This is nothing but misinformation written by someone who doesn’t understand what introversion and extroversion are. Just like the majority of the internet.

Why does everyone think they understand these terms?

Don’t confuse introversion which is only needing less social interaction and tiring from too much social interaction with shyness which is fear and axiousness around people.

People confuse the two all the time and they are different. Shyness or social anxiety is a condition that can be overcome. Introversion is an fixed part of a person’s personality.

A person can be extroverted and shy or introverted and shy.
Shy is a problem, introversion is not a problem. I disagree that being popular and the life of the party and a loud person are that important. I think they can be detrimental, especially when you try to maintain that popularity at all costs. That puts you at the whim of other people (peer pressure) and can cause you to exclude and be mean to others. In fact, it’s a scientitic fact that many popular people are nasty people.

If you are a quieter type, not anxious around others or afraid to stick up for yourself and speak your mind, that is fine. There’s nothing the matter with you just because this society prefers loud, aggressive people. You have your own strengths and gifts,
Some extroverted people are shallow, nasty, and insecure. They can’t do anything alone and they lack the ability to look inside themselves and face their problems head on.

I’m an introvert and I’m glad. I am not the life of the party, but I don’t care because that would leave me drained anyway. I am moderately shy, but I am working on my confidence level and social skills. Like it was said by someone earlier, I am my own best friend and I don’t need constant outside stimulation.

Personally speaking, extroverted people tend to be very demanding and require constant social stimulation, which I find to be very dull and tiresome. It is good to be happy within yourself and not seek answers from other people anyway…

Introverts have more “frontal” brain activity than extroverts. They have rich inner worlds and are highly stimulated and rarely get bored. Extroverts aren’t nearly as stimulated and so they “need” more outside stimulation – and thrive on it. Introverts are lucky in that they don’t “need” as much outside stimulation. They can rely on themselves for that.

It’s much easier to be a shy introvert than a shy extrovert. A shy extrovert is one who “needs” social activity. Introverts are the lucky ones, because they can be their own best friends.

Also, I’m a deep thinker and tend to be very different… never following the crowd, but I “like” that. I’m proud and thankful for being different. It’s “so” easy to be like everyone else, but not everyone can be an independent thinker.

I’m an introvert, but I love people, smile “a LOT,” and strike up conversation with total strangers when I’m out all the time, but I only need a “little” bit of socializing to feel balanced and happy. I’m also good at small talk. I don’t have a lot of acquaintances that I see too often, but I have a few close friends…. “real” friends with whom I feel a strong connection. I don’t feel “left out.” Even as a kid, I never had the desire to be part of a “group.” I was a VERY happy child and had a lot of friends, but I always enjoyed hanging out with them one on one or maybe with just 2 or 3 friends at a time. These days, most of the time, I’m perfectly content to stay at home, and for that, I feel very lucky.

Anyway, it sounds to me like you are a shy “extrovert.” Seems to me that you need and truly desire more social interaction. However, if you really are an introvert, please don’t dismiss this wonder gift!! As an introvert, you’re your own best friend. You can travel the world “alone” and have an amazing and incredibly meaningful, special time (I know – I’ve done it!), you don’t have to worry about making plans with others all the time – you just enjoy your rich inner world. Wherever you are, you’re with your best friend. What could be better? Good luck.