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What is an introvert? -

A person who is high in introversion—a personality trait characterized by being energized by alone time rather than socializing—is considered an introvert.

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Introversion-extroversion spectrum -

Introversion and extroversion exist on a spectrum. Ambiverts sit somewhere in the middle, while others are true introverts or extroverts.

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Carl Jung -

Famed Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist Carl Jung considered the introversion-extroversion spectrum one of the underlying traits that influence our overall personality. 

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Introverts and shyness -

An introvert's inner world helps keep them grounded. Introverts tend to be more quiet, reflective, and reserved, but introversion doesn't always equate to shyness.

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Introverts and shyness -

Introversion is a personality type, while shyness is an emotion. Shy people tend to feel uncomfortable in social situations and experience physiological symptoms like a quickened heart rate. They may be inclined to skip social events due to these negative feelings.

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Introverts and shyness -

Introverts also prefer to skip social events, but it's because they feel more energized doing things alone or in the company of one or two other people. They don't necessarily experience negative reactions to larger gatherings.

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How common are introverts? -

Research suggests that 30 to 50% of the US population are introverted. 

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How common are introverts? -

Most people are able to be introverted and extroverted at different moments, meaning they fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, making them ambiverts.

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What causes introversion? -

Genetics play a role in a person's preference toward introversion over extroversion. Experts suggest that, among various personality traits, introversion and extroversion are particularly influenced by hereditary factors.

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What causes introversion? -

DNA even determines the degree of flexibility in extroversion and introversion. The neurotransmitter dopamine fuels the brain's reward center, and extroverts tend to appreciate or be motivated by dopamine hits, while introverts are less driven by a need for dopamine. 

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Preferring solitude to company -

A key indicator of an introvert is someone who prefers alone time or the company of a small, close-knit circle.

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Feeling drained by a lot of socialization -

If spending a lot of time socializing tires you out, it could be a sign that you're an introvert. 

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Sensitivity to external stimuli -

Introverts tend to prefer calm and quiet environments. Busy markets, crowded streets, and loud groups of people may feel overwhelming to an introvert.

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Preferring to work alone -

In general, introverts prefer to work alone over working in a team, as they tend to think and complete tasks more efficiently on their own.

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Retreating into your own mind -

Introverts are adept at going within their own minds, retreating to inner solitude when they need to take a break. 

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Social introverts -

Social introverts prefer to spend time alone and are less interested in large gatherings and parties. They don't avoid crowds because of anxiety but because they feel most comfortable in solitude or small groups.

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Thinking introverts -

Thinking introverts spend a lot of time in their own heads. They are often most at peace when they are studying, reading, learning, or researching. 

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Anxious introverts -

Anxious introverts are often quiet and may seem nervous. Socializing may stimulate anxiety, causing them to go inward, and may present as rude or withdrawn.

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Restrained introverts -

Restrained or inhibited introverts tend to be introverted around new people until they get to know them. They often have a grounded and thoughtful demeanor.

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Acknowledge your feelings -

Find a balance of introversion and extroversion that works for you in each scenario. There will be moments when you need to lean into extroverted qualities, but you should retreat to your inner world if or when you need to.

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Stick to your boundaries -

Introverts need to know how to establish boundaries with what they need and not second-guess themselves. If you need to cancel dinner plans because you're not feeling it, the right people will understand that you need alone time.

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Introverts and dating -

Introverts can struggle with dating as they may find it difficult to express their need for space in the context of a relationship.

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Protect yourself from burnout and overstimulation -

Introverts need to be aware of their limits in terms of what they find draining and protect themselves against overstimulation and burnout. 

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Protect yourself from burnout and overstimulation -

Introverts may need space from their friends, family, and partner. While it's important to lean into extroverted qualities at times, they'll feel more at peace when they acknowledge their need for space.

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Myths: extroverts are happier -

Embracing social situations you naturally gravitate towards, instead of forcing yourself into ones that are too big or too small for your liking, will make you the happiest.

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Myths: introverts are unfriendly -

Introversion doesn't affect how friendly a person may be. Some people may think introverts are unfriendly because they don't tend to have a large group of friends and would rather observe than join in on conversations at gatherings.

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Myths: introverts aren't confident -

Whether a person is an introvert or an extrovert has no impact on their confidence, as long as they're living in a way that's true to them and makes them feel happy.

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Myths: introverts can't be leaders -

People may think of an extroverted personality when they imagine a person in charge, but introverts also possess the skills to be effective leaders. In the workplace, they are more likely to listen to their employee's ideas and can stay focused on long-term goals.

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Myths: introverts don't like to socialize -

Introverts aren't "anti-social," they just have a different tolerance level for how much socializing they're comfortable with. After having some alone time, introverts are more likely to be fully invested and enjoy themselves when they're with friends.

Sources: (Mindbodygreen) (Healthline)

See also: Life lessons you can learn from introverts 

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