4 Types of Introverts, What Makes One & Baby Steps to Communicate Better

You might think that an introvert is just a painfully shy person. But there are four types of introverts, and each is complex.

Introverts and extroverts – the two personality types we’ve all heard of so many times.

However, as popular as these two ideas of personality are, you may not even be entirely certain whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert. While this might seem like an easy thing to determine, many of us really toe the line between the two.

In addition to the fact that there are multiple types of introverts, this makes it a tad bit more difficult to define. [Read: Introverts vs. extroverts: Where do you land?]

What is an introvert?

Carl Jung, a widely renowned early 20th-century psychiatrist, coined the terms “introvert” and “extrovert” in the 1920s.

These two personality types are dictated by the way the person spends their energy and recharges it.

Jung defines introversion as having a preference for your inner world. If you’re an introvert, you simply prefer spending your time with your own thoughts or ideas. You recharge your energy by spending time in your inner world or with one or two close friends.

Being introverted does not mean that you’re shy or reclusive, despite the fact that those are the words most commonly associated with introversion.

Of course, that does fit some introverts, but there are so many other types of introversion that it’s impossible to put them all under a single umbrella. [Read: 25 honest self-reflection questions to recognize the real you]

Being introverted just means that you’re reflective. You might find that your energy is more drained in larger social settings, which is where an extrovert will typically find their energy.

What causes introversion?

There are so many ways to argue about where a person’s introversion comes from. Are you born an introvert, or do you become one? Is it genetic? Is it just the luck of the draw?

Neurological research has shown that you are generally born with most of your personality traits in tow.

That means that you’re more introverted or extroverted from the moment that you’re born. Some of your personality traits are largely genetic, so if you come from a long line of introverts, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be an extrovert.

Even though you’re born with your genes set in place, your environment can still play a huge role in how your personality is formed.

For instance, if you’re generally extroverted as a child, you might develop more introverted tendencies if you’re subject to bullying or an unhappy home life. [Read: Fearful-avoidant attachment style – what it is, 39 signs, & how to deal with it]

Introversion vs. shyness

Make no mistake! Introversion and shyness are absolutely not synonymous.

Introversion is an integral part of your personality. It’s a defined trait. Shyness can be described as an emotion rather than a personality trait more often than not.

Introversion is a preference. It means that you prefer to remain within your inner world or in very small groups. You might be able to socialize and interact pretty easily, but it’s definitely not your preference.

Your feelings toward larger gatherings don’t have anything to do with negative feelings in the same way that shyness does. [Read: 35 best text conversation starters for the shy & socially awkward]

Shyness is a feeling.

If you’re shy, it’s not necessarily that you want to be alone. You might have strong desires to be able to interact with large groups of people, but you feel awkward and don’t want to risk judgment.

Myths about introverts

Nearly every personality type has a stereotype, and they’re not always true. Introverts are not immune to being put in a box. There are several popular myths about introverts that simply aren’t true.

1. They’re shy

As mentioned, introversion and shyness do not go hand in hand.

Not all introverts are shy. Not all shy people are introverts. You can definitely be a shy introvert, but you shouldn’t assume this of all introverted people. [Read: Shy extrovert – what it means, 16 signs, & how they’re not like others]

There are plenty of introverts who are great with social interactions. They seem like they flourish in social situations, but it’s not their preference. It might make them feel a little stressed or tired, but they don’t feel awkward about socializing or dread it because of judgment.

On the other hand, shy people tend to avoid social interactions for fear of them.

2. They can’t be leaders

You might think that every leader must be an extrovert because of their association with outgoing, assertive, and friendly personalities.

Introverts, however, can make excellent leaders.

Introverts are reflectors and thinkers. They typically like to think and rethink, which means that their focus on ideas is unmatched. They’re known to be better listeners, so they’re very likely to drink in ideas from their subordinates. [Read: Tried and tested ways to become a better leader at work]

In addition, the fact that they’re not often as assertive as their extroverted counterparts means that they can be less intimidating and more approachable.

3. They’re hard to get to know

It’s a common misconception that introverts aren’t easy to get to know, but it’s just not true.

The fact of the matter is that introverted people are just more prone to selecting a handful of people to be close to. They don’t necessarily care to have a plethora of friends and, therefore, don’t see the need to open up to everyone they associate with.

The four types of introverts

Too many people believe that an introvert is just an introvert.

Despite that popular concept, there are actually four different types. [Read: What is a social introvert? 17 personality traits that define them]

In 2011, three researchers from Wellesley College developed a study to challenge the idea that introversion is a blanket concept. With their research, they developed the STAR model of introversion and deduced that there are, in fact, four subgroups of introversion: social, thinking, anxious, and restricted.

Each type of introvert has its own special characteristics, methods of socializing, and motivations.

1. The social introvert

Sometimes, it can be difficult to dissect whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. Maybe you really don’t mind socializing. You might even enjoy it with smaller, more intimate groups of people. But you also know that you really value your time alone and use it to recoup.

If that’s the case, then you very well may be a social introvert.

Basically, social introverts can really enjoy spending time in small groups for social interactions, but when their social juice runs out, they go home and recharge.

They definitely don’t mind social interactions, but they prefer small groups over large parties full of strangers. As long as they can fill their social time with a handful of people or less, they’re good. [Read: These are some ways you can genuinely connect with others]

2. The thinking introvert

Those who sit in the corner of a coffee shop and like to observe others may be considered thinking introverts.

A thinking introvert is often very creative and poetic. They choose to spend time alone and in their mind.

They don’t necessarily avoid social events, but they won’t be the center of attention either. They likely go to social places and spend time in self-reflection while watching those around them. They often end up in writing careers because they’re very creative and observant. [Read: Why introverts are much more than just shy or awkward]

Thinking introverts are known to be quiet geniuses. Their minds often prioritize their own inner workings and imagination, which unintentionally deprioritizes interactions with others.

3. The restrained introvert

Restrained introverts have very distinct and extremely reserved behavior.

They overthink everything they say or do way before they do it because they need to work through every possible outcome. They tend to always be on guard and almost skeptical of the world around them. [Read: Find peace by learning to not overthink]

Restrained introverts are known to be tirelessly thoughtful, responsible, and careful. They don’t love the unpredictable.

4. The anxious introvert

Oftentimes, this type of introvert avoids social interactions because of their own nerves. While it is not always true, many anxious introverts suffer from social anxiety. They often withdraw and are quiet, choosing to stay away from social gatherings.

Anxious introverts stay to themselves because they typically are very self-conscious and not confident in their own skills. [Read: Signs of social anxiety that hold you back & how to overcome it]

They simply know their boundaries, and they don’t enjoy those lines being crossed.

An in-depth look at your personality type

In the 1940s, the mother-daughter duo of Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Briggs took what they learned about personality types from Carl Jung and began creating the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which was first published in 1962.

This personality test is incredibly informative and digs deep to help you fully understand your personality type and the type of people you should build friendships and relationships with.

This test helps you to discover whether you fall more on the introvert or extrovert side of things. It measures your preference in a few other areas and places you within one of sixteen different personality types.

It’s an incredibly interesting tool to get to know yourself a little bit better and can help you understand your own behaviors, decision-making skills, and how to do things a little more effectively for yourself.

Since we are all built differently and shaped based on our experiences and relationships, it can be difficult to understand ourselves and those around us. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator helps us do just that. [Read: How to really get to know who you are]

Understanding the types of introverts

Not only will the personality test help you better understand the types of introverts, but it will also help you to understand all the different types of personalities.

Sometimes we get frustrated with our peers because they have different morals or ideals than we do. Sometimes our personalities just clash entirely. Understanding these personality traits and why they make us who we are is important. We need to put ourselves in other people’s shoes once in a while.

Before you get annoyed with an anxious introvert because they cancel plans with you at the last minute, consider how they feel. It’s just the way they are. [Read: INTJ personality – 26 traits, weaknesses, tips, & secrets that make them special]

Once we take the time to understand ourselves and our loved ones, bridges are built, and communication barriers crumble.

Self-care tips for all types of introverts

Understanding who you are is so important.

If you can take the time to identify your personality type or which type of introvert you are, you can better equip yourself to cope with the world around you.

1. Self-care tips for social introverts

a. Embrace the introverted nature that requires you to take some time alone to charge your energy.

b. Don’t overexert yourself at an event just to make others happy.

c. Always allocate some time away from all the noise after a long day.

d. Always keep in touch with your family or a small group of friends who understand and accept you for the way you are.

2. Self-care tips for thinking introverts

a. Make time and space to reflect on your thoughts and emotions with journaling. Pursue your hobbies and creativity by developing a schedule you can follow.

b. Leverage your strength, and venture into a career that is perfect for introverts like you.

c. Since you’re always deep in your thoughts, don’t lose touch with reality! Build meaningful relationships to keep you inspired!

3. Self-care tips for restrained introverts

a. Allocate additional time in the mornings so that you have sufficient time to get ready and not get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the day.

b. Spend some me-time toward the end of the day, perhaps with a cup of decaffeinated tea to unwind and de-stress.

c. When communicating your ideas, take your time to organize your thoughts before you begin. Be sure to slow down and take little pauses in between — or take a deep breath if you have to.

d. Cultivate an introvert-friendly lifestyle to reduce stress, and avoid isolating yourself from your family and close friends.

4. Self-care tips for anxious introverts

a. Take note of situations that make you anxious, and read up on ways and methods you can use to manage your anxiety.

b. Prioritize your well-being by exercising, eating a balanced diet, and practicing mindfulness.

c. This may be tough, but always remember that things will be alright in the end. If it’s not alright, it’s not the end.

d. Open up to family and close friends for support and reassurance. Alternatively, you might also seek professional advice from your school counselor, therapist, medical doctor, or psychiatrist.

[Read: How to nip the bad introvert problems in the bud]

Arm yourself with knowledge! Knowing about the different types of introverts can help you understand yourself and those around you.

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