What is introversion? When I asked this question the people I know, they came up with many different answers. So, I’ve tried to explain how it feels to be an introvert and to give my own answer to this question.

Despite the many articles on introversion, it is not always easy to explain. All the introverts I know answered this question in different ways. I have done my best to sum up the main traits of introversion and explain some of the quirks of this type of personality below.

But of course, everyone is different. If you know an introvert, I suggest you talk to them and find out what being an introvert means to them. And if you are an introvert, your experiences may be very different from mine!

Meanwhile, here’s how I’d explain what introversion is to the ones I love:

1. Introversion is preferring to stay at home rather than go to a big fancy party

I am an introvert and that means I’m not that keen on big social occasions. I get a bit overwhelmed when there is too much going on. That’s why you might find me sneaking outside for a breath of fresh air and some peace and quiet, or disappearing to the restroom for a moment away from the noise and chatter.

I find big groups over-stimulating. I can’t focus on people in the way I like. Also, I don’t enjoy social chitchat all that much – I prefer meaningful conversations and getting to know people properly.

I want to know how you feel about everything. I want to know about your childhood, your dreams, and your soul. It’s impossible for me to find any of this out at a big, noisy party. So, why don’t you come round to my place and we’ll open a bottle of wine and have a proper conversation?

what is introversion

2. Introversion is the reason I never get lonely

The world is such a fascinating place, there is so much to think about and wonder, so many exciting daydreams to enjoy. There’s also so much to learn from books and films. I love to soak up all these wonders, so I rarely feel lonely.

That’s not to say I don’t love being with you, I do. I love to spend time with the special people in my life. But I also need time to recharge my batteries and to spend a bit of time in my own head with no distractions.

what is introversion

3. Introversion is the reason I am so quiet

I am often quiet because I like to think before I speak. I’m not the kind of person to jump in with my opinion without thinking it through. The trouble is, by the time I have got something to say, the conversation has often moved on. That’s why I am often quiet in group situations. But you don’t need to worry if I am quiet.

I am perfectly happy listening to others and occasionally daydreaming. It’s not that I am boring, either. I promise I do have interesting things to say. It’s just that everything happens so fast these days. I just sometimes long for things to slow down.

If you really want to talk, then we should go somewhere peaceful, perhaps in nature. Then we can have a slower conversation, just me and you and perhaps one or two others who feel the same way.

what is introversion

4. Introversion doesn’t mean I’m unfriendly, shy or anti-social.

Just because I avoid group gatherings and team-building weekends doesn’t mean I am shy or anti-social. It’s just not my idea of fun. I don’t like the noise much, or the competition. And if I sometimes don’t catch your eye when we pass at work or in the street, it’s not that I don’t like you, I just sometimes need to be alone with my thoughts, to process the things that are going on in my life.

Believe me, if you need me, I will be there for you. I can talk things through with you for as many hours as you want and I’ll provide the ice-cream/wine/whatever you need.

what is introversion

5. Being an introvert doesn’t mean I don’t want relationships. I really do.

I want to have good friends in my life and a special someone too. But I get that it can be difficult for extroverts to understand that my need for time alone is not a rejection of them.

I also understand that they might want me by their side at social events. I can do that too. I’ll do anything for the people I love, as long as they understand that I have needs too. But that’s what relationships are all about, isn’t it? Accepting each other for who we are and compromising when necessary.

I love being around extroverts. Their energy excites me and it can often bring out my more sociable side, too. Together, I think we might just be the perfect match.

what is introversion

I hope this has helped you understand what introversion actually is. And I said before, all introverts are different. The way I experience being an introvert may be very different from the way you experience it.

So, what is your idea of introversion? We’d love to hear your comments on how it feels to be an introvert.

Images by Introvert Doodles


Copyright © 2012-2024 Learning Mind. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint, contact us.

power of misfits book banner desktop

Like what you are reading? Subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss new thought-provoking articles!

This Post Has 5 Comments

  1. Linda J Comparillo

    Absolutely LOVED this article and the way it was presented. It was so spot-on.

  2. Jimmy

    As an introvert I sometimes do long for the company of a fellow introvert since I know we will understand each other. Are there any introvert communities? I like being alone but at the times that I want to go out it’s with other extroverts.

  3. B.D.Jha

    I am an introvert person. In my early years of life i used to feel that i am completely unsocial, but after getting little bit of maturity I feel that I can do more for the society if I realize my true nature. After this realization I have become more productive and feeling more happy. Thnak you very much indeed.

  4. Roshan

    Woww Kirstie, You explained it soo well. It was like, I was reading about myself..

  5. Frenz Dela Cruz

    Thanks a lot! This article were so informative and helped me to understand why i had this kind of personality. I’m also an introvert. Most of the time i prefer to be alone than to have a company of others. I’m a silent type of person also. Before, i thought that having this kind of personality is a curse, most of the time people always judged me because i’m quit different from them, but i’d realized that being introvert is not bad. There’s nothing with me, what’s wrong are the minds of other people who are still ignorance of accepting individual differences. I’m worth more than what other think.

Leave a Reply