Introversion generally implies a shy, reserved, introspective, thoughtful person. These personality traits feel more comfortable focusing on inner thoughts and ideas rather than what is happening externally.

Psychologists Carl Jung says that introverts tend to turn to their mind to replenish while extroverts seek out other people for their energy needs. Carl Jung started using these terms around the 1920s to categorize people according to how they perceive the world. There are no specific causes or reasons for being either of the personalities. Scientists found out that two brains work slightly differently from each other and they react also differently to dopamine; a chemical that makes us excited. Extroverts are overrun by it which is why they get high on dopamine while introverts on the other hand are run down by it.

The two personalities are not exactly mutually exclusive. People have different degrees of characteristics of each personality. Some individuals are just in the middle, the grey area, they are the ambiverts. Are you an introvert Maybe you're just an ambivert or the society around you has forced you to conform to certain approaches to life and are not so sure anymore. In general introverts;

1Have few but very close friends

It's a fallacy that introverts do not like people or are uncomfortable around people. They enjoy the company of friends and can easily form strong connections with those that get to know them.

Research shows that people classified as extroverts generally have a wide circle of friends while those classified as introverts have smaller and more meaningful friendships.

2Uncomfortable around a lot of people

Introverted people get exhausted and drained out especially after social gatherings or around a lot of new faces. It has nothing to do with people, it's just how they process their lives. They need time to re-energize and evaluate everything.

A break from all the excitement and energy demanding conversations and attention.

3Reflective and advanced self-understanding

These individuals take a lot of their time analyzing themselves, their thoughts, and everything around them. They devote a great deal of time to learning about themselves. They are known as masters of reflective thinking.

Their emotions, feelings, and thoughts are well contemplated upon, this allows them to respond and provides strategic solutions before the execution. This remarkable introspection and curiosity in themselves them to explore ideas important to them through reading and writing to express their feelings and their thoughts. They are good mental visionaries and can get lost in devising and undeviating solutions.

4Good listeners

If you are looking for someone to talk to, look for the next available introverted person. These individuals are very good listeners. Mostly because of their calm spirit and good observative nature that able them to carefully analyze information. They take enough time to process it well and to hear you out. This advantage enables them to provide thoughtful and insightful advice and response.

Unlike extroverts, they do not bounce back in conversations, they can separate their feelings and thoughts giving you a chance to process and reflect on yours.

5Do not like attention

There is a characteristic that most introverts despise, all the attention is too much to handle to them. How will they respond to all the questions and participate in conversations? It's better to be behind the scenes instead of being on stage. If given a chance they would prefer to stay and enjoy their own company. Introverts generally do not do well with all the attention directed at them.

Researcher and psychologist Jonathan Cheek in 2011, explained the four sub-groups of introverted individuals. These personality traits are not mutually exclusive like whether you have a college degree or not. It's more like a grey area with different extremities.

1Social introverts

"Social introverts prefer alone time. This can be a strength as well as a grounded. Social introverts often quiet introverts gatherings.," Says psychologist Carla Marie Manly Ph.D. This group yearns for and favors solitude over social gatherings. It speaks to their preference and maximum potential when alone. Unlike extroverted individuals, they feel exhausted and drained in such situations.

2Thinking introverts

This is an interesting group of individuals with an amazing set of thinking abilities, even genius skills of visualizing, ideating, creating, and hypothesizing theories and events in their minds. They are good storytellers and easily capture your attention when they eventually speak.

"Thinking introverts can be an invaluable asset in regards to adding much-needed thoughtfulness and creativity to the social setting," says Dr. Manly doctor "They are truly profound individuals."

3The anxious introverts

"The anxious introverts' sensitivity can be powerful in helping in creating sub-groups in gatherings that even out the tempo," Says Dr.Manly. " They are good at creating smaller sub-groups within larger groups that provide a kind of safe space and balance within the larger groups.

They are more at ease behind the scenes ensuring consciously or unconsciously that everything is running smoothly generally.

4Restrained introverts

"Restrained introverts add an element of common sense to discussions and activities". Says Dr. Manly. "Their general self reserve lends itself to balance the often impetuous natures of true extroverts". These individuals naturally act like brakes or checks and balances to other personalities.

There are so many myths and misconceptions about introversion. You are not the only one confusing this trait with shyness, to begin with. Introversion and shyness are two mutually exclusive characteristics.

Shyness is a feeling, an emotion, an overwhelming feeling of discomfort characterized by sweating, rapid heartbeat, or incoherent speech and actions around people, especially strangers. Introversion on the other hand is discomfort around people. It's a personality trait that does not easily go away. It's the preference to be alone or with a few familiar people. Other myths include; Introverts cannot be friendly or are not good leaders.

This is not true, introverted individuals have a set of unique qualities that make them just as good for these roles as extroverts. Introverts are good listeners and pose a calm ambiance around them making others at ease.