Over the weekend, I came across this interesting article on time.com
One of the most interesting things about the article from my perspective was the perception of the author about how extroversion is valued in society above introversion. Susan Cain (the author) says; "... in a society that prizes the bold and the outspoken, both [shyness and introversion] are perceived as disadvantages".
What I found even more interesting was that my husband completely agreed with this summation of what society admires. He noted that he had never heard anyone proclaim their introversion proudly, yet you often come across people who are proud extroverts.
Maybe it is because I come from a family of 4 introverts, or maybe there is some other reason, but I have never perceived being an introvert as a disadvantage. It was nice to read of some of the advantages of introversion in the TIME article. Here are some of the other advantages I see in being an introvert (complete generalisations here by the way):
- Introverts are just as satisfied with one good one-on-one conversation as we would be having all our friends around for a party
- Introverts probably don't go quite as stir-crazy at home with kids (but we sometimes still go a bit stir-crazy!)
- Introverts can more easily focus on an activity without being distracted with other thoughts (but children can still distract us)
- Introverts don't want for more friends (assuming we have at least a couple of close friendships)
- Introverts don't need to fill the calendar with social engagements to have fun
- Introverts can be meticulous and thorough, or creative
- Introverts are often goal-driven
But there are some disadvantages:
- Introverts can easily become overwhelmed with too many social engagements or a too-crowded schedule
- Introverts do not have as much social stamina
- Introverts can often not balance as many balls in the air
- Introverts can become more easily overwhelmed with over-stimulation (e.g. 3 wild, screaming children!)
- Introverts often find it more difficult to break from routine and "go with the flow"
- Introverts can be more easily overlooked - both professionally and socially
Are you an introvert or extrovert? What do you see as the advantages/ disadvantages?
