personality types – The Highly Sensitive Introvert

When I was little, my parents were missionaries in a foreign country. It would be years before I discovered terms like introvert and extrovert; I don’t know to this day if my early experiences in that country played a part in me being an introvert.

Basically, my foreignness attracted a lot of attention, attention I didn’t want. It got to where I didn’t want to go out with my parents. I was afraid to set foot outside because strangers would come up and pinch my cheeks. It was supposed to be a compliment, to show that I was cute or something …

But sometimes they pinched hard, and my cheeks would be smarting and red afterward. I was only three or four and it didn’t feel like I was being rewarded by their attention but punished.

So, for me as a young child, attention was synonymous with punishment, not reward. (I wonder what Pavlov would have done with that information. I’m sure Skinner and Watson would have seen my personal experiences strengthen their respective theories on operant conditioning.)

As missionaries, my parents tried teaching us kids to be outgoing. They taught us songs to sing, and even actions to go along with the songs. My sisters and I had to wear matching outfits for programs, and being outgoing and friendly was pretty much a requirement. Two of my sisters were outgoing. They were extroverts, so it wasn’t a problem. One sister and myself as well were (and are) introverts. The lifestyle of missionaries in a foreign country wasn’t so easy for us, to say the least.

But it’s not just in the realm of social work that this is the case. We live in a world that often celebrates extroverted qualities such as sociability, assertiveness, and outspokenness. In such a world, introverts can sometimes feel overshadowed or misunderstood. However, introversion is not a weakness to be overcome but a unique strength to be embraced.

But how?

Let’s explore the power of introversion together. We need to learn to celebrate the strengths of introverted people as well as explore insights into how introverts can thrive in a world that often seems designed for extroverts.

Understanding Introversion:

Introversion is often misunderstood as shyness or social awkwardness, but that’s not it at all. Not all introverts are shy; some can appear quite bold or outgoing around others. And we’re not all socially awkward (although I definitely am!).

Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a preference for calm, minimally stimulating environments, and a need for solitude to recharge. Introverts also tend to be introspective, thoughtful, and observant. They often have a rich inner world that fuels their creativity and deep thinking, especially if their introversion coincides with high sensitivity.

The Quiet Strength of Introverts:

Instead of trying to conform to extroverted ideals (using methods that were popularized in well-known books like How to Win Friends and Influence People), introverts can benefit from embracing their unique tendencies and harnessing the strengths that come with introversion.

For example, introverts are often excellent listeners and deep thinkers, traits that can lead to profound insights and meaningful connections with others. Their preference for solitude allows them to recharge and reflect, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth. Embracing these traits will help you grasp the power of introversion in your life.

understanding introversion - person out in nature

Navigating the Extroverted World:

Living in a predominantly extroverted world can pose challenges for us who are introverts, but it is possible to thrive by understanding and leveraging our strengths. A few ways to survive and thrive in an extrovert-oriented world include:

Setting boundaries for what you need to stay healthy and sane
Creating a balance between socializing and solitude that works for you
Finding a work environment that suits your preferences and needs

You owe it to yourself to honor your particular needs and develop your unique strengths.

Recommended Books on Introversion:

If you want to explore the trait of introversion in-depth, here are a few books I highly recommend!

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain – This book explores the power of introversion and how introverts can thrive in a world that often favors extroverted qualities. Cain provides insights into the strengths of introversion and offers practical advice for introverts and those who interact with them. I love this book!

The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D. – Dr. Marti Olsen Laney delves into the science behind introversion and explains how introverts can leverage their strengths to thrive in various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and personal growth. This book also provides coping strategies in the realm of parenting (including parenting an introverted child).

Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverted Kids by Susan Cain – While not specifically for adults, this book by Susan Cain focuses on introverted children. It’s basically the kids’ version of Quiet, mentioned above, and offers great insight as to how parents and educators can support and nurture their unique qualities to help them thrive in a world that may not always understand them. (Gosh, I wish my parents had read this book when I was little.)

Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life is Your Hidden Strength by Laurie Helgoe – This insightful book by psychologist (and introvert) Laurie Helgoe offers a guide to harnessing the potential of the introverted life, including discovering your own unique strengths, accessing the power of solitude, overcoming stereotypes, and aiming for success in your own quiet way.

Embrace Your Quiet Strength as an Introvert:

In short, introversion is a valuable and powerful personality trait. It’s not something to be embarrassed about. You don’t have to hide the fact that you need to recharge after that social gathering, or that you’d rather have a day of sunshine in the park than a night of dancing and drinking at the local pub.

You have unique strengths that you can offer, both to individuals in your circle, and to society as a whole. By embracing your introversion, understanding your strengths, and navigating the world in a way that honors your needs and preferences, you can be freed to live a fulfilling and meaningful life—whatever that means for you.

Are Introverts and HSPs the Same Personality Type?

We all want to understand ourselves. How we tick. Why we think and react the way we do.

This is why personality profiles are so interesting. We take tests like Myers-Briggs, we learn more about our zodiac sign, we ascribe ourselves an enneagram number—all in an attempt to understand ourselves and the people around us.

In the realm of personality traits and psychological profiles, two terms often come up: introverts and Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs). While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, it’s important to recognize the differences between introverts and highly sensitive people.

In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between introverts and HSPs, shedding light on their unique characteristics and dispelling any misconceptions.

Defining Introversion & High Sensitivity:

To understand the differences between introverts and highly sensitive persons, let’s start with some definitions of the two.

Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a preference for solitude and introspection.

If you are an introvert, you likely find social interactions draining. What is more, you need time alone to recharge your mental and emotional energy after get-togethers or parties.

As an introvert, you might tend to be thoughtful, and reflective, and have a smaller circle of close relationships rather than a huge circle of acquaintances and friends.

At the same time, introversion is not synonymous with shyness or social anxiety—it simply refers to the way individuals derive energy and process information.

Highly Sensitive People:

… on the other hand, possess a specific trait known as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS).

HSPs have a heightened sensitivity to external stimuli, such as sights, sounds, and emotions.

They tend to process information deeply and exhibit increased emotional reactivity to both positive and negative experiences.

If you recognize yourself as an HSP, you might know that you become easily overwhelmed in stimulating environments and that you need a time of solitude to regain your equilibrium.

differences between introverts and highly sensitive persons - a man reclining on a couch with his phone and a woman with a book doing yoga

Overlapping Traits of Introverts and HSPs:

Although introversion and being an HSP are distinct personality traits, they can often overlap.

If you’re trying to discern the differences between introverts and highly sensitive persons, it might help to know that many HSPs are in fact introverts.

The need for solitude aligns with their heightened sensitivity, as indicated by the following quote from Ilse Sand, author of On Being an Introvert or Highly Sensitive Person:

Many introverts are also very sensitive. But not all. This is obvious from the very fact that 30-50 percent of the population are presumed to be introverted, while only 15-20 percent are presumed to be highly sensitive.
Ilse Sand, in On Being an Introvert or Highly Sensitive Person

If you have come to know yourself as both an introvert and a highly sensitive person, you understand not just the preference but the actual need for quiet environments and deep introspection, especially when you need to regroup or regain your energy after a busy time.

But it’s important to understand that not all introverts are HSPs.

Distinguishing Factors between Introverts and HSPs:

While introversion and being an HSP share commonality, there are notable differences between introversion and high sensitivity. One key difference lies in the focus of their preferences.

Introversion often has to do with the source of one’s energy and the need for alone time after social interactions of various kinds.

Highly Sensitive Persons primarily deal with sensory and emotional processing, likely due to the fact that their brains interpret stimuli in a unique manner.

difference between introverts and highly sensitive persons - a woman smiling and posing; another woman hiding her face

HSPs may experience overwhelm due to external stimuli, while introverts might seek solitude due to social exhaustion.

If you are both an HSP and an introvert, you probably experience a combination of these things, increasing your need for down time, alone time, and recovery after taxing interactions or even a rough drive through town.

Coping Strategies for HSPs and Introverts:

While there are clear differences between introverts and HSPs, both personality types benefit from self-care practices tailored to their specific needs. Introverts can recharge by engaging in solitary activities, such as reading, writing blog posts or journal entries or poems, or pursuing hobbies they enjoy.

As an HSP, in addition to seeking solitude, you may find stress reduction techniques helpful, such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and managing your sensory environment (especially if you suffer from issues such as sound sensitivity).

Other things that reduce stress for both introverts and HSPs might include stress toys, stress relief teas, or self-care practices.

The Importance of Embracing Individuality:

differences between introverts and highly sensitive persons - a man at a laptop and a woman with a book doing yoga

It is crucial to recognize that introversion and being an HSP are natural variations of human personality and sensitivity. Regardless of the similarities and differences between introverts and highly sensitive people, neither type should be seen as a flaw or weakness; nor should you go with stereotypical assumptions, such as the idea some have that introverts are snobs.

Both introverts and HSPs possess unique strengths, such as deep thinking, empathy, and heightened perception. Embracing and understanding these traits can lead to greater self-acceptance and the ability to navigate the world more effectively.

In Summary:

While introversion and being a Highly Sensitive Person share some commonalities, they are distinct personality traits that should not be used interchangeably. There are clear differences between introverts and highly sensitive persons.

Introversion refers to social preferences and the need for alone time, while being an HSP involves heightened sensory and emotional processing.

Recognizing and appreciating these differences allows us to celebrate the diverse range of personalities and sensitivities that exist within the human experience.

And if you are either an HSP, an introvert, or both, knowing these differences can help you research these personality traits further in order to better understand yourself and what needs you might have to thrive in your day-to-day life.

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Category: personality types

The Power of Introversion: Embracing Your Quiet Strength