The 4 Types of Introverts – Which One Are You

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “Introvert?” Is it that shy wallflower daydreaming in the social gathering? Or the quiet kid who rarely spoke up in class? But wait, did you know there is much more that describes an introvert than their socializing frequency? Or lack thereof.

Learning more about your personality type helps you communicate your needs to people with different personality types, and strengthens interpersonal relationships.

By definition introverts need time by themselves to recharge and avoid becoming emotionally drained. But according to research by a psychology professor at Wellesley College, there are 4 different types of introverts. These types take into account the varied personalities of introverts and acknowledge that introversion is a spectrum.

With that said, here are the 4 types of introverts:

1. Social Introvert : Yes, you read that right! Social introverts are both the most outgoing and the most private of the four types. They do not feel shy and anxious in social settings and may even enjoy them, but feel emotionally drained if they stay out too long. While social introverts like spending time alone, they still want a few close friends they can depend on, and they tend to be the most social when they’re among this group of friends. Someone who doesn’t know them might even assume they are an extrovert if they meet them when they are hanging out with their close friends. But social introverts won’t share much about themselves to anyone other than their closest friends.

2. Thinking Introvert : Here you can conjure the image of the daydreaming wallflower. Thinking introverts also do not mind socializing, but they rarely do so because they are lost in their own little world. They often find themselves daydreaming and may seem aloof to those who don’t know them. Thinking introverts are also very introspective and therefore more in tune with their feelings than the average person. Other people may have a hard time connecting with thinking introverts because they have a unique thought process and prefer to experience their thoughts rather than taking the time and energy explaining them.

3. Anxious Introvert : Do you know of someone who might replay social encounters in their head and think about they said or did and what they could have done differently. Perhaps a better label for the anxious introvert is the ‘shy introvert’, to differentiate anxious introversion from anxiety disorders. Anxious introverts crave solitude even when they with their close friends. They are extremely uncomfortable in new, or large social situations and analyze on their behavior when they are in public. But it is important to look out for social anxiety disorders and not have the two mixed.

4. Restrained Introvert :  This is your introvert-next-door kind of type. They get uncomfortable if they feel rushed into situations, especially social ones. Restrained introverts are reserved, thoughtful and don’t like change. They will go out if they have planned for it far enough in advance, but they would rather be relaxing by themselves: bingeing their favorite shows, reading or doing yoga. Restrained introverts find comfort in their routine. And may also find it difficult to get their mind and body moving right after they wake up. They thrive in their routine and appreciate ample forewarning.

If you think you are an introvert but didn’t relate to any of these four types, you may be an ambivert. Or closer to the extrovert side of the personality spectrum.

If you are an introvert, which of these four types did you relate to?