There Are 4 Types Of Introverts. Which One Are You?
by Marissa Pomerance
We’ve all been told that an “introvert” is shy, awkward, unassertive, and uncomfortable around people. And that only extroverts are “outgoing.”
But since you clicked into this article, it means you likely self-identify as an “introvert,” so you know those stereotypes are…BS.
In fact, according to relatable women’s therapist, Amanda White, “introversion and extroversion does not have anything to do with how outgoing you are. It is defined by how someone recharges and gets energy. Introverts recharge by being alone, and extroverts recharge by being around others.”
And being an introvert can be a powerful, valuable personality trait.
In fact, there are 4 types of introverts, all with their own strengths. Which one are you?
1. Social
Introverts can be perfectly friendly, get along with other people, and have fun, outgoing personalities. Yet, they feel exhausted by social interactions.
And social introverts fit that description to a tee. Big social settings drain them, so they recharge from alone time; they thrive in solitude.
But, that doesn’t mean they hate parties, either. “People tend to think that introverts don’t like parties, but many do. They just get drained, or only really enjoy spending time with people they know versus meeting new people,” says White.
So instead of large, boisterous parties, social introverts do well in small gatherings, and can often be a comforting presence in social circles.
2. Thinking
“Thinking” introverts are the ones that spend a lot of time in their own heads. But, it’s not necessarily detrimental or anxious thought patterns they get caught in— instead, these thoughts can be imaginative.
Though they may tend to get caught up in their own thoughts, and forget to prioritize the people in their lives, “thinking” introverts are often thoughtful, creative, and smart.
They also have a rich inner life, are self-reflective, and introspective. Sometimes, they can come across as dreamy or spacey, or get lost in fantasies.
3. Restrained
At first glance, “restrained” introverts seem like the traditional definition of an introvert, because they can be shy and guarded when they first meet someone, and might not appear “outgoing.”
However, with time, they’ll open up as they get to know people, and let their personalities fully come out.
Restrained introverts are often the grounding forces in others’ lives—the voices of a reason that balance out more impulsive and reckless personalities.
They can also be “slower to respond to situations because they have a lot more internal dialogue. They tend to think before they speak, and choose their friends, hobbies, and relationships with care,” says White.
4. Anxious
Many introverts like social situations, but just feel drained by them. Anxious introverts however, feel, well, anxious from social situations.
Like social introverts, anxious introverts prefer alone time and solitude, but it’s because of how awkward and uncomfortable they feel around others. So this type of introversion is defined by social anxiety, and a stronger desire to avoid social situations in general.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for them. This type of introversion can actually be a strength for some. It makes them more sensitive, and more able to connect with others in social situations who feel excluded, shy, or anxious themselves.
Bonus: Covert Introverts & Ambiverts
Look, maybe you’re one of the 4 people who clicked into this article because you have no idea whether you’re an introvert or not.
Which, hi! Welcome to the club. There are more of us than you think.
In that case, you might actually be a “covert” introvert, or an “ambivert.” No, these weren’t any of the “official” types of introversion that we came across. That’s why we’re offering them as a “bonus.”
Covert introverts are people who look like extroverts, but aren’t. They’re social and outgoing, they like to be around people, but they still need a lot of alone time to recharge. “They are people who have a lot of friends, but prefer to spend time with close friends rather than meet new people, or they prefer deeper conversation rather than small talk, but they may still be very good at small talk or not display any discomfort,” says White.
So covert introverts are highly functional in social situations, but they don’t derive energy from socializing in the same way as extroverts. Because of that, they prioritize the social interactions that feel more meaningful to them.
In fact, a “covert” introvert might be a type of “ambivert,” or, someone “with balanced, nuanced personalities composed of both introverted and extroverted traits.” These people can be outgoing and assertive, but still thoughtful and good listeners. Or appear as quieter and more restrained, but quietly derive their energy from being around large groups of people. Some psychologists and experts believe most people are ambiverts. Which makes sense—humans are complicated, and in real life, we rarely exist on one side of a clear dichotomy.
So, does that mean none of this is real? That none of this means anything?
No—all of this can still be helpful.
Knowing your introvert “type” is still a chance to turn our lens inward. And any opportunity to examine ourselves and our needs, even if it’s about some wildly reductionist idea of “personality types,” is a good muscle to exercise as we learn and grow.
Marissa Pomerance is the Managing Editor of The Candidly. She’s a Los Angeles native and lover of all things food, style, beauty, and wellness. You can find more of her articles here.
