What Does Introvert Mean

What does introvert mean? An introvert is energized by being alone. We often enjoy solitary activities, such as reading, writing, or spending time in nature. We prefer small groups of close friends to large parties or crowded rooms.

Because large groups or crowded rooms can overwhelm us with too much stimulation, introverts may seem quiet or even shy in social situations. However, this does not mean we do not enjoy being around people. Instead, introverts prefer socialization on a smaller, more intimate scale.

How to Tell if You are an Introvert

There’s no single answer to this question, as everyone experiences introversion differently. However, there are some common signs may indicate that you tend to be introverted. So here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. Do you feel more energized when spending time alone than surrounded by people?
2. Do you prefer deep conversations to small talk?
3. Are you exhausted after being in a social situation?
4. Do you enjoy thinking and reflecting rather than being “on the go”?

If this sounds like you, there’s a good chance you’re an introvert. But, if you are unsure, check out the Introvert, Dear quiz on the Introvert, Dear website. It is my go-to site for all things introverts and helps me to feel seen in a world that always underestimates the silent ones.

I Am an Introvert

I am an introvert. I do not enjoy large groups, chaotic gatherings, or loud environments. Those types of events overwhelm me. And when I get overwhelmed, I begin to withdraw.

I will decline an invitation, or I may want to discuss a social situation compromise because I know how it will make me feel. And usually, I want to attend, I just need to figure out how to do that without overwhelming myself.

However, if we are in conversation about my attendance at an event, please give me the grace to figure out what I need to do. Otherwise, I won’t go. It isn’t worth it to me to compromise myself just to attend an event. I will be miserable. 

Benefits of Being an Introvert

For one thing, introverts are often very observant and perceptive. We tend to notice small details that others might miss, and we are good at quickly taking in large amounts of information.

Additionally, introverts are often very reflective and thoughtful. We like to spend time alone mulling over ideas and problems, and as a result, we are often very good at coming up with creative solutions.

Because we like meaningful deep conversations, introverts tend to be loyal and reliable friends. We may not be the life of the party, but we will always be there for you when you need us. 

As an introvert, you are in great company. Look at a couple of examples of world-changing leaders who are introverts:  

• President Barrack Obama
• Rosa Parks
• First Lady Laura Bush
• Bill Gates

So, if you ever ask yourself, what does introvert mean? It means the sky is the limit when you embrace those introverted superpowers. We can accomplish great things when we embrace who we are. Introverts make the world go round. We do.

The book brain is reading in the above image is The Secret Lives of Introverts: Inside Our Hidden World. I highly recommend this book if you are an introvert and/or if you have someone in your life who is an introvert and want to understand yourself and them better. Or if none of those apply and you want to be a better human being (diversity makes the world go around).

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, so if you click here or the above picture, I earn a commission.

Introversion and Abuse

For me, the question, what does introvert mean, takes on a different contemplation and answer. My life included verbal and emotional abuse, which took my natural introversion and turned it into something more intense.

I have more extreme reactions to the world around me than the typical introvert. For example, introverts are observant and perceptive. However, my abusive upbringing turned up the volume on that natural way of being and turned it into my hypervigilance.

Another example is introverts are reflective and thoughtful. My abusive environment overwhelmed me, so I often withdrew into my world.

Introverts Are Not

What does introvert NOT mean? It does NOT mean that we are shy. We may come across as shy because we observe the world before engaging. However, we are thoughtful in our interactions, and therefore, we take our time.

We are NOT aloof. We are quiet and thoughtful, choosing to observe before engaging. Our thoughtfulness does not mean we are not friendly or interested in what other people say. We are excellent listeners and can be very engaging in conversation.

However, because we listen, it takes a bit for us to respond, and the conversation has moved on by the time we are ready to answer. So, most people never get to hear what we have to say. And so, the assumption is that we are aloof and don’t care to engage.

I Want to Join

I want to be part of the conversation.  My process involves active listening, thought, and then engagement. It will be more profound when I speak because of the thought I have put into what I will say.

Shamed for Being Introverted

My parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings shamed me for being shy and thoughtful as a child. That shaming continued throughout my life. So, I pushed myself to become more outgoing. That was wrong that people made me feel that way to the point that I tried so hard to push myself into being something that I am not.

When a child, any child, has a natural way of being, and you tell that child that being themselves is wrong, that child will struggle with their identity their entire life. So it’s a horrible thing to do that has lifelong effects.

Being shamed for being me, in part, led me down a path of self-hatred and alcoholism.

Being an introvert doesn’t mean that you need to seek out therapy. But living in a world that shames us for being who we are. I didn’t realize how much that shaming of being my true-natured introvert affected me. Let’s face it; I had so much more to deal with as an adult survivor of childhood trauma and abuse. But being comfortable with my true introvert self again is a huge relief. And I could not have done that without therapy.

I recommend Online-Therapy.

Access to online therapy is a game changer. Go ahead and take that first step. You won’t regret it.

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