Features

• An introverted individual is one who thrives on time alone. He usually loathes being the center of attention, and is quite happy to fade into the background when put in group situations. Introverts prefer solitary activities such as reading, writing, yoga, solo hiking and other activities that will allow them to get away from others and retreat into their thoughts. They generally prefer the quiet.
  They also tend to have a smaller group of close-knit friends, as opposed to a wide circle of acquaintances, and get their most rewarding human contact from those few close friends. Introverts tend not to speak out hastily and will observe a situation before they speak up, choosing their words carefully.
  Introversion is generally seen as being the opposite of extroversion. They are not mutually exclusive, however, and personalities are usually a mixture of both types. For example, an individual who is quiet and reserved when meeting a group of new people can become outspoken and active when in a small group of acquaintances.
  
  

History

• Observance of the introverted (and extroverted) behavior began with Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, around the time of World War I. Jung used the theory of psychic energy to explain a person's introverted tendencies. Should the psychic energies around a person flow inward, she would absorb that which was around her and become an introvert. (Extroverts functioned in the opposite way.)
  In the 20th century, German psychologist Hans Eysenck speculated that the introvert's brain worked more efficiently and more quickly than the brain of the extrovert, accounting for the difference in the way the two personalities sought stimulation. Because the brain of the introvert provided more interior stimulation, it supplied the individual with stimulation that others had to look outside the body and mind for.
  
  

Considerations

• In social situations, there is often a disadvantage in displaying the behavior of an introvert. Depending on the people and the situation, introverts can be perceived as anti-social or even arrogant, when the reason for the individual's quiet is simply that he doesn't have the need to speak up or feels uncomfortable doing so. This has labeled introversion as a less desired trait than extroversion.
  Introverts may also be associated with traits that are viewed as positive, including thoughtfulness and intelligence.
  Sociologist David Myers conducted a study that examined the connection between extroverts (and consequently introverts), and determined that there was a difference in the reported happiness level between introverts and extroverts. It was found that extroverts were consistently happier, drawing credence to the idea that introverted people are denied many of the benefits that are gained from socialization and a wide circle of friends.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Introverts are not the same as shy people. Introverts are comfortable with being left to their own thoughts and devices, while people who are shy do not interact with those around them out of fear. Shy people are afraid of being embarrassed or of being hurt; the fear is always there. This fear and anxiety are not present in introverts, who are content being who and where they are and may have no desire to interact with others. Those who are shy may wish to speak in crowds and have groups of friends, but are being held back from reaching those goals.
  
  

Significance

• Understanding a person's introverted tendencies, or lack thereof, can be very important in learning how to deal with others.
  This can be especially important in professions such as teaching. A teacher who can interpret how a student will react in a certain situation will also be able to tell what learning methods work best for him, and know how to keep the student out of situations that will cause him to act up--or at least help prevent such situations.
  It's also important to take introversion into account when choosing a career. An introverted person would do well in a career that will not put her in the limelight or require interaction with groups of people on a daily basis.