Introduction to Introversion

How do you define introversion?  What does the relationship between extroversion and introversion mean for you?  As a society, we have only seemed to be able to agree on one key aspect which differentiates between extroversion and introversion – extroverts deriving their mental energy from areas with constant social interaction and introverts deriving their mental energy from areas with little to absent social interaction.  All other definitions entailed are definitions shaped by what we see, what we read, and what we believe to be the “normality” for this “dichotomy.”  These beliefs, which often evolve into stereotypes, may be shared by a community or even by a culture, but it may not necessarily be reflective of everyone who falls into either category. 

Extroverts have been defined as gregariously outgoing, suffering from boredom or depression when socially understimulated.  They tend to think out loud and be impulsive with their actions, as well as their conversations. Extroverts are “people of action and practical achievement, [the easiest] to understand.”² Since introverts stress out from social overstimulation, they have been collectively attributed with being socially awkward, shy, reclusive, reserved, highly self-conscious, and social outcasts.  They tend to be great listeners, internalizing the thoughts of others and themselves before speaking during conversations.  Introverts are “people of ideas and abstract invention, [the most difficult] to understand.”²     

Did you find some definitions here that did not necessarily fit you or were in the other category?  I certainly have, for myself.  And has anyone else noticed the listing of negative adjectives gravitating towards one?  It seems to be a recurrent theme when people try to describe and list out the qualities of this “dichotomy,” except when they are able to understand and appreciate both identities.    

Introversion and extroversion have often been construed as distinct, separate categories in many of the writings that have surfaced since Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung coined and popularized these personality types in 1924.  There is no fluidity to these definitions, and you are constrained to the stereotypes assigned to this binary system.  When you find yourself falling out of this stereotyping, you may ask yourself if the label is really appropriate for you, if there was something wrong with the label itself, or if you were an individual exception to this label.  This questioning often reduces the label to a personal issue, serving as a disconnection on the ability to identify with other people when it comes to introversion and/or extroversion. 

Introversion and extroversion should be collectively viewed and appreciated as a spectrum, allowing for the fluidity and extremes that comes with this social identity.  This spectrum allows for individuality in how we choose to define our own identity when it comes to introversion and extroversion, as well as accommodate for minor to significant modifying changes that result from life experiences.  It serves to be more inclusive for whom we choose to identify with and encompasses individuals who find that they have characteristics from each category.  The idea of introversion/extroversion as a spectrum should not be used carelessly for “name-sake purposes” in writings, being slapped on as a friendlier, alternative labeling for the long-held dichotomy.   

 

² http://www.giftedservices.com.au/StartingPoints/Introverts.html