Jan
Are you an introvert or just shy?
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There is a common misconception that “introvert” is just a fancy name for being shy. This is most certainly not the case, although some shy people are introverts, and some introverts may also be shy. They are, however, two very different personality traits.
Most people think of introversion in a child as a personality disorder, the precursor to a miserable or even violent adult life. Shyness, on the other hand, is thought of as delightful or cute in a girl, but maybe less positively so in a young boy. Nonetheless, shyness is considered a short-term type of mild social anxiety which can normally be coaxed out of a child.
By definition, an introvert is one who is concerned with their own thoughts or feelings. A thinker. A feeler. A creator. They are more “in touch” with their inner selves than the average person. There is no implication of fear of social contact or even social awkwardness.
A person who is shy IS fearful. They are wary, scared of negative comments, unsure of themselves, and not confident in their ability to compete on a social level.
Determining whether you are an introvert, shy, both, or neither takes thought on your part, and probably input from those around you. How you see yourself is not necessarily how the world sees you. Do you enjoy interacting with others and are you comfortable doing so? Do you enjoy “alone time”? Are you concerned that others might not think you are good enough, or do you even care? Are you confident in your abilities? Do you need the company of others to feel complete? All of these questions can help you determine your level of introversion and/or shyness. There are numerous quizzes and personality tests on the internet that can also help you find where you are on the social interaction spectrum.
A person may be an introvert who is also shy, but most introverts are not shy at all. They are confident in their abilities, their talents, and capable of sharing them if they feel the need to do so. Many famous, talented people are introverts who show not a hint of shyness – Albert Einstein, President Eisenhower, Queen Elizabeth, Warren Buffett, Michael Jordan, Woody Allen. These people all had incredible talents, beliefs, or gifts which they shared bountifully with the world – they may have developed in solitude, but were shared with us all.
Photo Credit: Remuz [Jack The Ripper]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Nick Laborde, Thriving Introvert. Thriving Introvert said: Are you an introvert or just shy? – http://www.thrivingintrovert.com/2010/01/01/are-you-an-introvert-or-just-shy/ (via @introvertblog) [...]
I guess some folks still can’t imagine that there are people who spend time alone not because they are AFRAID of talking to others, but because they PREFER it that way. Thanks for doing your part to educate the world on this topic!
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