Psychologist Carl Jung's like many psychologists had a theory on personality types in which he introduced two terms to explain the attitudes of our personality: introversion and extroversion.
His theory suggests that the introvert in short would describe someone that is more comfortable living alone and being by themselves. They depend on their "me time" to recharge; they become immersed in their inner world and run the risk of losing touch with their surrounding or their outer world. They also tend to keep their social circle limited.
Extroverts, on the contrary and in theory, are actively involved in the work of people and things. They like to be part of groups, communities and places where they get a chance to interact. Being alone is scary to them which leaves them alienated from their inner selves.
As a self-labeled introvert I feel that many think being introverted is bad and there is a lot of stigma surrounding the label.
First off not all of Jung's theory is correct. I've lived with others and I was okay doing so, however I feel the most important part people need to understand that Jung was right about is that we do need our "me time."
It doesn't mean we are mad or depressed or anti-social we just need some time to re-group. Unlike extroverts who gain energy from being social we lose ours from being social. This is why our "me time" is so important, like Jung's theory states, that time gives us the ability to re-charge.
We are often seen as shy and socially inept; that's not the case. Ask any of my friends, they will tell you that I am certainly not shy. I can talk anyone's ear off but it's going to be about something deep, something that matters not small talk.
More so we think deeply and process things differently and can be highly sensitive. In the sense that we pick up on shifts of mood, we can sense people's vibes and we do a lot of observing; taking it all in.
Introverts have much to offer. Many introverts, myself included make very loyal friends because we always listen. Most of the time we'd rather listen to other people's problems than talk about our own. Introverts are also known to be empathetic, insightful, thoughtful and have a great amount of determination.
The greatest inventions and not to mention some of the most amazing art the world has ever seen, come from the minds of introverts.
The painter Van Gogh was an introvert, so too was George Orwell, Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin. And for all you Harry Potter fans, you can thank an introvert for that: J.K. Rowling.
From one introvert to another and to those who don't understand, it's okay to need time to yourself and to feel the need to not want to talk to anyone for a little bit. We are who we are, we should be proud of that; own it, it makes for a more positive and happier you.
