4 Types of Introverts
The concept of types of introverts has been around for quite some time. But I'm not 100% sold on the idea. While it does make sense to categorize things to gain more clarity, I don’t believe that we need to break down every possible thing. But I did want to discuss this. You can see if you fit into any category and if you do, there are other sites to check out more information on this. And you can belong mostly to one category, or fit into two or more.
The Social Introvert
This is the first type of introvert. However, remember that this does not mean that the person is social. Here, you just prefer to do fun and exciting things with just one other person or very small groups. You would rather go to a very quiet bar with a friend and talk for a little bit. You don't really care for big gatherings or a lot of noise. And you're more into low-key activities. That means no parties, no big lap bars, no dance clubs, or big family gatherings. So, that's what a social introvert is.
Now, that's definitely not me as I like to do stuff alone but also enjoy my big family gatherings. I also go out to bars and clubs with my friends and family every once in a while.
The Thinking Introvert
The introvert who is very introspective, thoughtful, and self reflective is a thinking one. They're big daydreamers and are often immersed in their own world. I'm very big on thinking. I will go down a rabbit hole of information, and just learn about things. So I can definitely see that part in me. But there are always variations in the thinking introvert and different degrees to them.
The Anxious Introvert
They avoid socializing not just because they feel shy, awkward, and self-conscious but because it makes them anxious. And this part really bothers me because anxiety is not the same as introversion. They are two different things and anxiety is a medical thing, something that exists naturally in your head. Yes, I do know that sometimes certain things go together but I find it to be oversimplification to make a correlation and put introversion and anxiety together. Anyway, this type of introvert has a tendency to ruminate. They go over things in their head again and again, getting stuck on certain ideas that fill them with anxiety toward socializing.
The Restrained Introvert
These are people who operate at a slower pace. Most introverts are like that in the first place. But if someone does it almost all the time, they could be called a restrained introvert. Such a person likes to mull over things before they speak or do anything. This, however, does not indicate how they socialize or what they do or do not like to do.
The fundamental part of an introvert is someone who gains energy by doing stuff alone or doing stuff in very small or personal things. This is totally different from an extrovert who gets their energy by indulging in more active stuff and with more people. But again, this has nothing to do with how we are as people. These are just two different things stuck together. It is up to you to figure out if any of these types of introverts resonate with you and if they do, feel free to look it up and explore further.
