There are introverts who, in the right setting, can definitely enjoy a party. Others often withdraw strongly from (social) anxiety. We took a closer look at the four types of introverts.
Introverts are all extremely shy, can hardly talk to other people and prefer to lock themselves at home? Fortunately, these are only prejudices. Because yes, it’s true that most introverts get their energy from being alone rather than from being with others. But that doesn’t mean they’re all socially incompetent. On the contrary: Introverts are often really good observers and blessed with great empathy.
In fact, being an introvert is not always the same as being an introvert. The psychologists Jennifer Grimes, Jonathan Cheek and Julia Norem from the US American Wellesley College have examined the topic more closely and as part of a big survey defined four different types of introverts: social, thoughtful, anxious, and reserved introverts. Here you can find out what makes each type special, how you can tell which one you belong to, and what is good for you.
The 4 types of introverts
1. Social introverts
The first types like to be alone, but can definitely get something out of occasional meetings with friends. You won’t find social introverts at big parties as much, they prefer to spend quality time with their loved ones in smaller groups. Social introverts pretty much fit the classic definition of being alone to recharge their batteries. Because they (almost always) need to take a break from being with others – even if they really enjoyed it at the moment. Key word: social hangover.
So if you recognize yourself here, make sure you really plan enough time for yourself. In our FOMO society, where social media constantly tells us we’re missing out if we don’t do anything, social introverts like this need to be careful not to let that fear catch them.
Incidentally, this also applies to relationships: If you need some time for yourself in a partnership, there is nothing wrong with that – and as long as you explain it to your partner in exactly this way, he:she will certainly understand it.
2. Thoughtful introverts
These guys live a little in their own world. Thoughtful introverts feel most comfortable when they can – exactly – think, read, research or even be creative in peace. In conversations it can happen that they drift off and lose themselves in their world of thoughts.
Thoughtful introverts often radiate great calm and prudence. “I’ll have to think about that first,” you’ll often get as an answer from them. Others often find them to be particularly good listeners.
If you find yourself here as a thoughtful type, make sure to communicate your needs. Because if your counterpart takes your pause in speaking as an invitation to continue talking, but you actually need a little pause to think, it can quickly happen that you come up short.
3. Anxious introverts
Those who are nervous and stressed, especially in social contexts, in large groups or when he or she is the center of attention, are probably among the anxious introverts. That is why such personalities often withdraw even more than others. Extroverts in particular often do not understand this and sometimes mistakenly perceive this behavior as impolite. In fact, for such anxious introverts, avoiding those situations that stress them out is purely a protective mechanism. They are also prone to brooding, often rethinking events from the past as well as things that might (but probably don’t…) happen.
However, as with most fears, facing them at least occasionally can help. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should spend all your free time at festivals, completely against your nature, just to “toughen yourself up”. But maybe there are opportunities that you can use together with people close to you to step at least a few inches out of your comfort zone.
4. Reserved introverts
These guys are often very controlled and often afraid of saying the wrong thing. To others, such reserved introverts often come across as very grounded, as well as reliable. They often show only a few emotions and are very self-reflective. It usually takes a long time before they open up to others. Such reserved personalities like routine and knowing what they’re getting into – this allows them to relax better and then perhaps give up some of their cherished control.
And that’s good for them too. If you find yourself in this rather reserved type, maybe you can try to shed some of your reservations towards others. Otherwise you might miss the chance for an enriching interpersonal relationship.
Sources used: mindbodygreen.com, thecut.com