Today’s Post by Joe Farace
“Introverts live in two worlds: We visit the world of people, but solitude and the inner world will always be our home.” ―
The first World Introvert Day was held on January 2, 2011. The day was created by psychologist and author, Felicitas Heyne who felt that January 2nd was the perfect date as the holidays, which can be agonizing for introverts, are finally over. They are no longer being forced to socialize and make plans. On this day, introverts can recharge and enjoy some peace and quiet. According to some, this isn’t something introverts simply enjoy doing, it’s “something they need to do.”
An introvert is best defined as someone who focuses on internal feelings rather than external sources of stimulation. Introverts are often described as being quiet, reserved, and introspective.
The kind of person that’s opposite an introvert is called an extrovert. Instead of receiving energy in social situations like extroverts do, introverts expend energy. There are fewer introverts in the world than extroverts. It’s estimated that somewhere between 25 and 40 percent of the population are introverts, which if this is a minority, it seems like a fairly large one.
Are you an introvert or extrovert? Here are some ways you tell if you’re more introverted than not:
- Introverts can feel exhausted after spending time with people and need to retreat to a quiet place afterward.
- It’s not unusual for an introvert to enjoy spending time alone. However, they don’t want to be alone all the time.
- It’s more common for introverts to have a small group of close friends rather than a large group of friends.
- Others may describe introverts as being quiet and hard to get to know.
- Too much stimulation is distracting for introverts causing them to become unfocused.
- Because they know what their motivations and insecurities are, introverts tend to understand themselves quite well.
- Introverts prefer to have a job where they work independently instead of working with other people.
Some of the more famous introverts include Albert Einstein, Steven Spielberg and Roy Rogers, so I’m in good company. Happy trails…