Why is it that when you are quiet or shy people think you are anti-social or stuck-up? They are not; it’s because they’re introverts. What is an introvert? Well, the definition describes it as a person whose motives and actions are directed inward and they tend to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings, minimizing their contact with other people. Introverts make up about 25-40% of the general population. Common traits include being very self-aware, thoughtful, and learning well through observation. Introverts are quiet and reserved in large groups or around unfamiliar people, while they are much more sociable and gregarious around people they know well. They enjoy solitude, have a small group of close friends, and too much stimulation leaves them feeling distracted and unfocused. The top successful traits of an introvert are that they form deep, meaningful relationships, work independently to get things done, take time to appreciate things, and help foster a team environment.
To care for an introvert, you must:
- Respect their need for privacy
- Never embarrass them in public
- Give them time to think, don’t demand answers
- Reprimand them privately
- Let them observe first in new situations
- Enable them to find one best friend who has similar interests and abilities
- Respect their introversion; don’t try to make them into extroverts
From the words of an introvert:
“Alone had always felt like an actual place to me, as if it weren’t a state of being, but rather a room where I could retreat to be who I really was.” -Cheryl Strayed
– Chelsea Williams, JETPUBS Inc.