Introverts: five important facts

Last week we discussed some facts about extroversion. In this edition, we look at another major personality traits identified in many theories of personality: Introversion. Below are five facts that may help you in your relationship with your introverted child, friend or neighbours.

For introverts, relationship is about trust not crowds.

1. Introverts tend to be more quiet, reserved, and introspective. This condition has nothing to do with shyness. Nor does it mean that they are afraid of associating with people, as some people erroneously think. However introverted a person is, they will interact when they see the need to. Coincidentally, they do not often interact simply for the sake of interacting. Theirs is purposeful conversation
2. They appear lazy and full of procrastination. However, once they set their mind on something, they will give it their best effort.
3. Introverts love books, movies, nature, music, documentaries, pets etc. They love these because they help to feed their reflective nature. Bring up topics on these issues and the introvert may assume very very surprising extroverted and talkative nature that you have never seen before
4. The introvert prefers to have few quality friends. They define quality in terms of trust, intellectual fecundity and depth of thought. If they do nit trust you, there’s no value in your friendship. For them, superficiality is out of the question.
5. Introverts are highly altruistic but are often misunderstood. They come across as arrogant because they prefer to be alone than mix with a senseless crowd. Again, because of their recluse nature, introverts are sensitive and empathetic. They will avoid conflicts most of the time. This makes them to appear weak and subservient. But they may be prone to sudden and unexpected bursts of anger when their peace loving disposition is taken for granted. The fact people underestimate them, gives them a perfect facade to excel in most of their endeavors because they have a lot time for introspection and study.

Renown introverts

Obama: archetypal introvert who keeps to a circle of trusted folks than loud and noisy companies

Some of the best known introverts are: Barack Obama, Mark Zukerburg, Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, Emmanuel Watson, Steve Jobs, JK Rowlings, Albert Einstein, Issac Newton, Warren Buffet, Elon Musk, Larry Page etc

Raising an introverted child

• Do not seek to convert the introvert into an extrovert. Instead create for them more opportunities to explore, understand themselves and build their confidence
• They are reserved, and would seek to plan their actions and control their emotions most times. They are serious and come out as reliable. However, they tend to be pessimistic and may be prone to depression. Help them to understand that there’s nothing wrong with their nature.
• Introverts love to be recognised for what they can bring to the table, the solutions they can provide as an individual rather than how sociable they considered to be. So, appreciate them for their individuality and they will blossom.
• While it is okay to take them to social events, they would prefer smaller crowds, limited time outs with many people and an opportunity to watch and observe than to be the soul of the party.
• If they are allowed to grow into science, music composition, or engineering, they do very well. They will be an excellent fit for intelligence work as they have an acute sense of patterns and hidden behaviours that are not obvious to the casual observer.

Conclusion

Introversion should not be considered a misfitting. It should be seen as another personality type and be nurtured to play it’s complimentary role in the advancement of culture, security, and well being of society.