Introverts have always been misunderstood. This is unfortunate and kind of weird when you consider that one-third to one-half of people are introverted, including many of the world’s most gifted individuals, past and present.
There are at least as many benefits to being an introvert as there are to being an extrovert.
Contrary to what most of us have been led to believe, studies suggest introverts are better at protecting themselves and tend to live longer as a result.
Why is this? Because introverted people aren’t noted for their impulsivity which is part of their saving grace. You rarely hear an introvert say, “Hold my beer” right before they do something reckless.
Introverts thrive on a simpler lifestyle, chock full of creative endeavors and self-reflection. They enjoy a rich inner life and the pleasure of their own company.
Sounds pretty solid to me.
Let’s explore a few other reasons why introverts rule.
1) Power of observation
Introverts are usually on the quiet and reserved side and they may fade into the background in a group situation. But even though their mouths aren’t moving, their wheels are turning a mile a minute.
Introverts have a formidable power of observation. Because their first priority isn’t getting a word in edgewise, they miss nothing.
They are pros at active listening and always ask follow-up questions to learn more details.
This makes introverts natural leaders because the best leaders are effective communicators, and the most effective communicators have above-average listening skills.
Introverts are adept at picking up on the emotions of those around them and reading between the lines. Their instincts are razor-sharp, thanks to all the people-watching they do.
2) Impulse control
Have you ever blurted out something and almost immediately wished you could turn back time? Quite a few times for me. I like to stare at the ceiling at night and relive the horror even decades later.
But introverts, with their more cautious nature, are less apt to put their foot in their mouth than their more extroverted companions.
You may have noticed that when you ask an introverted person they don’t reply right away. That’s because they don’t just say the first thing that pops into their head.
They think first instead, and carefully weigh the implications of their words.
This is an enviable skill, especially for introverted people in high-pressure careers.
Because they rarely speak out, people tend to listen when an introvert offers their opinion.
3) The ability to foster genuine connections
The introvert’s ability to tune into others facilitates their natural ability to forge authentic and long-lasting connections.
If an introvert befriends you it’s a badge of honor, because saying introverts are choosy about who they expend their energy on doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Because their few yet deep relationships satisfy their limited desire for social interaction, they are rarely lonely.
“Alone” isn’t a frightening proposition for an introvert. On the contrary. Solitude is their solace and sanctuary from an overstimulating world.
4) Clever and creative
While extroverts thrive on external stimulation, introverts prefer their imagination and rich inner world.
The extroverted person’s constant socializing has a way of blocking their inner voice. Introverts are far more comfortable being alone, which in turn sparks their creativity.
Some of humankind’s greatest achievements in art and invention sprung from introverts attuned to their inner worlds.
Since imagination is the spark that lights the flame of creativity, it’s not surprising that so many of our most talented and innovative people are on the more introverted side of the spectrum.
5) Independent
Most people equate extroversion and independence because they consider outward confidence to be the measuring stick.
But, in reality, independence hinges more on your ability to meet your own needs rather than appearing outwardly confident.
Introverts prefer solitude to recharge their social batteries. This process allows introverts to learn how to practice self-care and entertain themselves without the help of others.
And because so many introverted people like to have their own space, they usually provide for themselves financially so they aren’t ever forced to rely on others to survive.
And that’s a good idea for everyone, not just introverts.
6) Ideal remote workers
Introverts naturally gravitate towards careers that don’t involve a ton of human interaction. They tend to thrive in professions like writing, programming, and other solitary occupations.
Remote work is ideal for introverted folks. The thought of returning to an in-house work situation gives me hives.
Studies suggest that introverts tend to be most productive when they are alone in a quiet setting as opposed to an overstimulating office or busy workplace.
Just let an introvert get to it with few distractions and the job will get done.
7) Great writers
Since they prefer to think before they express an opinion, introverted people tend to have an easier time sharing their thoughts via the written word.
I started reading at four and writing at seven. I’ve never stopped since. Writing isn’t just my livelihood, it’s my solace and safe space before anything else.
So while extroverts thrive on in-person verbal communication, introverts prefer written or digital interaction. It gives them the time to carefully consider what they want to say and how to say it.
The introvert’s talent with the written word may come as a surprise to people not expecting them to be so verbose and eloquent.
8) Genuine friendship
It’s true. Introverts make excellent friends. Their loyalty and listening skills are just a couple of the multitude of things that make introverted people good friends to have.
Introverts shower their friends with affection, even if they need to disappear on the reg to recharge their social batteries. They always bounce back better than ever.
Introverts are very picky about where they expend their social energy. Because of this, they have a few carefully vetted and selected close friends instead of spreading themselves too thin among too many people.
Instead, they choose to spend quality time with the people who mean the most to them.
And once an introverted person bonds with someone, it’s doubtful they’ll abandon that connection.
9) Exceptional romantic partners
Aside from making awesome friends, introverts are also intuitive and loving romantic partners.
They have no problem giving their partner space, as they treasure their own. So they’re excellent partners for other independent people. Introverts aren’t the clingy type because they thrive on loads of alone time.
One of an introvert’s superpowers is creative problem-solving so they bring that skill to their romantic relationships as well.
Introverts are also attentive listeners and think before they speak, which is obviously a good thing to bring to a relationship. Instead of blurting out the first hateful remark that springs to mind, they pause to consider the feelings of their partner.
The one major drawback of being in a relationship with an introvert is that they sometimes seem difficult to get to know and a bit closed off.
Final thoughts
Introverted people are motivated by their inner world: they’re spurred on by internal factors like their thoughts and feelings rather than by outside influences.
And research shows that introverts boast many strengths that were often ignored in the past. An introverted person’s colorful inner life, cautious nature, and innate reserve provide many advantages in every facet of one’s life.
So, introverts unite! Separately, from their own homes, preferably online. Let’s not go crazy with the people-ing here.
