The Hermit's Hearth
Your Subtitle text
Introvert FAQ and Other Stuff
Introvert FAQ's
What is an introvert?
An introvert is a person who recharges their energy stores by spending time alone or in the company of few others. Most introverts need time each day to spend peacefully and quietly as a way to regain balance and revive themselves. While introverts enjoy other people and some social interaction, they can get overwhelmed by too much socializing and will tend to become exhausted by too much noise and activity.
Are introverts happy?
Sure, why not? Introverts are as happy as extroverts in a general sense. Sometimes people get the impression that introverts are not happy or enjoying themselves because they are quiet and reserved. Exurberance cannot be used as a gauge for happiness or enjoyment for introverts because introverts tend to be very low-key a lot of the time.
Why are introverts so quiet?
We aren't always quiet. If you can get us talking about something that means a lot to us, or if we're with people that we are very, very comfortable with, we are more talkative. But the quietness is a product of the fact that we absorb pretty much everything going on around us and our minds are already going at full speed and we are integrating, arranging, and sifting through all the vast amounts of material. This leaves us with little left for carrying on lively conversation. During business meetings and the like we prefer to gather information and comment later, after we've had some time.
I'm shy, does that mean I'm an introvert?
No, that just means you're shy. Introversion and shyness don't go hand in hand. There are tons of shy extroverts. And tons of not-shy introverts. Shyness is an animal unto itself.
Do introverts have low self esteem?
Same story as with shyness. Self esteem has nothing to do with being introverted or extroverted. It just manifests itself differently.
Why do some introverts seem so disengaged during conversations?
We're either processing information, or we've gotten overwhelmed by all the chatter and have, indeed, disengaged, or we're wondering how a conversation about this particular subject could go on for so long.
Should an introvert try to change into an extrovert?
Hmmm. It's too bad that an introvert would even feel the need to consider that question. Introverted people offer some great and wonderful aspects to the human race. Unfortunately, we do get stuck faking extroversion on occasion. This is a product of living in a world where extroverts outnumber introverts 3 to 1. It will be a good day when we can stop doing this.
Why do I, as an introvert, sometimes feel like partying and being out and about?
Because nobody is 100% introvert or 100% extrovert. We all have a little bit of the other in us (think of the yin yang symbol).
What are the best qualities of an introverted person?
Self-awareness
Introspection
A high level of creativity and imagination
Calm, peaceful manner
Excellent concentration abilities
Even when we're alone we're in great company
We're not dependent on others or outside stimulation or entertainment
What is an introvert?
An introvert is a person who recharges their energy stores by spending time alone or in the company of few others. Most introverts need time each day to spend peacefully and quietly as a way to regain balance and revive themselves. While introverts enjoy other people and some social interaction, they can get overwhelmed by too much socializing and will tend to become exhausted by too much noise and activity.
Are introverts happy?
Sure, why not? Introverts are as happy as extroverts in a general sense. Sometimes people get the impression that introverts are not happy or enjoying themselves because they are quiet and reserved. Exurberance cannot be used as a gauge for happiness or enjoyment for introverts because introverts tend to be very low-key a lot of the time.
Why are introverts so quiet?
We aren't always quiet. If you can get us talking about something that means a lot to us, or if we're with people that we are very, very comfortable with, we are more talkative. But the quietness is a product of the fact that we absorb pretty much everything going on around us and our minds are already going at full speed and we are integrating, arranging, and sifting through all the vast amounts of material. This leaves us with little left for carrying on lively conversation. During business meetings and the like we prefer to gather information and comment later, after we've had some time.
I'm shy, does that mean I'm an introvert?
No, that just means you're shy. Introversion and shyness don't go hand in hand. There are tons of shy extroverts. And tons of not-shy introverts. Shyness is an animal unto itself.
Do introverts have low self esteem?
Same story as with shyness. Self esteem has nothing to do with being introverted or extroverted. It just manifests itself differently.
Why do some introverts seem so disengaged during conversations?
We're either processing information, or we've gotten overwhelmed by all the chatter and have, indeed, disengaged, or we're wondering how a conversation about this particular subject could go on for so long.
Should an introvert try to change into an extrovert?
Hmmm. It's too bad that an introvert would even feel the need to consider that question. Introverted people offer some great and wonderful aspects to the human race. Unfortunately, we do get stuck faking extroversion on occasion. This is a product of living in a world where extroverts outnumber introverts 3 to 1. It will be a good day when we can stop doing this.
Why do I, as an introvert, sometimes feel like partying and being out and about?
Because nobody is 100% introvert or 100% extrovert. We all have a little bit of the other in us (think of the yin yang symbol).
What are the best qualities of an introverted person?
Self-awareness
Introspection
A high level of creativity and imagination
Calm, peaceful manner
Excellent concentration abilities
Even when we're alone we're in great company
We're not dependent on others or outside stimulation or entertainment
If you've got a question or comment, please email me here.
In the future you will find a forum, book reviews and reading suggestions, and lots of information regarding introversion. I will also be starting a newsletter for introverts within the next couple of months.
Please check back often.