How to Know You’re an Introvert; Not that There’s Anything Wrong with That!

Wow. In researching this blog it was a bit scary how being an introvert is somehow a revolutionary thing. Something that is secretly held. Really? Is that because introverts tend to keep things to themselves?! Well um, perhaps. But more likely it’s because if there’s an “American” personality, or even the personality that Americans hold as an ideal it is most definitely NOT an introverted one! In a country where participation is usually 50% of your grade and football games are a cultural touchstone, and a book like Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking can make a big splash, being an introvert is not something most introverts want or do go shouting from the rooftops, um, like by design! But half of us are these quiet creatures and it does seem like it is something we have had to learn how to hide.

My favorite article talked about how introverts are good at “passing” and that it’s hard to tell if someone is one! Sounds a bit like dangerous stereotyping to me, but as an extraverted introvert myself, I know too well how we are encouraged to be extraverted to the point of being penalized for our natural brain function. Perhaps one day personality type will be a protected class from discrimination, but let’s just say it’s okay to be who you are, and there are strengths and weaknesses to all personality types. Being quiet in a the loud American world is something that most introverts have long gotten used to. What’s nice to know as an introvert, however is that you’re not alone in you’re introversion.

One of the thing’s we’ve learned about personality type is that if you’re on the fence about whether you are an introvert or not, where you live and what culture affects your daily life has a huge impact on identification. In America, land of the free and the noisy, most ambivalent extra/introverts are most likely introverts who have worked very hard to compensate. However if someone was on the fence and lived in Japan, a culture that rewards introversion, then that person is more likely an extravert. But as usual in all things brain oriented, finding balance, stretching yourself beyond comfort zones is always good if you don’t overdo it. Moderation is always key. A struggle that all of us have wrestled with in one form or another over our lifetimes. Many of us are introverts and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!

Oh and you’ve got to see this one. It’s hilarious. My husband threw me a surprise six year anniversary party that was the most amazing party and one of my top life experiences, but oh my goodness was I physically ill later that night! Too much! Was it the best way to celebrate an introvert’s sixth (random right?) anniversary? Nope.  Would I change anything about it?! Nope. One of my life’s best memories from my life’s best, loud, sometimes annoying and perfect-for-me, extraverted guy.