To be a person tending towards introversion usually implies a person prefers their own company to that of a group or large social gathering.
In our society, the accepted norm is extroversion. This rule especially applies for males.
Males who tend to be introverted are generally looked at in a weird light, as if the male introvert is somehow backward or awkward.
To be introverted in an extroverted society can be difficult at times with all the mind numbing sensual stimuli pulsating in our cities and shopping centers.
Introverts tend to exhaust in energy rather quickly when surrounded by environments such as these just mentioned.
On the other hand, an introvert will likely thrive in a quiet, thought-provoking scene where the company kept is small and close.
Introverts may feel challenges in the work place, at school, or at social functions where their normal mode of functioning is stressed more than usual.
An introvert often times would prefer to remain pensive and is not easily drawn out of their protective shell.
Outwardly, the appearance of an introvert will be wild to an extrovert and the extrovert will probably look at the introvert as if they are some sort of strange creature, or worse, a danger.
While introverts are not outwardly as expressive as extroverts, they do tend to be impressed more deeply.
Introverts can become agitated when their surroundings become overstimulating and require too much energy to maintain equilibrium.
From the book, ‘The Introvert Advantage’ by Marti Olsen Laney, she says in her
book,
“Introverts are focused internally, and they often don’t invite responses from outside.
As a result, they tend to have still faces, inexpressive and unsmiling. Unconsciously, they know appearing more animated might bring more stimulation and distraction.
But a lack of expression can be uninviting, even unnerving, to others looking for friendly faces.
At the same time, if you go to the opposite extreme and smile to often, you may feel overly aggressive to other reserved or shy people. Would you want to cozy up to a cheshire cat?”
The author says much about the introvert way of life in this short excerpt.
We learn the introvert is sensitive in social situations, very much aware of the internal processes happening to them while the experience unfolds and, keen to make the interaction as smooth as possible.
