Introvert vs Extrovert - The Mystery Behind An Introvert’s Mind

How can we spot an introverted personality and understand it? How do introverts really see the world from their own perspective? What’s beyond the surface?

Undoubtedly, introversion and extroversion have been swirling around for what seems like an eternity. We’ve come to know individuals belonging to the “introvert’s community” better through an immense diversity of psychology-backed sources, including even commercialized articles waiting to be published. And even though introversion and extroversion are heavily discussed topics today, it seems like all this vast knowledge fails to raise a very significant question: “Can we peep into an introvert’s mind and “read” what has been written there? Can we “engage” with their thoughts and bring soft colors inside? That’s the point.

Introvert vs Extrovert

With all these rambling voices filling up the air, it’s no wonder why introverted individuals often choose to “stay on the side”, picking the role of an outsider in a “world that never stops humming”. Being in a position of that “experimental mouse”, awaiting its turn to get “tested” and “researched”, appears to reach an introvert’s mind on so many levels.

The Mystery Behind An Introvert’s Mind

A Deeper Understanding Of Introverts

Placing these two overly used terms on the polar sides of the spectrum is the typical “drill” that often gets in action. However, what’s the meaning behind them? How should we treat such categorizations? Terminologically, Introversion, and extroversion walk us back to the old-school psychologists who started creating archetypes which lead us to a fundamental distinction between them –one that we recognize today quite well.

If we turn directly to psychology, we won’t be awe-struck at the common ways in which introversion is treated. Furthermore, according to the prominent theories of the contemporary psychiatrist Carl Jung, the introverted individual’s interests are predominantly focused on the “inward world” aka one’s dearest thoughts and feelings. Daydreaming personalities, introspection, dilemmas and/or hardships when adjusting to a social situation, withdrawal from human interactions as a consequence of stressful and wandering mind seems to be quite common personal traits of any introvert.

Behavioral Differences In Both Groups

Regardless of what introverts are considered to be in face-to-face communications, these people might have their minds wandering on a daily basis, but they’re not necessarily antisocial or shy. Believe it or not, introverted people may even turn out to be the “life and soul of any party” once they’re given the opportunity to “shine”. Typically, we tend to believe in the absolute maximum according to which only extroverts can be regarded as the “social butterflies” in a crowd; and with this, we draw ourselves closer to the thin line bordering these two types. Unlike introverts, the extroverted type always loves being noticed while seeking an even better place for admiration.

Additionally, extroverts are quite fond of gossiping around as a “healthy” way of teasing someone else; and more often than not, the subject of their mockery happens to be the introverted type. The genuine shyness, quietness, and perfect solitude frequently discovered in nature, music, books or even somewhere deep down, have a striking reflection on people’s perception and attitude towards introverts. What’s classic and ordinary for an extrovert may feel terribly inappropriate and unconventional to introverts.

Authentically, introverts are in an utmost need of re-charging batteries after a social engagement. They don’t rejoice in long conversations, neither do they enjoy the so-called “small talks” which regularly drain their energy. However, this does not equal shyness or antisocial behavior whatsoever. Rather, processing of the world takes longer in this specific group of individuals. Abrupt, thoughtless and immediate answers are never heard since the reality of the introvert is not set on the outside world, but on their own. Needless to say, the stimulation of an accurate answer to what’s been questioned simply requires more time. In the meantime, the mind of an introvert starts wondering whether the response that’s been given is satisfying enough.

With extroverts, it’s entirely the other way around – they look at the whole picture without fully contemplating it, they may see the tiniest of details somewhere in there, however, they don’t “approach” them genuinely. Extroverts see those details and initiate a discussion over them, while introverts have already started this process in their heads, led by themselves and nobody else.With that being said, it’s plain to see why the latter are sometimes labeled “timid” or “self-conscious” while the extroverted type is more open, talkative, and even shallow in certain scenarios. As a result of such a superficial attitude, they are very likely to start “back paddling” from a conversation in which they haven’t phrased it all accurately.

Essentially, the introvert type is so heavily absorbed in thoughts, ideas, and analysis of that “humming sound” coming from the outside world that they need more time to process all that piece of external information. Such a behavioral contrast has this specific group of human beings – considered [highly] emotional and contemplative – rejected which results in hurt feelings and impaired dignity.

Thinking about that highly extroverted individual who always sounds as if they have previously rehearsed every single word? And even though they might not follow their “small talk” plan strictly, they give an impression of “holding it all together” just fine. Generally, the extroverted person may backtrack their initial thoughts so as to find a way of escaping an awkward social situation. Principally, this idea of seeking a way out is just like a foreign land to any introverted person.

Can We Spot The Introverted One?

Does introversion have “sub” levels? Can we categorize introverted individuals into more specific groups? Have you ever wondered what’s going within the introvert’s mind and soul? Many surveys have been conducted on this special topic and the outcomes acknowledge the existence of 4 types of introverts we can spot in a stranger if looking closer. Regardless of an introvert’s varying degrees of these interesting traits, today we can surely talk about a few subcategories of this phenomenon, namely: social, anxious, thinking and, last but certainly not least, restrained introversion.

1. “The Social Butterfly” among introverts

That’s how you would know “the social butterfly” in the face of an introvert. Genuinely, those individuals who belong to this specific variation of the term simply find delight in their own company. They prefer not to socialize, however, if they have to, the social introverts rather have their group of friends quite small and close-knit.What’s more, social engagements have them drained not only on an emotional level but on a mental and physical one as well. This particular type of introverts is a very arresting picture since it could often be mistaken for “shyness”. For a matter of fact, introverted ones should not be considered bashful or timid as a result of their quiet and humble personality and vice verse.

2. “The Anxious Type”

As easy as it may seem, “the anxious type” isn’t just an individual who finds themselves feeling inappropriate or even fidgety in a social gathering. It’s certainly not that simple since the anxious introvert may even like being invited to an event. However, this strong wave of uneasiness alone could serve as a well-founded reason why this person, in particular, may draw themselves quite far away from a social situation.

3. “The Restrained One”

Perhaps the least known category, into which introverted human beings are divided, is the restrained aka reserved one. In other words, those “deep thinkers”, you might have met in your life, are in the plain need of a” warm up” before speaking up and/or reacting to something in a certain way. Exiting the “comfort zone” in such a scenario appears to be twice as hard, to say the least. And even though, “the reserved one” may naturally take pleasure in an activity, the chances are they would probably re-think the whole idea countless times.

4. “Thinking Mood: ON”

One distinct trait introverts are authentically renowned for is called “introspection”, immersion.Regarded as the deepest thinkers whose mindset wanders beyond the horizon, introverts outscore highly extroverted ones with their exceptional and charismatic nature, creative thoughts, and imaginative perspective. Compared to extroverts, they possess a very significant trait of not just witnessing and watching something, but peeping into its details.

Furthermore, it’s no secret how excellent and unrivaled introverts are at introspection and activities requiring an analytical approach. On the other side of the table sits the extroverted personality being famous for its “fast and furious” manner of managing and socializing in general terms. With that being said, a question pops up into our heads:

Introverts Love Breaking Stereotypes – The Path To Success

In truth, the absolute maximum of belonging only to one type, featuring certain set of traits, is not created yet. Therefore, you should reach for the “wider perspective” which will help you maneuver yourself into both categories. The key that opens the door to immediate success is to value both. Equally. Set your thoughts on stealing the best of both, eventually using all this as a priceless skill and a source of strength.

The infusion of these two significant components has you in charge of your conscious. Completely. Relying on this when launching a business will also raise you up to a position of fortune and progress in your professional and personal life. Don’t make this your “either-or” choice, make these two features work in a perfect harmony for you.

What Introverts Can Bring To A Relationship

Believe it or not, a relationship with an introverted person can be pretty exciting, romantic and quite special. However, this works reciprocally. The absolute maximum of “you get what you give” is in full swing in this case. Introverts are daydreamers whose thoughts always reflect on something out there. They often get trapped in their own plans, ideas, thoughts which may have their significant other think that something is not right with their relationship.

On the other hand, there’s a whole new world to be disclosed when sharing a life with an introvert. With such a colorful set of traits, it’s absolutely no wonder why introverts rise up to success in a sphere where they reach the maximum level of comfort. For the most part, introverted ones grow wonderfully successful in branches requiring extreme creativity and striking mindset. Therefore, it’s not rare to see them flourish in arts quite remarkably. Additionally, they possess the greatest potential of becoming exquisite writers, poets, painters, musicians and so on and so forth.

When it comes to their contribution to relationships, they’re the greatest providers of solitude and tranquility which is of utmost importance for keeping the harmony and spark locked in place. In this sense, the best partner for an introverted person is another introvert as the reason for this is considerably well-founded. Fundamentally, who else would be able to walk better in an introvert’s shoes than another introvert?

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