Human beings are a social species. There is ample evidence that social support and connection with others can help you stay healthier, live longer, and find more life satisfaction. For those that struggle with social phobia, or have a hard time feeling connected to others, there are many reasons to consider therapy or care to try to help you connect with those around you.
But that doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with being an introverted person. Indeed, we are a culture that seems to celebrate those that are profoundly social, and yet that is not fair to those that are more thoughtful and less outgoing. Extroverts are not better than introverts.
Introvert Equality – Yin and Yang
There are numerous myths about introverts and extroverts that plague those that feel comfortable as introverts. For example, it is true that extroverts are more likely to be in management positions. But that is not because they possess some type of better management skill. Indeed:
- Introverted managers are as productive as extroverted managers.
- Introverts may have happier employees.
- Introverts may make more thoughtful decisions.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that introverts are better than extroverts either. Only that the skillset has different benefits that create the same level of productivity. The only reason extroverts tend to be in these roles is because they are more likely to seek them out, not because they show any better talent.
There are certainly some differences between extroverts and introverts. For example, introverts tend to have more critical thinking intelligence, while extroverts have a bit more social intelligence (on average). But there are still very few differences between the two in terms of production, life fulfilment, and more:
- Both are productive in the workplace.
- Both are able to be inventors, musicians, etc.
- Both are able to be liked and loved the same.
There are differences between the two types of people, but psychologically, these differences tend to be very minute, and often balance with other strengths. In the end, being an introvert is essentially no different from being an extrovert, beyond a bit less of a social drive and a bit more of a thoughtful drive – and even that is fairly small.
Why Do People Feel Upset About Their Introversion?
It seems that some people reflect poorly on their own introversion because they’re lacking something socially that they feel that extroverts get. But many extroverts are struggling with the same issues – they just don’t blame their extroversion for those issues. If you are struggling in relationships, struggling socially, or have shyness/social anxiety, it’s not your introversion that you need to change. You already have the tools to overcome those things, all while remaining an introvert.
For more information, please call Long Island Psychologist and Couples Counselor Dr. Marc Shulman today.