Are you Shy or an Introvert?
There is often confusion as to whether people are shy or introvert and just what the difference is.
An Introvert is not the same as shyness. An introvert is more concerned with their own thoughts, ideas and feelings than with what is happening around them. An introvert is energised being alone and often feel drained by spending time with others. Introverts enjoy the solitude, but when it comes to social situations they have no problems interacting with others.
Shy people on the other hand are uncomfortable in social settings, and often chose to avoid them due to this fact rather than personal preference.
But as is life we often don’t fit in just one category. It is possible for shy people to have a degree of introversion in them and likewise for an introvert to have some degree of shyness.
And not to forget that extroverts can also have a degree of shyness in them. They can appear outgoing and popular but can still feel uncomfortable around others.
So where do you stand? I am shy with elements of introversion. Social settings are uncomfortable for me so I avoid many gatherings based on that. But at the same time I really do enjoy spending some time just with me.
June 20th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Before reading your post, I always thought shyness and being introverted were the same. I have to say, I am probably 70/30 with the scale tipping more towards shyness.
June 21st, 2007 at 1:31 am
I think I’m your opposite: introverted {I *am* INFP, after all} with maybe 30% shyness, although the shyness really is situational: I don’t interact well with strangers / in awkward situations, but with people I’m totally at ease with then I might even be the life of the party.
June 21st, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Wow! Great post, and love your blog too!
Um… ah reckcon if I had to, judging from
your descriptions, I would say I am definitely an extroverted introvert.
Blessings,
~~Life
June 24th, 2007 at 7:49 am
I’m a shy person… and I also enjoy being alone. At the same time, I do like to socialize but mostly with close friends and family circles.
July 31st, 2007 at 6:55 am
People think I’m an extrovert because I am entertaining and tell stories at a social gathering, but I’m actually an introvert. I recharge my batteries by being alone and I can get tired fast at parties - I’m the first to sneak out the door. I know I’m not shy though.