Introversion Vs Extroversion: In Defense of the Introvert

Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, who in the 1920's, after researching and analyzing the vast array of many personalities, discovered genetics played a vital part in the forming of two distinctive personalities of which were labeled introversion and extroversion. In comparison of the two, it was found that introverts made up about twenty five percent of the population while the energized extroverts where in the majority.

Living a life of solitude is often seen as being lonely or eccentric, but people who live their lives as introverts are simply unique personalities who find that being alone is restorative and comforting. They tend to be intuitive and creative while they managed to balance their life in a healthy manner of seclusion spending most of their time alone in their own private world. This enables them to center and focus without having to multitask; concentrating on one thing at a time.

Introverted people are often labeled because they prefer not to be in the spot light like their energized extroverted friends. There is a fine margin that separates them from people that are naturally shy or those who are lonely. They are not hermits, just merely people who value their privacy to the extreme of appearing antisocial. They do not live with fear or anxiety of people; they simply prefer to spend their time at home in a more subdued setting in familiar surroundings. A perfect evening for them would be to entertain a few friends in a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere, or alone in the confines of their home reading a good book, listening to their favorite CD, watching a favorite TV program, or being creative with some form of art. For this personality type, this way of life is very satisfying.

In the public eye, introverts tend to blend into their surroundings and more or less isolate themselves and observe. Some refer to this as "people watching". They tend to be very cautious and the less attention called to them the more content they are. This is not done purposely; it is a natural reaction of their personality trait.

Introverts are often described as quiet, reserved, observant, aloof, anti-social or odd. And despite the well meaning advice from friends and colleagues telling them that they need to get a life; they do have a life, and it makes them very happy.

From the coziness of home to the bright lights of a party, we are all people who live in the grand scheme of this world. People are not meant to be totally alone. We all need people around us, but the introverts need for company is far less important than those with out-going personalities.

Sources:

http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/jung.html

http://giftedkids.about.com/od/glossary/g/introvert.htm