The Positives of Being an Introvert

It's a weird world out there―people who cannot be read, understood, and tagged in a particular bracket, often make others uncomfortable; and introverts, they are difficult to read.

While an extrovert is out there being all comfortable with a group of people, regaling them with tales of his latest adventure in the Alps, the introvert may be in the periphery somewhere, sipping on his drink ... looking completely phased out, or with a polite smile on his face ... observing people.

It's common for introverts to be tagged as being socially awkward, having social anxiety or social phobia―but that is not true. Introverts are simply more focused on their own inner world, unlike extroverts who are naturally oriented towards the outside world.

Introverts do not hate people, and they definitely do not need to be saved from their world, as it seems is a popular misconception. Which of course comes about because extroverts are often perceived to be the more well-adjusted of the two, and the world seems more accepting of this fact.

Yes, introverts are quiet, more difficult to read than your typical extrovert, but that is not necessarily a bad thing, as it is often tagged. Because, what an introvert lacks in social settings, he makes up for in other areas. So, what exactly might one say are the positives of being an introvert?

Introverts keep to themselves, may not necessarily speak unless spoken to, and will avoid conflicts as a thumb rule. They are not aggressive and brash, and they definitely do not insult people. All in all, they are extremely pleasant to be around with.

Introverts think ... a lot. And thinking so much allows them to understand and analyze things, not just at a superficial level, but at a more deeper level, and as a result, they develop a completely unique take on subjects.

They, therefore, make for excellent problem solvers and are an asset in the workplace. In fact, they often prove to be extremely creative individuals because of this very trait of being able to think beyond the obvious nuances of things.

One may assume that they are not stimulating company to be with, but that opinion bites the dust as soon as one interacts with them. It's just that they need to know a person to be comfortable around them.

Once that is done, they might just pleasantly surprise you with the kind of things that they have to share. An extrovert might be all noise, but an introvert may have excellent tales to tell ... he should want to tell them, is all.

Extroverts find it difficult to be alone by themselves, and are seen seeking company of people for the same reasons. An introvert is quite comfortable being left alone with his thoughts, and might, on the other hand, seek solitude from time to time.

That does not mean that they prefer to be alone 'all the time'; they can just as well go to a party and do all that jazz, but at the end of the day, they might just want to come home and relax rather than going party hopping with the others.

Introverts have a few close friends and prefer this setting over accumulating a large group of acquaintances. They take time to get to know people, and make friends only after. In turn, they make for excellent friends, too.

Introverts don't necessarily react strongly and immediately in a situation―they take the time to understand the on-goings, think things through, and understand everything before saying anything. That is why they are less likely to suffer from social gaffes and the foot-in-mouth syndrome.

In a world where everyone wants to be heard, an introvert prefers to listen, which is a virtue. Introverts love observing people and studying them, and when someone speaks to an introvert, they get the satisfaction of having been heard, because an introvert fulfills this need.

Introverts do not judge, pass comments, or give unnecessary advice about what a person should and should not do in his own life. They provide for non-judgmental support.

Introverts are extremely low-key and unassuming. They, therefore, pose no threat to anyone. They aren't always on the go, wanting one form of activity or the other; they aren't demanding of wanting something done their way, and throwing tantrums if it is not; and they definitely do not take over and take charge, forcing others to follow.

They do not dominate, and they do not like others dominating them either―all in all, they are very easy to be around with.

Introverts prefer a more relaxed, steady lifestyle that is not full of activities and constant movement in terms of one thing after the other. They prefer to keep to their business, and make for perfect roommates and neighbors.

Introverts do not open up very often, they cannot be easily read, no one knows what they are actually thinking, and sometimes, one might find them smiling to themselves―all this just adds to the mystery quotient that they have going with them.

They are not an open book that everyone knows all about, so if someone really does take the time to get to know them, they will most definitely be pleasantly surprised at the many interesting facets that their personality has to offer.

Many introverts find it difficult to be themselves in most settings, because most people find it easier to be around extroverts. That is why many introverts will do the whole playing-it-out-like-an-extrovert in most social settings.

They find this easier to do than having to explain their more complex sides to the world. Which is a shame really, because with so many positives of being an introvert, why wouldn't someone take the time to get to know them, and like them for who they are?