People Who Like to Be Alone Have These 4 Special Personality Traits
Recent studies suggest that between 16-50% of the world’s population can identify as being introverted. Personality is incredibly complex, and that’s why the range is so wide. What this means is that up to half of the people you meet have brains that are wired differently from extroverts, and many of them feel misunderstood. In a world that favors extraversion, introverts can feel overwhelmed and left out, but there’s quite a lot that they can offer to the people around them.
What Makes Someone Introverted?
Introverts have different brain responses to certain neurotransmitters. For example, the “feel-good” hormone, dopamine, looks different in the brains of introverts compared to extroverts. Additionally, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which sends “happy” signals during introspective activities like reflection and focus, behaves differently in introverts’ brains. They also greatly value their alone time and often have exceptional creative or analytical skills.
If you’re unsure if you’re a true introvert, there are online tests to help you understand your personality type better.
Common Misconceptions about Introverts (and the real truth)
Myth #1: Introverts are anti-social.
The truth is that introverts need more recharge time than others. They value relationships like everyone else, but they get overwhelmed faster and need time alone to “recharge” for their next social experience.
Myth #2: Introverts are shy.
Introverts don’t all have social anxiety. Many introverts are quiet and content without being shy or experiencing fear of engaging with new people.
Myth #3: Introverts are self-centered.
Introverts who value self-care are happy and healthy individuals. When they take care of themselves, they can be better friends, parents, partners, and co-workers.
Myth #4: Introverts aren’t opinionated.
Introverts have stronger opinions than many others, but they think a lot before they speak. Many introverts are also more comfortable writing their thoughts than speaking them in public. Understanding how introverts experience the world can help you appreciate and value them better.
