INTROVERT: you probably heard people toss this word around loosely in conversations. Or, maybe you saw the memes on Facebook or the Extrovert VS. Introverts post and debates. If this is the first time you’ve heard this word, then in hindsight it describes someone who internalises their emotions without an external display of it. First things first, Introversion is more than just a social media trend! That’s right— I said it. It is a personality trait of many of our friends and colleagues. It is more than just being ‘shy’ or ‘anti-social.’

You might be surprised at the kinds of people around who are introverts. They come in many shapes, sizes, colours and to go more in-depth—they have different kinds of personalities, behaviours and mindsets. Even the person who is the ‘life of the party’ might be an introvert because it’s not like introverts are entirely anti-social. Let’s think of an introvert as a smartphone. The more you ‘use’ or interact with it, the less battery life it will have. Likewise, introverts lose energy the more they interact with others. In contrast to extroverts, who gain more energy from social interactions, in times of solitude, an introvert ‘recharges’ his/her batteries. For your information, introverts enjoy having friends! They may have a small group of friends and they appreciate their presence. However, meeting new people and interacting with strangers might be a bit of a task for them. Introverts thrive in quiet settings and if a situation becomes overwhelmingly hectic, they tend to get distracted. Instead of thinking they are ‘shy’, they usually use their time to formulate their words and choose not to waste their time on conversations they deem as useful. Introverts are also very observant people.

As it relates to misconceptions of introverts and the battlefield of Introverts VS. Extroverts, Introverts are outnumbered by a ratio of 3:1 when compared to extroverts. Misconceptions usually happen because of the lack of understanding on the side of extroverts. Extroverts may never understand why someone values solitude over spending time with others and as such, there’s the misconception of introverts being ‘rude’, ‘anti-social’ and even ‘wallflowers.’ Introverts are usually taught to think that there is something wrong with them. NO! It is quite normal to enjoy your peace and quiet. The trait of introversion and extroversion may also define your path/journey in career choices, educational studies and even the type of friends circle we’re apart of. Public relations, officers, life coaches and even doctors are all examples of extrovert-type of jobs. Accounting managers, chefs and editors are introvert-type of jobs. Now, I’m not saying only certain jobs are restricted to extroverts only, I’m trying to say that introverts will most likely thrive more in a less social interactional and less hectic a job.

I want everyone to know that introverts deserve a right to their alone time. Introversion is not an illness of the mind or a personality deficiency. Some people tend to have a bit of both traits— introvert and extrovert. Instead of judging an introvert, calling them names such as “stuck-up,” “anti-social” and even a “wallflower”, we should at least try to understand them and their needs. If by chance an introvert opens up to you and speaks, do not use it at their disadvantage. Rather, acknowledge the fact that they trust you and you probably mean something special to them. So, with all of that said, the next time you see a post or meme about introverts—know that is more than a trend or fancy adjective.