Covert Introverts

     Not everyone spends their free time at parties or nightclubs. Some people would rather stay at home and listen to music than go out with others. Rather than being proactive in meeting new friends, these people are content with spending most of the weekend in the comfort of their home. American society, mostly dominated by extroverts, often mislabels them as being antisocial, but that is not the case. Antisocial behavior is lack of all care or concern for other living beings. Those who pursue alone time are often not antisocial, but are actually introverted.
     Introverts are the exact opposite of extroverts. Unlike their counterparts who receive energy from others, introverts gain energy from being alone. Social activities drain introverted people, who then need to recharge. After prolonged human contact, those with introverted tendencies need to get away from people and participate in solo activities, such as watching TV, reading, listening to music, thinking, or even sleeping. This does not mean, however, that introverts have no friends. Instead of having numerous friends that they keep in contact with all the time, introverts have a few close people that they rely on. Even if an introvert enjoys large social gatherings, they must leave after a while because of their lack of energy. This is the same as when a basketball player must stop playing a game after minutes of sprinting, even if they truly want to continue. A major characteristic of introverts is their deep thought process, which makes them extremely cautious. Along with extroversion, introversion also lies on a scale.

High introversion: Those with high introversion have very limited amounts of energy for social activity. Normally, they stay to themselves and confide in only a few close friends. Very reserved, only making actions after examining the situation carefully.

Moderate introversion: People with moderate introversion can engage in social events for hours at a time, but require an hour or more of time alone to compose their thoughts. Usually have a small but close circle of friends, and enjoy parties in small doses.

Low introversion: Slightly introverted people may not seem to be introverted at all. While enjoying hours of social time or relaxing with friends, these introverts require little recharge time. More introspective and cautious than most extroverts.

Outgoing introverts may be the center of attention at parties, and may be especially gregarious and sociable. However, this is just a guise that hides the fact that they are actually losing energy.

*A certain distinction should be made about shyness versus introversion. Shyness is the fear of ridicule and embarrassment from social situations. Introversion is the type of personality that finds social events tiring.

Strengths:

     -cautious and deliberate, allowing for the avoidance of many mistakes

     -work well alone, formulating their own ideas

     -can entertain themselves when alone using their own thoughts

Weaknesses

     -over thinking leads to indecisiveness

     -do not share their thoughts easily in group settings, such as an office

     -may have difficulty voicing their own opinions