Are Introverts Normal? Information About the Introvert’s Personality

If you wonder if introverts are normal, you need to read this info about the introvert’s personality! A reader recently interviewed me about introverted personality types, and I was shocked at the misperceptions he had about introverts. Here are the questions he asked about introverts, plus information about the introvert’s personality.

First, here’s a quick way to tell if you’re an introvert or an extrovert:
“If there is an emergency do you tend to stand still and feel somewhat shutdown or in slow motion? If you have a standstill reaction to stress more often, then you are probably an introvert,” says psychotherapist and author Marti Olsen Laney, author of The Introvert Advantage. “In a crisis do you tend to move your body immediately and feel like taking action, maybe without pausing to think? Then you are probably an extrovert if you react with movement.”
For info about possible careers for introverts, click 200 Best Jobs for Introverts (because introverts and extroverts are likely happier doing different jobs). And, read on for information about the introvert’s personality type…
Are Introverts Normal? Information About the Introvert’s Personality
If you’re wondering if you’re an extrovert or an introvert, take this Test for Introverted Personality Traits.
Q: Can we consider introversion a personality disorder?
No, no, no! Introverts are normal. Extroverts are normal. Neither type of personality is a personality disorder. However, I did write an article called When Introverted Personality Traits Become Problematic, because some personality types can veer off in unhealthy directions.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with introverted personality traits, though introverts are commonly seen as abnormal, nerds, loners, withdrawn, shy, and unfriendly. Introverts can also be seen as lacking social skills.
Introverts:

• Enjoy time alone
• Consider only deep relationships as friends
• Feel drained after outside activities, even if they were fun
• Are often good listeners
• Appear calm and self-contained
• Think then speak or act

People with introverted personalities have an inward focus and aren’t usually the “life of the party.” Introverts have a strong sense of self that can make them feel highly self-conscious around other people – making walking into a crowded room a little nerve-wracking. Introverts have a hard time being goofy in front of the camera and telling jokes to more than a couple of people at a time, but they can be extremely witty. They’re less “Larry, Curly, and Moe” and more Woody Allen – but that doesn’t mean introverts’ personality traits are neurotic!
Introverts process their emotions, thoughts, and observations internally. They can be social people, but reveal less about themselves than extroverts do. Introverts are more private, and less public. Introverts need time to think before responding to a situation, and develop their ideas by reflecting privately. Introverts’ personality traits can be passionate, and sometimes aggressive.
Introverts and extroverts can fall in love and have happy relationship. Read Extroverts and Introverts in Love – How to Build Strong Relationships if you’re an extrovert in love with an introvert, or an introvert in love with an extrovert!
Q: Is it possible for an introvert to become an extrovert?
I suppose introverts can force themselves to be more extroverted, but what for? Not for career success, because introverted people can be just as successful professionally as extroverts – especially if they’re armed with Tips for Networking Successfully for Introverts. Introverts don’t need to become extroverts for relationship success, even if they’re with extroverts.
There’s no reason for introverts to become extroverts.
Q: What advantage/s does an introvert have? (if any)
According to Laney, author of The Introvert Advantage, there are several advantages to being an introvert:

• work well with others, especially in one-to-one relationships
• maintain long-term friendships
• flexible
• independent
• strong ability to concentrate
• self-reflective
• responsible
• creative, out-of-the-box thinking
• analytical skills that integrate complexity
• studious and smart

I’m an introvert, and it’s normal to me. Introverts aren’t as common as extroverts (there are more extroverts in the world than introverts), but that doesn’t mean they’re abnormal or have a personality disorder.
Famous Actresses With Introverted Personality Traits

• Candice Bergen, actress, writer, photographer
• Ingrid Bergman, actress
• Ellen Burstyn, actress
• Glenn Close, actress
• Audrey Hepburn, actress
• Helen Hunt, actress
• Diane Keaton, actress
• Grace Kelly, actress
• Jessica Lange, actress
• Laura Linney, actress
• Gwyneth Paltrow, actress
• Michelle Pfeiffer, actress
• Julia Roberts, actress
• Meg Ryan, actress
• Meryl Streep, actress

Famous Actors With Introverted Personality Traits

• Clint Eastwood, actor/director
• Harrison Ford, actor
• Tom Hanks, actor
• Sir Alfred Hitchcock, film director
• Jack Lemmon, late actor
• Bill Macy, actor
• Steve Martin, all around talented guy
• Noah Wiley, actor

Other Famous People With Introverted Personality Traits

• Johnny Carson, former Tonight Show host
• Jane Clayson, host of CBS Morning Show
• Matt Lauer, co-host on the Today Show
• David Letterman, host of the David Letterman Show
• Diane Sawyer, co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America
• Barbara Walters, host of 20/20

If you have any questions or thoughts on this information about introverts, please comment below!

Source of the “famous people who are introverts” info: The Introvert Advantage.