What's up, guys? This is a little something I picked up from the BBC about a girl, who happens to be an introvert like some people out there, and I thought it'd be nice to share with you. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you.
~Abena,AN-Abayie.
Are you an introvert? Here's why it can be a real strength...
I am an introvert and I love it. I am not alone. Introverts are everywhere and our quiet approach to life, our need for solitary time, isn't a flaw- it's a gift. But as we are, the world feels like a place that rewards extroverts. Where being loud is mistaken for being confident and happy. Where everyone has something to say, but nobody listens. A world of open-plan offices, networking parties, and big personalities.
For those who speak softly, it's easy to feel left out. As a child, I blended into the background. Many thought that I had little to say, or that I simply didn't like others but that wasn't true. People often think introverts are shy or antisocial but these are misconceptions.
Introverts, like anyone, can find socializing fun but while parties leave extroverts energized, after some time, introverts need to recharge away from everyone.
There's a scientific theory for this. There are two important chemicals found in all our brains- dopamine and acetylcholine.
Dopamine is like a hit of energy when we take risks or meet new people and it makes extroverts feel great but introverts are more sensitive to dopamine and get quickly over-stimulated. That's why we prefer the more slow-burn feeling we get when our bodies release acetylcholine. That happens when we concentrate, read, or focus our minds. It makes us introverts feel relaxed, alert, and content but it barely registers with extroverts.
Of course, like anything, it's a sliding scale. You can lean one way or another. Or be a bit of both- known as ambivert.
Now I understand myself better, I am deeply grateful for how I am.
Instead of filling up space with small talk, I listen patiently and make my words matter. I have few friends but our connection is deep. I love spending time alone. It's where the chaos of a long day can finally settle. I can reflect and listen to my thoughts, and eventually reconnect with myself.
Only after that, am I ready to share with the world again. I've learned strategies for finding comfort in a noisy world- from using music to create bubbles of peace, to escaping to a quiet park at lunchtime.
I adore the intensity and chaotic beauty of the world but it's in quiet spaces where I feel truly at home.
If introversion were more valued by society, it could make a massive difference to our collective future.
The unique attributes of introverts really are a deep, quiet strength, and as Ghandi put it, "In a gentle way, you can shake the world."
That's the story of one introvert. I hope you learned something from it. Let's respect and be open to everyone, whether introvert, extrovert, or whatever.
There was a part about ambiverts and I'd like to briefly explain that since I happen to be an ambivert.
When we say someone is an ambivert it simply means, that person exhibits qualities of both introverts and extroverts. Such people flip into either depending on their mood, context, or goals.
Here are five signs that show that you're an ambivert.
One: you're a good listener and communicator.
Extroverts prefer to talk more and introverts like to observe and listen but ambiverts know when to speak up and when to listen. An ambivert might open a meeting by giving a brief pep talk, then offer employees the chance to talk about their own challenges or concerns.
Two: you have an ability to regulate behavior.
Adjusting to fit the person or situation seems to come naturally to ambiverts.
Imagine you're riding in an elevator with strangers. An extrovert might start making small talk, but an introvert might put in earbuds to avoid interaction. Ambiverts might choose either option, depending on their fellow riders.
Three: you feel comfortable in social settings, but also value your alone time.
Ambiverts can feel like their in their element in a crowd or when enjoying a quiet evening at home.
Say a friend calls with a last-minute invite for an evening out. An extrovert will likely accept without hesitation, an introvert is likely to decline in favor of staying in. The ambivert will probably consider the pros and cons of that particular outing. They could go either way.
Four: empathy comes naturally to you.
Ambiverts are able to listen and show they understand where a person is coming from. If a friend is having an issue, an extrovert might try to offer a solution right away, an introvert might be great at listening. An ambivert might listen and ask thoughtful questions to try and help.
Five: you're able to provide balance.
In the case of group settings, ambiverts can provide a much-needed balance to a social dynamic. An ambivert might be the one to help break an awkward silence, making others who are more introverted feel comfortable starting a conversation.
The question is; are you an extrovert, introvert, or an ambivert?
Remember that each personality has its own advantages and disadvantages.
But no matter where you fall on the personality spectrum, taking time to analyze the way you act and interact can be helpful in improving your personal and professional relationships.
That's it. Thank you for reading, I hope you liked it and I also hope you learned something good from it.
Remember to respect and show kindness to everyone no matter where they fall or who they are.
Stay safe...