Spirituality Lifestyle Relationships Therapy Personal Growth HSP Resources On Being Gifted The Gifted Adult Characteristics Special Issues Blessing or Curse? Commentary Gifted Resources On Being Introverted Inward Journey Outward Journey Shyness & Introversion Finding Self Introvert Resources On Personality Types C.G.Jung Myers-Briggs The Enneagram ANSIR Socionics Others On Psychology, etc. Counseling & Therapy Abnormal Psych? Choosing a Therapist On Life, in General Thoughts Words Images Dreams & Wishes Commentaries Putting it All Together Dedications & Thanks A Gallery of Links |
Spirituality Lifestyle Relationships Therapy Personal Growth HSP Resources On Being Gifted The Gifted Adult Characteristics Special Issues Blessing or Curse? Commentary Gifted Resources On Being Introverted Inward Journey Outward Journey Shyness & Introversion Finding Self Introvert Resources On Personality Types C.G.Jung Myers-Briggs The Enneagram ANSIR Socionics Others On Psychology, etc. Counseling & Therapy Abnormal Psych? Choosing a Therapist On Life, in General Thoughts Words Images Dreams & Wishes Commentaries Putting it All Together Dedications & Thanks A Gallery of Links |
On Being Introverted |
I am an introvert. No, let's rephrase that. I am a profound introvert. This often surprises people who meet me, and they say things like "But you're not really shy...?" in a slightly questioning tone of voice. And therein lies one of the most common misconceptions about Introversion: "Being an Introvert" and "Being Shy" are not the same thing! But more about this in the "Shyness and Introversion" area. So what is Introversion, really? Swiss Psychiatrist Dr. Carl Gustav Jung-- generally regarded as "the Father of psychological types"-- explained introversion as an "attitude-type" in which a person tends to focus inward, and derive their energy from going within to their own thoughts, rather than from external sources, such as people and events. |
Jung further believed that in a healthy person there was some sort of balance of introversion and extraversion-- "Introverts" merely have a preference for the introverted function, however, there was no implication that one preference is "better" than the other. Modern society-- especially in the United States-- is predominantly extraverted. Depending on who you ask, Introverts account for anywhere from 25-40% of the population. Sadly, however, it is part of simple human nature to regard any majority as "normal" and a minority as "different." Hence, Introverts are often viewed-- within the general context of society-- along a negatively slanted spectrum that ranges anywhere from "a bit different" to "defective and antisocial." The terms "loner," "aloof" and "snobbish" are also often used in connection with introverts. |
2002.03.10 2003.09.25 |
All content Copyright ©1995-2004 Peter Messerschmidt & Inner Reflections. All Rights Reserved. |
Such generalizations are almost always the result of simple misunderstanding. The truth of the matter is that introverts don't dislike people. In fact, given the right environment, an introvert can appear every bit as "extraverted" as an extravert. Introverts don't necessarily dislike socializing, either. What may be confusing to extraverts is the fact that introverts need solitude to "recharge their batteries" after socializing.... while that same socializing is the process that recharges an extravert's batteries. As such, misunderstandings can easily arise. In an extravert-oriented society, introverts sometimes find life a little difficult to cope with, and may even feel somewhat discriminated against. Since these difficulties feel very real to the introvert, some introverts have a tendency to try to "change themselves" to fit a model of behavior that's closer to the societal "ideal." However, if we examine Jung's personality models, trying to "change" something as fundamental as your natural orientation towards the environment falls under the general heading of "Falsification of Type." Jung defined Falsification of Type as a situation in which a person was developing, and predominantly using-- generally over a prolonged period of time-- skills, capabilities and gifts associated with (or managed by) a function other than their natural lead function, for example introversion or extraversion. |
Not Being Yourself Can Be Hazardous To Your Health! Jung also observed and reported that there were significant and troublesome risks associated with falsifying type, including (but not limited to) low self-esteem; confusion with respect to the identity of the self and its gifts; fatigue and depression; general health problems; and a lack of synchronicity between a person's life and their chosen direction or career. In short-- an introvert who tries to "fit in" in society by "pretending to be extraverted" not only will not succeed, but is also going to put his or her health at risk. My own life has involved a number of examples of not being "true to type," and the consequences were-- indeed-- not particularly pleasant. These pages about introversion explore some of the obstacles and benefits associated with introversion-- and shares some ideas on how to make the most of the trait, including a section of resources on how to maximize "wellness" as an introvert. |
