Introverts - Share Your Story

Meghan is currently working on her next book about Introverts and relationships (co-workers, family, friends) and she is looking for your story. Check back here soon for a contact form, or email meg today at meg@meghanwier.com.

Tell Meg about how you met a person that changed your life, made a difference or became a friend against all odds.

--Please include contact info and permission to reprint your story with your name on this or other websites and/or in the new book!

Looking for Information about Networking for Introverts? 
It has moved here in convenient PDF form!

So am I an Introvert, or just kinda shy? 
Click here to read more.

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Am I an Introvert?

You may be an introvert if:

• You value solitude
• You avoid unnecessary social interaction
• You listen
• You seek alone time
• You keep to yourself, or a small group of friends
• You are hard to get to know
• You think before you speak
• You have less, but deeper realtionships with people
• You value your privacy

Does this sound like you? You may be an introvert. But don't despair; rejoice! You are in good company. Here is a list of famous Introverts:

• Fredrich Nietzche
• Sir Isaac Newton
• Albert Einstein
• Bill Gates
• Michael Jordon
• Steven Spielberg

introvert. Dictionary.com. WordNet® 2.0, Princeton University. http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=introvert(accessed: August 26, 2006).

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Are you an Introvert?

Dictionary.com defines an introvert from many different sources, but the one that seems the most applicable to real introverts is WordNet's, "a person who tends to shrink from social contacts and to become preoccupied with their own thoughts."

It is important to note that Introverts are not always shy. And Introverts do not always shrink from social contacts. What really defines an introvert is how they physically an emotionally react to social interaction. Where an extrovert will gain energy from others, an introvert, who may enjoy the interaction just as much, will feel mildly drained, or even exhausted from speaking and interacting with others. This is why the introvert will often seek out time to be alone, or a quiet place. Introverts needs to re-charge and we do this in our own ways - often by avoiding other people for a short (or longer if necessary period of time.

How can you help an Introvert?

What if there is a problem? How can I help an Introvert in a difficult situation? They keep shutting me out.

Introverts are great at coping and may not need or want your help in dealing with difficult situations. If your child or spouse is an obvious introvert, it may be best to leave them alone for a period of time before trying to talk out a problem or console them. They need that time to process the situation and will likely seek you out when they are ready.

Is being an Introvert a medical condition?

Introversion is often referred to in medical terminology. While being too introvered can be a problem, (just as being too outgoing can be a problem), introverts can learn to adapt and cope. Introverts do not need to stop being introverted, or "get over it." They do not need medication unless it is prescribed for another malady. In fact it may be impossible for a true introvert to ever be anything but an introvert. Managing one's introversion is the key; learning coping skills such as taking a long walk, or planning quiet time after a long meeting is important. If one's introversion begins to take over one's life, keeping them from any social interaction at all, it may be evidence of another problem, such as depression. Medical treatment should be sought out if a person's behavior changes dramatically, or if they no longer wish any contact with others. This, however is not a sign of just introversion, again, it is the sign of a serious medical problem and needs to be treated appropriately.

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