Using the Five W’s to Understand Introversion

The word “introvert” started dominating the search engines since the early 2010s, but what does it really mean? It’s often thrown around as a synonym for being shy, lonely, or a misanthrope. That’s not exactly the case. Throughout college, I’ve become a little more outgoing and I even enjoyed going to bars and clubs, but I still heavily classify as an introvert. So, by asking the five w’s (what, when, where, who and why), we can get a better idea of what the term means.

What does “introvert” mean?
Let’s tackle the biggest issue: The definition. It’s not exactly the same thing as shyness. Shy individuals would like to chat with people, but they’re scared to approach them. Introverts have no problems socializing, but they would prefer to do so one-on-one or in a small group. As a shy introvert, I possess both traits, which was a hindrance growing up and going through college.

It should be noted that most people aren’t pure introverts or extroverts. Nearly everyone needs some time alone to relax and recharge. Introverts just get more energy in solitude than crowds, and vice versa for extroverts.

When do introverts open up?
Funnily enough, when you search this question, a lot of articles phrased it as if you need to approach an introvert like a wild animal.

And of the articles is by a fellow Medium writer!

We’re not, but it does take some time and trust for us to warm up to you and eventually call you a friend. It’s worth it, though. Once you obtain our friendship, then you’ve got a supremely dedicated friend you can depend on in bad times.

Where does being an introvert come from?
According to clinical psychologist Linda Blair, your DNA determines your level of introversion or extroversion.

“It has to do with what’s called the need for arousal,” she said. “This is not sexual arousal, but it’s a need to be stimulated before you act — before you can do what you want to do.”

Introverts have a lot of this chemical, so that’s why we avoid things that put extra pressure on us like crowds or deadlines. We already have a lot of pressure within ourselves, so why add to it from outside forces? Likewise, extroverts lack this chemical, so they rely on high-pressure settings to get their energy.

Who identifies as an introvert?
John Rampton of inc.com provides a lengthy list of famous introverts, some of which might be a surprise. That’s important because it demonstrates you don’t have to be extremely outgoing or suave to obtain success. In fact, being the opposite can be beneficial. Introverts tend to be more introspective, observant and thoughtful with words, so we can be more detail-oriented and build a more personal rapport with others. Thinking about it, it make sense many people on that list are politicians and businessmen.

Or social media creators, which might be ironic.

Why do we need to learn this?
There’s several reasons.

One is so you can leave with a better idea of what an introvert truly is so we know better how to interact with them. We might appear distant or cold, but as long as you’re friendly, not aggressive, and know how to have a nice conversation, you make a friend out of an introvert. Just give us alone time sometimes.

The second reason is so I can reach out to any fellow introverts that might stumble onto this blog. We have struggles because of our introversion, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give up so easily. Many famous figures in history are declared introverts, but they didn’t let that get in the way of success. Also, don’t let that introversion get in the way of having fun, making friends, and just having a fulfilling life.

That’s why I decided to write a series of blogs about my introversion and how it affected my years in college. Social hangouts, participation in class, and those awful icebreakers might have been easier if I wasn’t so shy and introverted, but I am. However, not only did I just survive the hectic life of college, but I believe I prospered. Looking back the last four years, I can definitely see a difference from myself as a freshmen. It sounds corny, but if I can do it, you can, too.

So, now that we used the W’s to get a better idea of introversion, do you think you identify as one?