To learn more about what it’s like to be an introvert, we reached out to a few experts on the topic who were kind enough to chat with Bored Panda. “For me, being an introvert means I’m a deep thinker,” says David Hall, host of the Quiet and Strong podcast. “I tend to dive inward, navigating through my inner world of ideas and reflections. It’s like having a private universe right in my mind! As introverts we are deep thinkers, and really enjoy the inner world of our thoughts.”
David also says that, despite the bad rap that introversion often gets, it’s not all hiding in a corner with a book. “When you truly understand and embrace your introverted nature, it’s like unlocking a superpower,” he explained. “It’s about tapping into that quiet strength and finding beauty in solitude. So remember, introversion: It’s not just a label, it’s a way to really understand yourself.”
“Being an introvert means that I get my energy recharged when I’m alone,” Jamie C. Martin, founder of Introverted Moms, shared. “Extroverts actually recharge when around others; introverts recharge by themselves.”
“Introverts tend to prefer deeper relationships with a smaller circle of people, which can be a beautiful asset,” Jamie continued. “It’s a natural preference for quality over quantity. Because of this less-is-more preference, we go deeper. Incredibly, it’s even been shown that the brain of an introvert processes information more deeply than the brain of an extrovert!”
According to Peter Vogt, founder of Introvert Insights and author of The Introvert Manifesto, it’s easiest to understand introverts and introversion by contrasting them against extroverts and extroversion. But first, Peter says, “It’s important to know that introversion and extroversion lie on opposite ends of a continuum, so there’s really no such thing as ‘an’ introvert or ‘an’ extrovert.”
“We are all a mix of both traits (along with many others). There are degrees of introversion and extroversion, and even those degrees fluctuate a bit in one particular person,” Peter went on to explain. “In general, though, for some of us—like me, for example—there is much more introvert than extrovert in the mix! So it’s easiest—as a form of shorthand, really—to just say ‘I’m an introvert’ vs. something like ‘I tend toward introversion most of the time.'”
Peter also says there are two basic differences between introverts and extroverts: “Introverts are energized (and re-energized, when they’re tired) by solitude and alone time—time away from people. Whereas extroverts are energized (and re-energized, when they’re tired) by being with people,” he explained.
“Introverts prefer a lower-key, quieter environment that isn’t full of external stimulation—like lots of noise, for example, and lots of things happening that we pick up with our senses. Whereas extroverts prefer a more action-oriented environment that does feed the five senses,” Peter continued.
“In a nutshell: Introverts just prefer a quieter, lower-key life where they can focus on just a few things—or one thing—at a time, in depth. Extroverts prefer a more action-oriented, senses-pleasing life where they can be involved in lots of different things,” the author says. “One is not better than than other! They’re just different from each other.”
“Being an introvert is like having a secret superpower that not everyone knows about!” David says. “Sure, we introverts aren’t all exactly alike, despite the many stereotypes, but there’s something pretty magical about embracing your introversion.”
“As introverts, we’ve got these amazing imaginations that can take us to places no one else even dreamed of, help us solve problems like no other, and think of things in ways no one else has before,” he explained. “We often have so many ideas, it’s hard to keep track of them all, but they’re usually pretty innovative and creative if we have time to think about them.”
“But being an introvert isn’t just about daydreaming and doodling (although those are pretty awesome perks),” David continued. “We’ve got this arsenal of strengths that set us apart. From our deep reflectiveness to our knack for analytical thinking, we introverts bring a lot to the table. And when we lock onto a task, you better believe we’re laser-focused until it’s done.”
“So even though half the population is introverted, it still feels like being an introvert is being part of this exclusive club with all these hidden talents just waiting to be unleashed,” the podcaster added. “And it’s a pretty awesome club to be in!”
When it comes to Peter’s favorite aspects of being an introvert, he told Bored Panda, “For me, the best part is knowing I’m capable of doing things on my own when I want or need to. Many introverts (me included) have an independent streak. Like any trait, this can be a blessing and a curse, depending on the situation and on whom you ask! But I treasure the fact that I can be my own entertainment and company. And it’s not ‘work’ or a hardship for me; it’s a joy.”
“I also enjoy digging into things deeply, which is another classic introvert trait. It helps me have deep conversations with people, learn about new subjects in great depth, and more,” he added.
Because introverts are often misunderstood, we asked the experts if there were any misconceptions about introverts they’d like to dispel. “Being an introvert does NOT mean that you don’t like people!” Jamie shared. “I love people and even connecting with new people, but I just need to recharge when I’m alone again afterwards.”
“Being introverted doesn’t automatically mean we’re shy wallflowers who’d rather hide in a closet than talk to people,” David added. “Nope, we actually enjoy socializing (on our terms of course). We value deep connections and meaningful conversations with our inner circle more than anything.”
“Now, here’s the real scoop: introverts have rechargeable batteries. We need our alone time to power up and get ready to take on the world,” he explained. “Whether it’s focusing on a project, unwinding after a long day, or just letting our minds wander into the cosmos, solitude is our sanctuary.”
But David says being an introvert doesn’t mean that a person has to be shy. “And we’re not hermits. We love spending quality time with the people who get us on a soul-deep level. Those late-night chats and heart-to-heart conversations. They’re what we live for,” he explained. “So, being introverted isn’t about avoiding people—it’s about finding that perfect balance between time in our minds and connecting with others.”
Peter says he could easily name a hundred misconceptions about introverts, but he says one of the most prominent is the belief that if you’re an introvert, there is something fundamentally wrong with you. “In Western society especially, extroverts and extroversion are put on a pedestal of sorts. Being an extrovert is the ‘right’ thing to be,” he explained. “The gold standard.”
“Introverts and introversion? Not so much. Being an introvert is seen as the ‘wrong’ way to be—a message that is communicated to introverts both implicitly and explicitly,” Peter continued. “Being an introvert is ‘that other thing’—not the gold standard, i.e., extroversion. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I’ve heard introverts say (about their introversion): ‘I always thought something must be wrong with me’ or ‘Something is wrong with me.'”
“It’s heartbreaking, because the typical response to such a belief is to try to change and become the extrovert you’re not. And that goes nowhere good,” Peter told Bored Panda. “You end up unhappy at a minimum, and often you end up experiencing far worse (e.g., depression, anxiety)—because you feel like you’ve sold yourself down the river.”
“So, if I could say something to introverts everywhere, I’d say this: ‘There’s nothing wrong with you! You’re simply an introvert!'” he shared. “Again, introverts and extroverts (and introversion and extroversion) are just different from each other. Not better than or worse than each other.”
“Once you really get to know yourself as an introvert—your strengths, your needs, your quirks—it’s like unlocking a whole new level of superpowers,” David says. “Seriously, it’s a game-changer for everything from productivity to relationships, communication, leadership, you name it.”
“It’s not about whether introverts can do something—it’s about how we’ll do it. We’ve got this knack for approaching challenges in our own unique way, often surprising even ourselves (and definitely our extroverted colleagues) with our success,” he explained.
“So, embrace your introverted superpower. Own it, celebrate it, and watch as it takes you to places you never even dreamed possible,” David added. “Introverts are awesome!”
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