Pros and Cons of being an Introvert

“Every room is an escape room when you’re an introvert.”

The introvert is defined as one who is shy, and perhaps reticent, as well. While this sounds like a demeanor that would emphasize the disadvantages, the truth is far more complex than that. As you will quickly find, there are a variety of introvert advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind.

There are several potential advantages to being an introvert that many people may not actually realize:

Introverts choose their words carefully.

One of the biggest advantages of working with an introvert is that while they will not speak often, their words will have considerable weight when they do. This is because you can expect an introvert to choose their words carefully.

Focus.

Maintaining an introvert personality often means pulling great deals of focus on an unconscious level. Not surprisingly, this focus can prove to be useful in a variety of ways.

Volumes of information.

A significant amount of evidence strongly points to the fact that introverts process greater volumes of information that anyone else.

They are typically quiet.

Many introverts could be defined as the quiet type, which can have a number of advantages. This is particularly true, in terms of introverts being really good tenants for landlords who don’t want someone they might have to worry about.

Great Thinkers

Introverts are great thinkers, and most of their monologue occur in their minds. They take the time to think, think and think just the way others take the time to watch TV or listen to some music. Their quiet time, when they think a lot, it is also space for them to dream, plan, deal with their disappointments or frustrations; handle their fears or battle with their problems. Their constant thinking helps them to become better problem solvers and to rationalize and make decisions. They think through every single aspect that crosses their mind.

Great Listeners

Listening is one of the best qualities and strengths of the introverts. Since they tend to talk less, they listen more. They give a lot of importance to others’ non-verbal communications or body language (facial expressions, gestures, postures) and to the tone of communication. Their listening capacity helps them to be sensitive to others. They believe in engaged listening giving the space and opportunity for others to talk.

Prioritize

Introverts are good in prioritizing work, their daily schedules and the people in their lives. Since they take time to prioritize, they tend not to mismanage any of their tasks. As realists, introverts do not believe in handling too many things at the same time. They are realistic about what they can handle and what they can’t (including people). Hence they tend to prioritize their work, schedules, communication with people and social interactions ensuring that it produces satisfactory results.

Role models

Introverts are quiet role models. Leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi who were introverts lead their nations by being quiet influencers. They have stood as role models for others to follow without putting themselves at the center. What has attracted people to these quiet influencers is their modesty, quietness, gentleness, and warmth towards people. Introverts stand out as quiet influencers because they don’t use any approach to win people or adopt strategies to make others do their bidding.

There are several potential disadvantages to being an introvert that many people may not actually realize.

It is hard to make friends

Not all introverts are shy or antisocial. Many introverts, take time to process things, especially when it comes to making friends. Introverts choose their friends very carefully. They look for friends who are loyal and trustworthy enough to feel comfortable sharing their secrets with. However, not many people understand that way of thinking. It is easier for people to make friends who are more outgoing and easy to talk to.

People misjudge you

People often misjudge you, thinking you are antisocial, rude, shy, insecure, or snobbish. It may not necessarily true, but even extroverts can have those same characteristics. More often than not, however, introverts are just people who need more space and time to think and feel in their own way. Get to know them before you judge them.

Public speaking can be torturous

They are shy in certain situations. They hate public speaking because of their shyness. However, public speaking is torturous. There are many situations that call for public speaking, so introverts might have a disadvantage.

People want to “fix you”

Many people, especially extroverts, feel like there is something wrong with introverts and want to “fix” them by bringing them out of their shells. Here is a newsflash. There is absolutely nothing wrong with introverts. Introverts are just different than extroverts, but that does not mean there is something wrong with them. People just need to take the time to get to know introverts better, to understand where they are coming from. Let them be who they are, and they will let you be who you are.

Social events are often awkward

Because many introverts are more comfortable with a small group of people or alone, social events can often be awkward. But, invite them anyway. Oftentimes introverts just like to sit back and watch what is happening rather than be a part of it. Again, they need space and time to process things. Maybe they will surprise you once you get to know them better.

Social customs.

While introverts generally do not set out to be rude, there are elements to the behavior that can rub people the wrong way. This is largely due to the fact that being an introvert often means eschewing certain social customs.

Bad first impression.

As mentioned before, there are elements to the behavior of an introvert that can certainly serve to rub someone the wrong way. This can be particularly true when introductions are made.

Verbal communication.

Some introverts find verbal communication to be extremely difficult. If they find themselves becoming stressed out, the difficulties with communication can become even more pronounced.

No networking.

Introverts are capable of networking. Some can even excel at it, despite their personalities. However, many introverts find networking to be difficult and stressful. Because of the potential stress, many people choose to just avoid it completely.