What It's Like To Be An Introvert

[RedRobin]

Introverts have a longer neural pathway for processing stimuli. Information runs through a pathway that is associated with long term memory and planning. In other words, it’s more difficult for introverts to process interactions and events. As they process information, introverts are carefully attending to their internal thoughts and feelings at the same time.

Introverts require less stimulation from the world in order to be awake and alert than extroverts do. This means introverts are more easily over-stimulated.

On the flip side of introverts’ sensitivity to dopamine means that they need less of it to feel happy. Extroverts’ brains run on an energy-spending nervous system, while introverts’ brains run on an energy-conserving nervous system. This is why introverts feel content and energized when reading a book, thinking deeply, or diving into their rich inner world of ideas.

Introverts’ brains aren’t as strongly rewarded for taking risks as extroverts’ brains are. The brain’s reward and pleasure system is activated by dopamine neurotransmitters. Extroverts’ brains tend to respond with more pleasure to positive gambling results. In other words, introverts feel less excitement from surprise or risk.

The introvert’s brain almost always treats interactions with people at the same intensity level that it treats encounters with inanimate objects. Introverts process everything in their surroundings and pay attention to all the sensory details in the environment, not just the people.

Introverts reach back into long-term memory to locate information as they think. An introvert will often compare old and new experiences when making decisions, which slows the processing down but leads to carefully thought-out decisions. This means that introverts have an active dialogue with themselves and usually walk around with many thoughts in their head.

[kmmer]

I'm content with being an introvert. I like my alone time to recharge by reading, painting, or just Netflixing.
But just because I'm introverted doesn't mean that I'm shy and quiet. I can be direct and assertive. I stand up for myself, and I don't have any problem calling someone out on something.

[Browneye57]

Good for you. You've accepted your true nature. So many look at extroverts and wish they were one. About 75% of the population are E's. They actually think there is something wrong with the I's. :)
Being an introvert doesn't mean a person is non-assertive. There are other traits that determine or control that. There are plenty of high-dominate introverts. I know, I am one.

[MarkRet]

Good Mytake. I'm an introvert, but I wish I were more of an extrovert.

[ThisDudeHere]

For the longest of time I excused my lack of sociability to being an introvert. Then I kept on hearing how only meek and scared people use that as an excuse so I began wondering if I truly was an introvert. I read up online that an introvert is not someone who's afraid of social contact like a person with anxiety is, it's just someone who prefers solitude over it but doesn't avoid it all the time.
I went bar hopping with a few people and that finally made me realize that I am indeed an introvert as I had no problems being there but I felt exhausted in a way.

[dragonfly6516]

I'm an ambivert.

I have most of the introvert qualities, but I still get deeply depressed if I stay home alone for too long, and I love adrenaline fueled misadventures.

In comfortable familiar surroundings with people that I Know I get along with, I'm an extrovert.

But I'm a total introvert wehn I'm new, or feel like I don't belong.

[Kkaos]

That's nice, I can definitely relate to that. I've always been content with being an introvert. I rely far less on others and far more on myself for happiness and I feel it's this mindset that allows me to really progress in life and not pander to those around me. Funnily enough, most of the women who are attracted to me are really social extroverts, not quite sure why. It's kind of funny when she's non stop talking and I'm having difficulties listening to her while I get lost in my thoughts.

[Oram52]

Nice Take, but do you have any evidence for... "Introverts have a longer neural pathway for processing stimuli. Information runs through a pathway that is associated with long term memory and planning. In other words, it’s more difficult for introverts to process interactions and events."

I would love to see any article, citation, study etc for above.

[Browneye57]

Reasonable.
You might get something out of the study of MBTI.

I'm a pretty strong "I" and don't run into quite so many problems. But it has taken a lifetime of understanding the differences.

About 25% of the population are 'I's and the 'E's think there is actually something wrong with them. Don't listen to those idiots. :)

[FatherJack]

This is me !! Introversion is regularly confused with shyness / lack of confidence , which is NOT the case , I can be a belligerent bastard if people piss me off !!

[RedRobin]

So true

[datdopegirl]

I'm an introvert. my friends think that I'm some sort of weird druggie gangster because i notice everything (therefore know everything), spend suspicious amounts of time alone and am very quiet hahaha.

[Lopezz1999]

After reading this myTake, I'm pretty confused at whether or not I'm an introvert or an extrovert 😂. I'd still say I'm an ambivert, but I possess many of the introverted qualities mentioned in this Take. Nice job!

[SoJaded15]

I'm a total introvert, in every way. I'd prefer hiding in my room and reading, writing, or just thinking to running wild outside with twenty people. I like small groups of friends and I hate meeting new people or going new places. If anyone has read the book "Fangirl" by Rainbow Rowell, I am Cath in real life.

[nbbn5]

This is very true i am an introvert myself and nice work done on the take

[RedRobin]

Thanks :)

[Unit1]

Introvert is like my second name. I just am highly introverted. I mean really introverted like a rare example.
I don't even have social media and will not register.

Not sure if introvert guys are cool in the eyes of the opposite sex.

[Unit1]

By the way: Even if I am introvert, I do not feel sensitive about dopamine (endorphin?). I always like to get the most out of it. Hence there are days in a row, where I masturbate 3 times per day and I want to get all of that dopamine out.

[FaithfulGuardian]

I am introverted because I don't like being a pathetic brown nose and do shit to make a group accept me. Being alone is less tiresome

[starbucksjr69]

I switch a lot. Mostly extroverted though so. I don't know much. I was the quiet one in middle school but I never sensed EVERYTHING it was more like I didn't give a shit and only paid attention on things I wanted my attention on

[BellePepper]

Ah! This is so interesting! I didn't know about the chemistry and brain science behind all of it.

[John_Doesnt]

I'm an introvert, but I have special space powers so it doesn't bother me.

[datdopegirl]

I too have special space powers

[red324]

This is very true. Although a little bit overly complicated. Introverts basically have a war of thoughts constantly going on in their head.

[DaddyRollingStone]

Being an introvert is having someone say something to you and expecting you to say something back but you just stare at them instead

[Westy616]

Being an introvert is awesome! Good at picking up on things, and not saying anything about them. It's kind of like a secret you gain haha 😂

[grkmanga]

so if this is true... how do some introverts change into extroverts? seen it with my own eyes:)

[backonthelist]

its either extreme external curiosity or theyre just testing themselves and there own psychology.

[Browneye57]

Introverts are not socially inept. Many are just fine in social situations, can appear outgoing and gregarious. I know, I is one. :)

The difference is that the 'I' is worn out, worn down in these situations and after a time is ready for along time to recharge. Which is diametrically opposed to the 'E' that simply gets charged up over these interactions and wants more and more - the life of the party.

'I's also prefer meaningful conversation with one other, or a small group, verses lots of chatter and general light conversation with everybody. The E will be at the center of the group, the I will pair off with another for more in-depth conversation.

Not all I's are extreme, some are just borderline. So while it can appear they change, they may simply show traits of both types.

You might find a study of MBTI interesting.

[Browneye57]

*... alone time...

[grkmanga]

@Browneye57 did a test... says I'm borderline.

[backonthelist]

@Browneye57 good points

[AlwaysBelieving]

Good take. Would be nice with citations (not the plane).