by Maleeha Sofi
SRINAGAR: January 2 is celebrated as World’s Introverts Day across the globe. Originating in 2011, the day was instituted by German Psychologist Felicitas Heyne as a dedicated occasion for introverts post the festive period of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. Heyne, a frequent writer on introversion, chose this date to provide introverts with a day of recognition. The day holds no specific theme and is dedicated to honouring introverted individuals.
While introverts are often equated with shy people due to their limited socialising tendencies, it’s crucial to note that the terms “Introvert” and “Shy” are not interchangeable.
According to a Kashmir Life report, shyness may lead a person to crave attention but lack the confidence to actively seek it, while introverts prefer solitude and avoid the limelight. These two personality traits are fundamentally different, with one desiring attention and the other seeking isolation.
As per a report in Healthline Media, introversion is not a distinct personality trait but rather denotes lower levels of extroversion. Introverts thrive in quiet settings, value time spent alone, and exhibit reserved rather than enthusiastic behaviour in social situations.
“A shy person may long to be in the spotlight and gain exposure, but a lack of confidence can inhibit their ability to say or do what they need,” the Kashmir Life report reads. “An introvert, on the other hand, likes to spend time alone and avoids the spotlight. These two personalities are fundamentally opposed—with one wanting attention and the other seeking isolation.”
A 2011 study titled “Four Meanings of Introversion: Social, Thinking, Anxious, and Inhibited Introversion” by Jennifer Grimes, Jonathan M Cheek, Wellesley College, and Julie Norem identified four domains of introversion aligning with commonly associated characteristics. The Social aspect reflects a preference for smaller groups or solitude, while Thinking involves being absorbed in one’s imagination and thoughts. Anxious relates to the need for alone time to avoid feelings of shyness or social awkwardness, and Inhibited indicates a tendency to act with restraint, keeping thoughts and feelings private.
The terms “introvert” and “extrovert” were coined by psychologist Carl Jung in the 1920s based on how individuals expend their energies. According to Jung, introverts recharge by spending time alone, while extroverts seek company for energy replenishment, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Introverted individuals often face misconceptions of being egoistic or self-centred, which may not reflect their true nature. Despite these misunderstandings, introverts are known for their rich inner world, characterized by thoughtfulness, self-awareness, and effective communication.
“Introvert people are often misunderstood as egoistic or self-centred, which may not be the reality. They are misunderstood most of the time,” the report continues. “Introverts, with their rich inner world, are known to be thinkers, reflective, self-aware, good communicators, but re-charge their batteries in their own company.”
Many introverted individuals have achieved notable success in their respective fields, including Einstein’s theories of gravity and relativity, Chopin’s Nocturne, Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm, Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat, Charles M Schulz’s Charlie Brown, and JK Rowling’s Harry Potter.
