“Oh, he is an introvert.”
This is often how we speak about certain people. Even within that remark lies the suggestion that being an introvert is a deficiency or a mistake. People who have no connection with the wider society, who mind only their own affairs, who live withdrawn and closed in- this is how introverts are often perceived. Not harmful, perhaps, but also not particularly useful. This is the kind of definition we commonly assign to introverts.
Those who are more attached to home and who rely heavily on home for rest and reflection often fall under this definition. Added to this are people who like to be alone, who spend most of their time by themselves, who speak very little, and who stay away from crowds-all of them are labeled as introverts. There is a widespread belief that being an introvert is a flaw. However, what needs to be understood here is that introversion is neither a flaw nor a mistake and that introversion is not weakness.
Many world-famous leaders were introverts-for example, Mahatma Gandhi and Abraham Lincoln. In the Indian context, statistics suggest that nearly fifty percent of India’s population are introverts. Introverts possess many strengths beyond their perceived shortcomings. They are often rich in creativity. Writers, painters and scholars are mostly introverts. Most introverts prefer listening more and speak only after thinking carefully.
Another notable quality is the honesty and transparency they maintain in relationships. They may not have a large number of friendships, but in the friendships they do have, they are sincere and deeply committed. They also prefer to do things without excessively depending on others.
Whether introversion becomes something positive or negative depends on how you view and evaluate that state. If you are someone who feels happiness and satisfaction in being an introvert, then it becomes a shining ornament in your life. On the other hand, if you believe that introversion is the worst possible condition in the world, then it will become a source of humiliation for you.
