enhances the understanding of situations

Another reason to defend the idea that introversion is not bad is that stimulates and enhances the ability to understand situations and people. This quality can make introverts fabulous friends and coworkers, as they can understand the needs and motivations of others.

8. Strengthens concentration

In work and academic environments, being an introvert can have its advantages because stimulates introspection and concentration. The predisposition towards interiority and the lesser need for external stimulation makes introverts immerse themselves more easily in their tasks.

Susan Cain, the well-known author of the book The power of introverts in a world unable to shut up (2020), points out that many of the great minds known to humanity were introverts: Albert Einstein and Mahatma Gandhi are some of them. The vast majority of the time, Cain analyzes, his success is due to his ability to concentrate and analyze the tasks at hand.

So is it better to be an introvert?

Nothing is further from reality. Negative labels are also attached to extraverts., like being friends with everyone and no one, or not being able to convince each other. The real problem is, more often than not, that society and the media position some personality traits as more desirable than others.

In fact, extraverts and introverts can become compatible when it comes to bringing sociability and reflection to the relationship. Before pointing out one style as superior to the other, the final advice of this article is this: empathy is essential when it comes to socializing. Let’s put respect first and enjoy what diversity brings us.

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