"Think you can spot an introvert in a crowd? Think again. Although the stereotypical introvert may be the one at the party who's hanging out alone by the food table fiddling with an iPhone, the 'social butterfly' can just as easily have an introverted personality."
What does it really mean to be an introvert? An extrovert? You probably have an idea of whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, but as this article via the Huffington Post explains, you may be unaware that you are indeed an introvert. Check it out!
Should you choose to comment on this post for blog comment credit, please complete the following:
- Read the article attached above.
- Summarize what you've read.
- Did this article dispel any myths you once thought about introverts?
- How is the information presented in the article similar and/or different than the information presented in your textbook about introversion and extroversion?
- Do any of the "telltale" signs describe you? If so, why and/or how?
- Did your idea of yourself as an introvert or extrovert change after reading this article? Why or why not?
- Provide a general reaction to the article. (This may or may not be covered already as you complete the bullets above).
And, as always:
Your responses will ideally follow paragraph form as opposed to a listing of bullets for each of the sections listed above. In other words, rather than first summarizing the article followed by providing examples from your everyday life, you can interweave this points to form a coherent paragraph.
Remember, you should be writing these comments as if you were going to print them out and hand them in. Thus, spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. is important!
In this article, Carolyn Gregoire provides us with 23 signs you're secretly an introvert after explaining in the introduction that spotting the stereotypical introvert can be more difficult than assumed, because it's a commonly misunderstood personality trait. While this article didn't necessarily dispel any myths I once believed about introverts, it did provide me with a lot of information I was unaware of, which led me to question whether I could possibly be an introvert. Extraversion in our textbook describes people as outgoing, sociable, upbeat, friendly, assertive, and gregarious. While I have been described as all of these things by myself and by my friends, a lot of the 23 signs in this article describe me. The ones that describe me are:
ReplyDeleteI go to parties, but not to meet people. Like the article says, I'd probably not go out if I didn't have a group of friends to go with, and I tend to stick with them. When I end up meeting new people, it's mostly if they reach out first, now that I think about it.
I often feel alone in a crowd. I find myself feeling like this a lot. Like, if there's not a certain vibe to the group or I'm not connecting with them for some reason, which happens more often than not, I feel kind of like I'm just there.
I'm easily distracted. Oh MAN am I easily distracted. The past few nights I've gone to the library to do homework and haven't done a darn thing. And I was in a stinking study room! I make myself shake my head...
Downtime doesn't feel unproductive to me. I love downtime. I love being lazy. I love to lay around and watch movies and take naps when I have a million other things to do, and then I don't feel guilty about it later. I enjoy it at the time.
I (have been) in a relationship with an extrovert. Most of the people I have dated actively make plans, while I usually followed them. I am usually the kind of person that waits for someone to ask me to do something, not vice versa.
I notice details that others don't. This happens a lot. I'll be like, "Did you see that?" or "Am I the only one that noticed that?" and a lot of the time I have to describe what I saw.
I have a constantly running inner monologue. I feel like I can not shut my brain off. It's a struggle.
I'm (kind of) a writer. I don't write music or stories or poetry, but I love to write letters or journal, and what I have written I've been told is good or has touched whoever I was writing to. Sometimes it's easier and more meaningful to tell someone how you feel in a letter, or to be honest with yourself when you sit down to actually journal and process what you're thinking and what has happened to you.
I alternate between phases of work and solitude, and periods of social activity. This is so true with me. I'll go out and do things for a few weeks, and the next few days or weeks after that I'll turn down plans for no good reason, just to lay around and do nothing, because that's honestly just what I'm in the mood to do at that point.
This article now makes me wonder if I'm an introvert or an extrovert, or if it is possible to be in the middle of the spectrum. Is there a word for an exactly in the middle? Because I feel like that is where I would land!
YES! There is an "in between" on the extroversion/introversion spectrum. These individuals are referred to as "ambiverts."
ReplyDeleteI think you've already completed the 2 blog comments, but if you want to take a look at Susan Cain's TED Talk she (somewhat briefly) discusses ambiverts.
http://psyc267.blogspot.com/2013/09/ted-talks-susan-cain-power-of-introverts.html
This article is all about secret signs you're an introvert. The signs do not really surprise me in any way so I don't think there was really any myths about introverts to me. I consider myself a full on introvert. I think most of the signs do pertain to me except for maybe feeling alone in a crowd. I like to keep to myself so I don't really feel alone in a crowd, especially if I know people there. But other than that all of the other signs really do describe me. My idea of a introvert didn't really change after reading this article. I just learned more signs of an introvert and most of them I assumed were part of a introvert life. After reading this article I was kind of surprised to see how much I related to almost all of the signs. I already considered myself an introvert but I didn't know I would be that much of one.
ReplyDeleteThis article explained "secret" signs of being an introvert. Few of them were secret to me prior to reading the article as I am definitely an introvert. However, there were a few things that made the list that surprised me. For example, screening calls. I thought that was just me being weird, but it makes me feel better that other people do that too. One that really surprised me in a different way was the constant inner monologue. It seems like I can never get myself to shut up on the inside. I didn't know that was more of an introverts-only trait. I thought that everyone had that inner monologue. Whenever I see or hear something, I'm already making comments to myself about it. Thinking more about the traits in the article, I'm realizing that more of my friends and family are introverts than I initially thought.
ReplyDeleteOne trait that did make me smile was the point about being a writer. I have loved writing since I could punctuate a sentence and hope to put that love to use more in the future.
This article gives the reader a better understanding of what it means to be an introvert. Its description of introversion is not what people typically describe it as. It does not necessarily mean that you are shy and prefer be alone. It just means that you tend to think prior to speaking and enjoy concepts such as solitude rather than meaningless small talk and large outings. This article did give me a much clearer understanding of what it means to be an introverted person. I did not realize that introverts are not actually characterized as being shy; they just do not appreciate petty chit-chat. The textbook does not seem to give introverts an attractive image. Just by reading the textbook I could see how people would be more willing to say they are extroverts. The adjectives used to describe extroverts (outgoing, sociable, upbeat, friendly, assertive) are much more appealing than those used for introverts (bashful, tentative, and uneasy in social situations).
ReplyDeleteI have always considered myself an introvert with a few extroversion characteristics so several of the “telltale” signs described in the article relate to me. Just to name a few, I find myself yearning for alone time. I do not mind having a day by myself because it allows me to clear my mind of everyday stressors. I also tend to look for window seats when boarding public transportation and try my best avoid events that involve audience participation. I found it interesting that introverts tend to have a constant inner monologue. I often prefer sitting alone in silence because my mind is always wandering to new and interesting ideas, it is almost like my personal form of meditation. And I was unaware that the tendency to screen phone calls could very well be characteristic of introverts. I constantly have my phone on silent and my friends and family are aware that there is an 85% chance I will not answer on the first attempt, but will always call back.
This article helped me clarify that I am predominately an introvert with a slash of extroversion. Prior to this assignment I thought I was a nice mixture between the two because I do enjoy meeting new people and conversing when it is in a social setting. Now I understand that I can still possess those characteristics and be able to declare myself as an introvert. This article did an excellent job at doing away with the myths on being an introvert. People typically believe that being an introvert means they are shy individuals, which is not necessarily true. Introverts are just more mindful, aware, and independent.
The article "23 Signs You're Secretly An Introvert" explains the secret signs of being an introvert. The article discussed signs of an introvert that not many people would think of when they think of introverts.
ReplyDeleteThis article did not dispel any myths that I once thought about introverts. I am an introvert myself, so I thought that the 23 signs that were in the article were all pretty spot on.
One of the telltale signs that described me was number 7. That downtime doesn't feel unproductive to you. I feel as if I need my time alone from other people once in a while. I think that being able to spend time away from others is always good too. That way I don't get so sick of hanging out with the same people.
My idea of myself as an introvert did not change after reading this article. I already knew that I was an introvert before I read this article. While I was reading the article I found it to be even more true because I could relate to some of the "secrets".
I think that this was a interesting article to read. This article gave me a better understanding of how other introverts feel. I was able to relate to some of the "secrets".
Carolyn Gregoire asks questions to help someone decide if they are an introvert. She talks about how introverts aren’t against being social they can just only handle small doses. Also how introverts can be alone all day doing nothing and not feel like their day has been wasted. If extroverts where to do the same thing they would get bored quickly and feel like they should be doing something productive. Introverts look at the big picture rather than the facts and details. Introverts need time to recover after being in a social situation it’s how they work.
ReplyDeleteI had never really heard any myths about introverts. I just thought that they were shy quiet people who didn’t like big crowds. The article was fairly similar to the text book. They both explained that introverts have higher levels of physiological arousal and that is why they tend to avoid social situations in large groups.
I am definitely not an introvert I came to find out. I can’t just sit around and do nothing. I’m social and prefer to be around people rather than by myself most of the time. My idea of myself as an extrovert did not change after reading this article, because I know I like to stay busy and enjoy meeting new people.
Carolyn Gregoire asks questions to help someone decide if they are an introvert. She talks about how introverts aren’t against being social they can just only handle small doses. Also how introverts can be alone all day doing nothing and not feel like their day has been wasted. If extroverts where to do the same thing they would get bored quickly and feel like they should be doing something productive. Introverts look at the big picture rather than the facts and details. Introverts need time to recover after being in a social situation it’s how they work.
ReplyDeleteI had never really heard any myths about introverts. I just thought that they were shy quiet people who didn’t like big crowds. The article was fairly similar to the text book. They both explained that introverts have higher levels of physiological arousal and that is why they tend to avoid social situations in large groups.
I am definitely not an introvert I came to find out. I can’t just sit around and do nothing. I’m social and prefer to be around people rather than by myself most of the time. My idea of myself as an extrovert did not change after reading this article, because I know I like to stay busy and enjoy meeting new people.
This article dispels myths about what and who introverts really are, it talks about how introverts don't necessarily feel unproductive when they aren't doing anything and that they don't feel the need to be around other people or even meet new people. A lot of this information was very interesting to me, I've always thought of myself as somewhat of an introvert because I enjoy my time alone and have been described as someone with an 'old soul' but after reading this article I've found out that I'm definitely not an introvert.
ReplyDeleteI'm very detailed oriented and I let the little things stress me out, I much rather meet new people and have conversations with them than talk in front of a group of people and I absolutely cannot just lay around all day and do nothing.
This article was very informational to me and showed me that I'm not as much as an introvert as I thought.
In this article "23 Signs You're Secretly An Introvert" it explains the “secret” signs of being an introvert. The article discussed signs of an introvert that not many people would think of when they think of introverts.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article, I realized much of the sign’s that were stated kind of described me. I never really thought of myself as an introvert, but I am outgoing and I really do enjoy meeting new people. Though, I would most definitely prefer just having a few people to hang out with and not go to a place where there would be a large amount of people. Also, I love having down time and I never feel like I am wasting time when I relax. Giving public speeches is one of my favorite things to do and I have been told I am pretty decent at it too!
The idea of myself being an introvert was kind of a new idea. Not bad, but just a different way of thinking about my personality. I was fun to be able to relate to this article. I really enjoy reading this article and gaining some new insights in life.
The author of the article, Carolyn Gregoire, introduced the 23 signs of introversion with an interesting fact and description that the average person probably would have never guessed; telling the reader that being an introvert is not as simple as we all thought it was. It is something more complex than being able to point them out in a crowded room. After giving a very basic explanation of what being an introvert is, she proceeds to tell us the 23 signs of what is considered an introvert.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading through the article, I was rather surprised at some of the signs. Although I do understand the logic behind them, it was interesting to find out. For example, the very first sign, about finding small talk cumbersome, was rather surprising, because personally I would think that it would be easier to make small talk with a single person instead of trying to communicate with a group of people. Another sign that I found interesting was about giving a talk in front of 500 is less stressful than mingling with those people afterwards. The average person would think that mingling would be so much easier and less stressful, and an introvert of all people you would think would feel that way when they don’t like being around big groups of people they don’t know.
Comparing the article to the book, the article uses a list, which makes the information almost easier to read; whereas the book doesn’t seem to specifically talk about introversion. I definitely did find that some of the signs did describe me. Those signs were: going to parties, but not to meet people; downtime doesn’t feel unproductive; in a relationship with an extrovert; and have been told to “come out of your shell.” I am a person who likes to be comfortable, and trying new things and meeting new people is definitely not comfortable for me. Being around people I don’t know, I become really awkward and quiet unless the people/person is trying to make me feel comfortable and is being friendly. My idea of myself as an introvert did change drastically after reading this article, because I always thought I was the least outgoing out of all of my friends. After reading this article, I definitely am more of an extrovert than I thought, because not even a quarter of the signs described me.
I really enjoyed this article. It definitely taught me something new, even though it was about something that I thought I already knew. It was very interesting, and I liked that the author made it easier to read using a list, rather than long paragraphs.
The article 23 Sings You’re Secretly An Introvert by Carolyn Gregoire uncovers the common traits that an Introvert that are less know to the public. In her article, Carolyn takes information from different books and post that she has read on the subject and puts in a nice listed order that one can use to self-diagnose whether or not they are an Introvert. Some of the list was fairly obvious that these would be traits of an Introvert, but there were a few traits that an introvert may have that were surprising, e.g. the fact that an introvert would be more nervous speaking one-on-one than to 500 spectators.
ReplyDeleteThe article didn’t dispel any myths about how I looked at Introverts. More so, it broke down the way an introvert would view/ handle a situation, which made me realize why they may feel that way. It did give a more positive light to Introverts that the book does. Through the article, I could see why it would be beneficial to have an introverted life style in situations. A few of these signs describe me, but I would consider myself an extrovert. I like to network and go out to meet new people. The article did describe one of my friends to the “t” so I got a better look at why he act the way he does in some situations. For that reason, I really enjoyed the article. I know my friend needs some cool down alone time daily, like to write, hate going to parties, etc. It gave me a nice change of perspective.
The article "23 Sings You're Secretly An Introvert" discusses about specific signs if a person is an introvert. The signs are discussed in detail on how it is an introvert trait. The article did dispel some myths about introverts that I had. That the article was able to describe introverts saying that people need their personal time it is not because they are loners. Most of the signs I knew it just went into further explanation of why the person would be considered an introvert if he or she had that specific trait. I think that about majority of the signs describe me so I would describe myself as an introvert like how downtime is not unproductive to me. Most of the signs described in the article I felt I knew. I did think that this article was interesting going into the detail why it made people introverts and it showed me people are more introverted than I had thought. In the textbook introverts are described as uncomfortable socially so they become introverted. That is not true for most introverts just like more time alone according to the article.
ReplyDeleteThis article explains that people are often times unaware that they are an introvert because it is usually associated with finding time to be by yourself. The article then gives your twenty-three signs as to why you may be an introvert.
ReplyDeleteI have never been able to decide whether I was an introvert or an extrovert. Just like the article explained, many people associate introvert with someone who always like to be alone but that is not true. The book describes extroverts as outgoing, sociable, upbeat, friendly, assertive, and gregarious. While I feel as if that describes me most of the time, I have many of the characteristics that the article would call an introvert.
Some of the signs that described me were that small talk in cumbersome, downtime doesn’t feel unproductive, sitting at the end of a bench, starting to shut down after being active for too long, avoiding audience participation, screening calls, noticing detail, and looking at the big picture. I really dislike small talk because I feel as if it becomes awkward and I hate being in awkward situations. I love downtime because I like to just lie around and not have to worry about anything. I don’t like to be surrounded by people and is why I relate to sitting at the end of a bench. I become very quiet when I start to get tired. Everyone always thinks something is wrong with me but even I don’t understand why I become quiet. I hate things that involve audience participation because what if I don’t know the answer or say something that doesn’t quite make sense. I don’t like to be caught off guard and is why I can relate to screening calls. I often times will call back when I ready. I notice detail that many other people don’t even notice.
My idea of myself still kind of lands in the middle because I relate to things in both categories. What this article did do for me is make it clearer that I may possibly be closer to an introvert. While I am in an environment where I feel comfortable I believe I am an extrovert but as soon as I am taken outside of my comfort zone I become an introvert.
Carolyn Gregoire's article "23 Signs You're Secretly an Introvert" brings to light the lesser-known qualities of introverts. With introversion being a somewhat misunderstood personality trait, a deeper and better understanding of what constitutes as introverted behavior is necessary. Gregoire's 23 signs help clear the air surrounding the "quieter" folk. Included in her article were several points that I either had not considered before, or had the wrong idea about prior to reading. Some, like feeling alone in a crowd, were things I had previously associated with introversion. However, reading that introverts feel less stressed about giving a talk in front of large groups of people than mingling with those people afterward was a new idea to me. The idea made sense after reading how introverts can excel at public speaking but dread meeting large groups on an individual basis, but the thought hadn't occurred to me until now.
ReplyDeleteI have always thought of myself as being more of an introvert, and some of the signs listed in this article definitely apply to me. Things such as not enjoying small talk, going to parties without the intention of meeting anyone new, enjoying/not getting bored with downtime, and always looking for a seat on the end of a bench/row are a few of Gregoire's signs that have been part of my personality for as long as I can remember. Having always been considered and referred to as the "quiet" one, seeing that a lot of these introvert traits are also traits I possess is not that much of a shock.
This article discusses sign that somebody may be an introvert. The article starts out by making the point that an introvert can be harder so see than many people think. As a matter of fact, many introverts do not even know that they are introverts. I had always thought that introverts had to like being alone all the time and had no friends. However, this article clearly states that this is not the case. As a matter of fact, many introverts are not shy. The only point that differs slightly between our textbook and the article is the fact that in the book extroverts are typically defined as more upbeat and outgoing. The article argues that a introvert can be those things among many others. The article then went on to explain 23 signs that one may be an introvert.
ReplyDeleteThe signs that apply to me are as follows: I go to parties – but not to meet people, I often feel alone in a crowd, I am easily distracted, I would rather be an expert at one thing than try to do everything, I screen my calls – even from friends, I have a lower blood pressure, and I alternate between phases of work and solitude, and periods of social activity. Each one of these signs shows some specific aspect of my life. The first two points go together well. When I do go to a party or a social gathering, I would rather hang out with my friends because I do feel alone in a crowd if I am isolated from them. Many people have told me I have ADD, especially when I am doing my homework. I can rarely focus on writing something or reading for more than 30 minutes. Then I have to watch a snowboard video or online shop. I do screen my calls. Maybe that is weird, but I like talking to people when I am ready. Finally, I do show periodic spurts of productiveness, wanting to be left alone, and social activity. I would have called myself a little of both and still would after reading this article. I think that I demonstrate many traits to fit into both departments.
Overall, my general reaction to the article is positive. I appreciated thinking about introverts in a new was. I always thought that I little part of me was introverted, and this article makes that clear. However, I also am confident after reading this article that I am not a complete introvert. I am comfortable with the balance I have.
This article gives 23 reasons why someone may be an introvert. An introvert is usually known as someone who is not socially inclined and kind of known as the quiet, shy one. But the article gives some good examples on how in introvert can sometimes seem like an extrovert.
ReplyDeleteThe article did dismiss some of the myths I had about introverts. I thought that Introverts had to always be somewhat of a loner and keep to themselves, in the article it stated that introverts do like to be around people, but they prefer to be around those who they know, instead of people they do not know. A lot of the signs actually described me. I was surprised at how accurate it really was. I like to go to parties, but not to meet new people, downtime doesn’t feel unproductive to me, I start to shut down if I’ve been active for too long, I actively avoid shows that might involve audience participation, I definitely screen my calls, I notice details other don’t, I usually think first and talk later, I don’t feel high from my surroundings, I’ve been told to come out of my shell, I am an amateur writer, and I alternate between phases of work and solitude, and periods of social activity. All of these signs were things on the article that I thought I related to, this I think is a pretty large number. I always thought I was an introvert anyway so that really didn’t change. I really enjoyed the article and I learned some things from it, and it re-emphasized some things that I already knew.
This article explains 23 different signs that you may be an introvert. It explains how introverts like more solitude and thinking before they think. Introverts are not people who love meeting new people and speak with hundreds of people on a daily basis. People who are introverts like solitude, pay attention to details, and don’t necessarily want to ‘come out of your shell.’ I feel like the textbook does and okay job of portraying an introvert; the book and the article explain how introverts tend to shy away from social gatherings. However, I feel like the article gives more examples and explains more why someone would consider themselves an introvert.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that surprised me about introverts is that speaking in front of crowds is less stressful than speaking with them afterwards. I have been under the impression that they dislike doing both all the time. I consider myself an introvert and have even before I read this article. The majority of these points describe me. However, I do feel that I have extrovert signs as well. I do like time to myself, to think and reflect on the day. I also like to go to parties, but with friends that I know. I do also notice more details then my friends who would consider themselves extroverts. Looking at the big picture definitely describes me. Although I like to live in the moment, the bigger picture is always in mind.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article. I actually showed it to one of my friends and her opinion of herself had changed from an extrovert to and introvert. She had no idea that she liked these things until she actually thought about it.
This article really outlined what traits introverts have and how you can spot an introvert. . The information in the article is more casual than in our book. I prefer it this way. I like how this article gives real world examples and not just definitions. Some of introvert’s characteristics are that they can speak in front of big crowds, but have trouble meeting and greeting people afterwards. They really need their downtime and alone time. They can be easily distracted and are usually deep thinkers. These are just a few things. I really thought introverts were just loan rangers and never like to socialize. This myth was busted by this article. An introvert does like to socialize, but they rather do it with friends that they already have. This is one introvert characteristic that I have. I don’t usually go to parties to meet new people. I rather just go to a party to hang out with my friends if I meet new people then it is just a bonus. Another characteristic that an introvert has that I can relate to is that I enjoy my down time. I need my down time to recharge. When I do get downtime I usually have a better day and am in a better mood. I never thought of myself as an introvert, I actually thought I was the exact opposite. After reading this article though, I see that I do have introverted aspects. I also had a stigma that being introverted makes you weird and antisocial, but in reality we all have some introverted characteristics.
ReplyDeleteThe article in question cleanly summarizes the author's opinion on characteristics and traits that will label one as an introvert. The article gives several examples and expands on each of the examples in order to clearly define what an introvert is.
ReplyDeleteI can only assume the myths associated with introversion are the negative connotations that society has placed on the word and its personality type. Some of the ideas in this article about other methods to label an introvert have dispelled that from my mind, however, I never truly thought of introverts in the negative fashion as I've always considered myself one.
I identified with several of the 'signs' of introversion in this article. I was surprised to see the "I feel alone in crowds" among this list, as I didn't think it was a very common trait among introverts, I have felt this several times. I am generally a distractable person, particularly when I am relaxed, I also prefer to speak in front of crowds, however I don't have too much trouble mingling with those same crowds afterwords. Placement of seating was another one I identified strongly with, I almost always gravitate towards ends of benches or seats, especially near windows or the back of an area. As well as the call screening, I always view who is calling or texting before answering, I had never given it thought to a mental preparation but I suppose that could be an attribution of it. And like many introverts I do like to write and have been told to come out of my shell and have accomplished such things in the past.
I think all these points are very interesting and some of them I'd have never used in association with introverts in the past.
This article discusses the different signs of being an introvert. Many people just think being an introvert is being shy or quiet but some people who may seem like an extrovert are indeed an introvert. Just because someone is outgoing does not necessarily make them an extrovert. It’s more than just how they appear in public.
ReplyDeleteI am without a doubt an introvert. I feel as if all of the “telltale” signs described me. When I was growing up I always thought there was something wrong with me because I didn’t like going to random parties or that I don’t mind being alone. Now however I have come to appreciate being an introvert. I feel like I don’t need to depend on others for my happiness and I am fine with being alone with my thoughts rather than making awkward small talk at a party. Small talk is one of my pet peeves. I despise it. To me it just seems pointless. Yeah, we both are aware that the weather was nice today so why must we talk about it. Another sign I could identify with was the way introverts start to shut down after being active too long. Whenever I have to be around a lot of people for long periods of time I tend to just respond less. Most people take it as me just being rude, but I just genuinely can’t force myself to function like I know I should after too much interaction or stimuli. Another sign that hit home for me was the one about screening your phone calls. I do this all the time! Whenever I hear my phone ring it’s like a ticking time bomb for me. Sometimes I just don’t answer even if it’s a friend. I have to prepare myself mentally for the phone call before I can have an actual conversation on the phone.
My viewpoint on whether I was an introvert or extrovert did not change. I have known for quite some time that I was an introvert. Most of my friends throughout the years have been extroverts and I always wondered why my thought process and things I enjoy doing were different from them. But this article definitely put things in perspective for me. I don’t think many people sit down and actually think about why they do the things they do or think the things they think so I think this was a very informative article.