What is the difference between shyness and introversion?
According to one dictionary, an introvert is “a person more interested in his own mental life than in the world around him.” Another defines introversion as “directing one’s interests upon oneself rather than external objects or events” while an extrovert is “a person whose interest is more in his environment and in other people than in himself.” To me, these definitions seem a little unfair. They make the trait of introversion sound like one of narrow-mindedness and self-absorption. But many of the world’s greatest thinkers are said to have been self-conscious or introverted: Charles Darwin, Thomas Carlyle, Sir Isaac Newton, Michael Faraday, Cezanne, Pestalozzi, Martin Luther and Albert Einstein among them. In reality, an extrovert can be extremely self-centered, while an introvert can be quite altruistic. It all depends on the individual. “Introversion” is also often used as a synonym for shyness. But there are important differences between the two personality types. Introverts enjoy
Many times people use the words introversion and shyness interchangeably. This is inaccurate. These words are not synonyms. Introverts enjoy their solitude and are usually very happy by themselves, especially if there wasn’t someone in their environment when they were growing up who tried to make them feel like there was something wrong with them because they enjoyed time alone. Shy people, on the other hand, may desperately want to be closer to other people but are afraid and miserable, not knowing how. Obviously, this is not introversion. I have heard from many introverts who are miserable and desperate to be left alone but never because they were alone! I think that “shy” people are extroverts who have behavioral issues. After you complete this lesson, I will ask you for your opinions. Here’s a quiz you can take to assess your shyness level. It will only take a few moments and also help you establish some of the issues surrounding shyness.
