While introverts make up an estimated 25% to 40% of the population, there are still many misconceptions about this personality type.
For example, being an introvert does not automatically make you socially anxious or shy.
Introversion is generally viewed as a part of a continuum along with extroversion. Introversion indicates one end of the scale, while extroversion represents the other end.
The introversion-extroversion dimension is also one of the four areas identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
According to many personality theories, everyone has some degree of both introversion and extroversion, however, people often tend to lean one way or the other.
Extroverts gain energy from social interaction, while introverts expend energy in social situations.
Because of this, introverts choose their friends wisely. They would rather have a few close ones that they could invest their time and energy in, as opposed to a large network of acquaintances, according to Beth Buelow, author of The Introvert Entrepreneur: Amplify Your Strengths and Create Success on Your Own Terms.
Buelow, who also identifies as an introvert, thinks that because introverts typically feel less comfortable speaking than they do listening, they choose their words wisely.
"We only speak when we have something to say, so there is a higher chance that we will have an impact with our words," she explained.
In addition to their superior listening skills, introverts possess next-level observation skills, which Buelow considers a "superpower."
"We notice things others might not notice because they're talking and processing out loud," she said. Although it may look like they’re just sitting quietly during a meeting, introverts are soaking in the information that's being presented and thinking critically.
