10 Benefits of Being an Introvert
Between 25% and 40% of people are introverts. Despite this high percentage of people who see things through an introverted lens, the world seems structured against us.
In a world where extroverted traits like charisma seem to be the idea, it’s easy to forget the major benefits of being an introvert.
The following are ten of the biggest benefits and advantages of being an introvert. May you read this list and feel encouraged by the greatness you have within you!
1. Introverts thrive in academic settings.
Although much of the world seems designed for extroverts, the realm of academia is perfectly suited to introverts.
Most academic pursuits force people to spend long periods of time alone reading, writing, and studying. For introverts, these activities are more natural. For this reason, many introverts end up choosing academic hobbies like reading and writing, even beyond their schooling years.
One study found that introverts and ambiverts (people with both introverted and extroverted traits) tend to perform better in school than their extroverted peers.
2. Introverts are the best listeners.
Introverts really know how to listen to others. Active listening occurs when the person’s body language and contributions to the conversation show the speaker that what they’re saying is heard and understood. Introverts are masters of observation, a skill that allows them to be the best listeners.
Most introverts hear at one time or another that they’re a good listener. When someone pours their heart out to an introvert, they know that the person is listening to understand instead of listening to respond.
Since introverts are also good at keeping others’ secrets, people have more trust that their introverted friends won’t leak the content of their conversation as fodder for the latest round of gossip.
3. Introverts think carefully before they speak.
Everyone (even introverts) can think of a time they’ve said something they immediately wished they could take back. However, introverts are less prone to this than their more talkative and extroverted counterparts.
When you ask an introvert a question, you might notice that they take a moment before responding. That is because they don’t just say the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, they carefully think through what they’re about to say, carefully considering the implications of every word they speak.
This is a valuable skill, especially for introverts who work high-pressure jobs that require them to give the right response when asked a question. Because they don’t say as much, people are more likely to listen when they finally speak up about something.
4. Introverts are very observant.
It’s easier to observe the world around you when you aren’t spending all your energy speaking. Not only are introverts active listeners and thoughtful speakers, but they’re very observant.
Since introverts spend a significant amount of time thinking through their own emotions, they’re good at noticing the emotions and motivations of others.
Some people even call their observation skills a “superpower.” Although they may look quiet and still, they’re constantly taking in everything around them. Sometimes all the information they’re gathering can overwhelm them, leaving them feeling overstimulated.
However, introverts can use their keen observation skills to impact the world around them. Since they observe other people, they’re often able to understand other people’s points of view. This makes them gifted mediators since they can objectively observe the situation and help point people to a healthy solution.
5. Introverts make the best friends.
There are many traits that make introverts excellent friends. Their listening skills and wise wisdom are a few of the many things that make them caring and thoughtful friends. They also provide their friends with intense love and affection, even if they need to withdraw occasionally to recharge.
Introverts are very careful about how they invest their social energy. This leads them to have a few close friends. Instead of spreading themselves too thin with social engagements, they spend quality time with the people most important to them.
They tend to be attentive, loyal, and committed. Once an introvert bonds with another person, they are unlikely to forsake that friendship.
Because they are so good at keeping secrets and reading emotions, they bring out the best in their friends.
6. Introverts are exceptional romantic partners.
Since introverts are so intuitive about the feelings of others, they make exceptional romantic partners. When their partner is feeling overwhelmed, they’ll often give them the space to vent. Since they are creative problem-solvers, they bring that skill to all facets of their romantic relationships.
They’re especially good partners to people who are also independent. They are rarely clingy because they thrive when they have plenty of alone time.
All the qualities that make them good listeners and thoughtful speakers also make them good in relationships. Instead of speaking thoughtless and hurtful words, they carefully consider their partner’s feelings.
One drawback about introverts in relationships is that they sometimes seem closed off or difficult to know. However, this setback often works to their advantage as many people love the air of mystery that surrounds them. This mystery inspires curiosity from potential partners.
7. Introverts are creative problem-solvers.
Since introverts are so good at observing people and situations, they’re often gifted problem-solvers.
The time they spend researching and reflecting on a variety of subjects also prepares them to troubleshoot issues that come up in the workplace.
Introverts tend to know a little bit about everything. They often spend their time thinking through “what if” scenarios, preparing them to respond accordingly when the opportunity presents itself.
Since they’re also comfortable spending long periods of time researching a problem and its solutions alone, they are usually able to resolve a problem before others even realize it occurred. This makes them assets to any team in any industry.
8. Introverts are gifted and compassionate leaders.
People don’t often think about introverts when they think about the qualities of a leader. However, many of the gifts that make introverts good friends also translate well to leadership roles at work and in the community.
They have a knack for helping people feel heard and validated. This emotional currency is a powerful tool for introverts to leverage in leadership positions. Because they show loyalty and compassion to their subordinates, they typically inspire loyalty from them in return.
Their problem-solving skills and charitable tendencies make them both gifted and loved in leadership positions. Although they may sometimes struggle with confrontation, introverts in leadership positions often do well and drive their teams to success.
9. Introverts are independent.
When people think about independent people, they often think of extroverts because independence drums up ideas of confidence and charisma.
However, independence has a lot more to do with your ability to take care of your own needs than personal confidence.
Introverts are so independent because they prefer to spend their time alone to recharge. Because of this, introverts learn how to take care of their own needs and keep themselves entertained without the help of others.
Since many of them prefer to have their own space, they often learn to provide for all their financial needs so they aren’t reliant on others.
10. Introverts are good at expressing themselves through written communication.
Many introverts love to read and write. With so much experience enjoying these activities, it’s no surprise that they excel in these areas.
Introverts usually communicate their thoughts and feelings better through written communication. While much of our world depends on in-person verbal communication, introverts are gifted when it comes to digital communication.
This is great for introverts who want to make a living by writing and communicating online. Their knack for expressing themselves through writing may surprise people who aren’t used to hearing them use as many words as they do when they write.