Many of us consider ourselves both introverted and extroverted according to our environment. Which is more dominant for you? And with whom do you find yourself in difficulty?
The classic trait of being an introvert isn’t necessarily being shy but not drawing as much energy from interacting with those around you. When you get there, studies actually show that it has to do with our brain. Introverted people release less dopamine when they interact with people.
“A 2012 study by Randy Buckner of Harvard University found that introverts tended to have larger and thicker gray matter in their prefrontal cortex – a region of the brain that is linked to abstract thinking and decision-making – while extroverts had less gray matter. “
Table of Contents
1. You get less energy from interaction:
Many of us have combinations of introverted and extroverted traits within us. One of the most common features of an introvert is consuming less energy when interacting with people. To some extent, we all have that.
Some people can go to a party and talk to almost anyone, enjoying a light conversation with no specific result. Many introverts enjoy deeper, more engaged conversations that take up more energy, so they don’t start them in the first place.
Having simple, superficial conversations can take a lot more energy than it should. It takes energy to seem interested when you’re not around and to keep a balance when you’re not completely comfortable with the person you’re talking to.
2. You want and don’t want to be around people:
It’s something many of us experience if we’re around people we don’t necessarily like. When we are surrounded by people who do not understand us or our point of view, interacting with them can be extremely exhausting.
If you have an idea that you want to share but you know you won’t be understood, it takes more energy than you think. Also, due to this modern age riddled with technology, many of us enjoy the company of people but still feel compelled to be on our phones on the computer.
Many of us have experienced the desire to be around people, but still, get some comfort on the internet that humans cannot always offer. This may be due to the fact that there is no interaction or verbal demands and that you are constantly watching things that keep you entertained.
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3. You like attention but to an extent:
If you’re in a setting like a bar or a party and you appreciate the attention you get, this can be a great source of energy for you. The moment it moves and begins to become bothersome or uncomfortable, everything changes.
It can be fun to draw attention to a group of friends where you know everyone and feel that you are not being judged. For many of us, the feeling of being judged is one of the scariest.
There is a balance between being the one speaking and having all the energy drawn to you and then giving it back. When you are in a situation like this, it is important to transmit energy through verbal or physical communication so that you do not feel overwhelmed.
4. You like sharing ideas but don’t like being judged:
The concept of an introvert or extrovert is strongly dictated by our environment. If you know you are around people who don’t fundamentally understand the same ideas as you, wanting to share your thoughts but being too afraid of being judged takes a lot of energy.
For many introverts, they want to create a connection and an understanding but are sometimes too afraid to make this first initiation. Humans are programmed to be afraid of judgment because we don’t want to be accused of something negative.
You know you’re interacting with an introverted person, initiate to talk about something you like. It will give them a tremendous amount of energy because they didn’t need to start the conversation, and it shows that you’re interested too.
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5. You come out of your shell when you feel safe:
Sounds familiar? It really is basic human nature. When we are in a safe space, we feel free to be ourselves and say whatever comes to mind. When we are in stressful or chaotic environments, we are generally in a more survival-based mindset.
If you feel like a shy introvert who wants to come out of his shell, first make sure that you are not surrounded by people who are stressing you out in your life.
Many people will consider themselves depressed, mad or upset because they think something is wrong with them when it is really their environment that is not supporting them.
Make sure you are surrounded by loving people and then you will naturally come out of your shell.
Art Credit: Tomasz Mro
