The Myers-Briggs test may be one of the most important tests that a person can take; forget about the ACT (but not actually)! This well-established quiz categorizes its takers into 16 different personality types labeled by 4 letters. Each letter represents a piece of the person’s character so defined by the quiz. The first letter of each personality starts with either an “I” or an “E”. These signify a tendency towards Extraversion or Introversion. 

After taking the quiz for the first time, I received INFJ. INFJ? Wait. I’m introverted? That can’t be right. I stared down at that little letter “I” in annoyance. I had always considered myself social and extraverted and was under the impression that introverts dislike all sorts of social contact. 

But the lovely stereotypes that often define the world aren’t always what they seem. Let’s face it: introverts have the label of the loners and the oddballs. But let’s bring introversion out of its shell to shed a little light on these misconceptions. 

We’re not shy, we just don’t know you that well. 

Shyness and introversion aren’t exactly interchangeable. In their chapter of the book, The Development of Shyness and Social Withdrawal, Buss and Schmidt reveal the truth of shyness: "Sociability refers to the motive, strong or weak, of wanting to be with others, whereas shyness refers to behavior when with others, inhibited or uninhibited, as well as feelings of tension and discomfort." This clarifies that shyness is a fear of foreign people as opposed to a tendency to gravitate towards familiar surroundings as introverts do. Kendra Cherry, author of Everything Psychology Book and psychology educator, reiterates this claim; according to her writing, introverts are “quiet and reserved in large groups or around unfamiliar people” but become “more sociable and gregarious around people they know well”. An introvert that initially comes across as solitary and withdrawn might be very friendly in reality; he may simply be waiting for someone to break the ice first. 

We thrive both socially and individually. 

Contrary to popular belief, not every introvert cuts off all communication with the outside world; introverts can value experiences both social and personal. Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, reveals this advantage: “Introverts, in contrast, may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pajamas”.  As Cain suggests, introverts have the power to succeed in social situations while also allowing for a return to their inner self. Though introversion is commonly viewed as a lack in finesse, introverts harness double the skill both externally and internally. Nonetheless, introverts tend to prefer the genuineness as Adam S. Hugh points out: “We desire to escape from superficial relationships, trivial communications and the constant noise that pervades our world.”  In other words, introverts would rather dig deep into philosophical, personal conversations than linger on the small talk. 

Take it from the best. 

Though it appears that the successful and influential couldn’t possibly lean towards introversion, some of the most notable and revered people lived this way.  Including leaders such as Albert Einstein, J.K. Rowling, Abraham Lincoln, Bill Gates, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Mahatma Gandhi merely scratches the surface of inspiring introverts throughout the years.