What do Keanu Reeves, Bill Gates, JK Rowling, and Mark Zuckerberg have in common, apart from being rich and famous? Well, they have confessed ‘introverts.’ The Oxford English Dictionary defines introverts as ‘ a quiet person who is more interested in their thoughts and feelings than in spending time with other people.’
So, does being an introvert means to be a loner? Are introverts anti-social? Do introverts lack self-confidence? Before we jump into any conclusions and start harbouring extreme opinions, it will be helpful if we look around and try and identify the introvert amongst the people we already know.
This will enable us to understand them better, for being an introvert doesn’t mean that they cannot be friends or that they will sulk from the company.
So, how do we know that one is an introvert? Numerous researches and social experiments have successfully identified the common traits of introverts. From being the last one to join the class trip to answering the calls with text messages, here is the list of top ten signs of being an introvert.
1. A Select Circle of Friends
“Birds of the same feather flocks together,” however, in the case of introverts, this might not be true. Usually introverts like the company of people who expresses themselves freely and can be attracted to a ‘loud’ group. They are sensitive to the feelings of others and their own.
Though they are the silent ones in most talks that can be great listeners and can be the think tank of the group due to their natural ability to analyze and process the thoughts and feelings. They shun in the company with members outside the select circle and avoids being alone in a social setup.
2. More the Crowd, Lonelier it Gets
An introvert does not like crowds, for too many people hinder the communication within. They tend to grow more silent and secluded while in a circle. They tend to get physically and emotionally drained of energy while delaying with a crowd.
Introverts value rooted communication and intimacy in interactions. In crowds, they will stick to a group the entire event or remain aloof and mostly alone. They are selective about socializing and usually prefer quiet environments.
3. Being Alone is Easy and Fun
It might give goosebumps to many even to imagine an evening all alone, but for an introvert, it can be the perfect evening. An introvert likes to be alone and will not mind binge watching Netflix alone or be engrossed in the latest hot selling paperback.
Staying alone in the ‘den’ to them means freedom to do what they please, and they value independence. The introvert tends to process their thoughts and feelings within, this a few hours of being lonely is the perfect gateway to tete a tete, with self.
4. Don’t Mince Words
A person who seldom expresses his or her inner thoughts, avoid small talks while showing them. In spite of small talks being an essential part of any social or professional communication, do not appeal to an introvert, for they communicate their feelings only when they feel that the relationship is authentic and do not require beating around the bush.
5. Good Listeners and Great Observers
A person who likes to keep one’s thoughts and feelings to him/ her is more inclined to make use of the sights and sounds for stimulation.
They are great at observing people and have an eye for details, for they love to learn by observation. With active listening skills, they are equipped to provide valuable inputs in a group or situation. But only when asked.
6. Short Phone Calls
When it comes to phone calls, introverts like to keep them sharp. Conversations over the phone make them awkward, even when the best of friends or family is calling. They tend to get worked up and are not good at verbal nods, in spite of being good listeners. Most introverts tend to keep the phone silent, and it’s no wonder that the voice mailbox tends to remain full most of the time.
7. Will Rather Text than Call
While answering the voice mail, it is most likely that one will receive a text message, rather than a request. They have a way with words when they write, and the texts are usually full sentences, complete with punctuations. This is making them long but sincere texts.
8. Have a Great Idea? Please keep it to yourself
Most introverts have a transparent thought process, are great observers, good listeners, and have an analytical mind. But when it comes to discussions, they will keep their ideas to themselves, until they are egged on.
They tend to process their thoughts and keep refining their finds rather than being vocal about them. They can be significant in putting across their ideas in writing but will avoid talking about them publicly.
9. Projects Involving Group
Group projects can be demanding and can be complete chaos if all the members tend to work independently. For someone who has an independent thought process, an eye for details, and who likes to keep their thoughts to themselves, working in a group can be a nightmare.
Introverts can be great team players, but the exercise often takes its toll on their emotional and mental wellbeing. Thus they do not like group activities.
10. Choose, Plan, and Be Passionate
When it comes to friends, socializing, and following a hobby, they tend to be choosy. They do not confide easily and are not good at networking. For them, friendships are authentic relationships based on trust, honesty, and loyalty.
They tend to be very particular about the public space that shares with their friends and is best in less crowded and quiet areas. Noisy and crowded places are strict, no, so are crowded House parties. They have a refined taste and often follow their hobbies with a passion. They tend to forget about time and restraints while they are working on something they like.
In spite of the stigma attached to introverts and the false notions that prevail in society, introverts are real people. They can be great friends and ethical leaders. All we need to do is to understand them and do our bit to make them be their best.
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