Barack Obama, Elon Musk, and JK Rowling; what do they have in common?
Well, they’re all hyper-successful, yes. They are also all said to be introverts.
But why am I telling you this?
Because introversion isn’t about shyness, it’s a distinctive way of interacting with the world that often goes unnoticed.
If you find these things particularly fulfilling, you might be more introverted than you realize.
1) Your own company
Often it’s thought that introverts are just not socially adept, but that’s simply not true.
As noted by renowned author Susan Cain, introverts “may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pajamas.”
Introversion isn’t about being alone but rather about enjoying your own company. It’s not uncommon for introverts to be perfectly content with their thoughts and ideas. This isn’t antisocial behavior but a preference for solitude.
When you have spare time, do you often choose to spend it alone? This could be reading a book, gardening, painting, or simply sitting in silence.
If so, you’re likely in the introverted category. This is where introverts draw their energy from, not from isolation, but from the joy they find in their own company.
2) Deep conversations
“Introverts do not hate small talk because we dislike people. We hate small talk because we hate the barrier it creates between people.” – Laurie A. Helgoe , Author and Psychologist.
I’ve always found small talk to be a challenge. At parties or social gatherings, I often struggle to engage in light, surface-level conversations.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t enjoy talking to people. It’s just that I crave more meaningful, deep dialogues that go beyond the weather or recent sports games.
Do you often find yourself feeling awkward or out of place during small talk, and yearn for conversations of substance?
Welcome to the introvert club.
3) Written communication
Have you ever found yourself opting to send an email or text rather than making a phone call or meeting in person?
If so, you might be more introverted than you realize. Introverts often feel more comfortable expressing themselves in writing, where they can take the time to think and formulate their thoughts clearly.
You see, writing allows introverts to communicate effectively without the immediate pressure of a face-to-face conversation. It gives us control over how we present ideas and the pace at which we share them.
This is particularly useful in professional settings where precise and thoughtful communication is valued.
4) One-on-one conversations
Let me share a personal experience with you.
In my case, I’ve always found that I engage more deeply in one-on-one conversations rather than in large groups.
I remember once at a family gathering, everyone was involved in a lively group discussion, but I found myself gravitating towards my cousin who was sitting alone. We ended up having a profound conversation about life and its intricacies while the others were busy debating on a television series.
Introverts often prefer this kind of interaction. It’s more intimate and meaningful. We find these connections more satisfying than surface-level group discussions.
This is widely acknowledged by experts such as those at WebMD, who noted that introverts “enjoy spending time with just one or two people, rather than large groups or crowds.”
Can you relate to this preference for deeper one-on-one interactions? If so, it’s likely you’re more introverted than most.
5) Solitary hobbies
Last but not least, one of the most obvious signs of being an introvert is your choice of hobbies.
Introverts often prefer hobbies that can be enjoyed alone – reading, writing, gardening, painting, or even long walks.
These solitary activities give introverts the opportunity to focus inward, explore their thoughts, and get lost in their own worlds. They’re not about avoiding people but about finding joy and satisfaction in one’s own company.
Embracing your introverted self
Being an introvert is not about being closed off but about having a different reaction to social interaction. It’s about how we recharge, how we process information, how we engage with our surroundings.
If you identify with these seven activities, know that it’s not just okay to be introverted – it’s something to be celebrated. Embrace your introverted self; let it guide you towards the activities and environments in which you thrive.
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