When I was a little girl, I was labeled as shy. Looking back, it wasn’t that I was shy, I was an introvert. I remember being comfortable speaking with others one on one, or in a small group, but I never liked big crowds, nor a lot of chatter. I preferred to stay in the background, listen and observe, plus I was often preoccupied with my thoughts.
Today’s Lesson
When I first started blogging, I would have bet most bloggers, in real life, were extroverts. After all, many of them were successful and projected themselves as being confident and outgoing. There was a lot of “noise” around their blogs and they responded in a way it appeared they enjoyed all of the commotion.
But over the course of the last two years, I’ve begun to see a pattern in bloggers. More and more bloggers are admittedly introverts.
At first I was surprised there were so many introverts who enjoyed blogging, but when I take a closer look, I can see how blogging is a great “fit” for introverts.
Although many variables can affect the degree of introvertism and extrovertism, by grabbing a few of the key phrases that describe an introvert, we see,
1) Introverts take pleasure in solitary activities. It doesn’t get any more solitary than sitting at a computer screen and blogging, engaging in social media, forums and/or chat rooms.
2) Introverts find less reward in time spent with large groups of people Even though we make dozens of cyber friends in blogosphere and on social media sites, we not dealing with them face to face. In fact, if we want, we can just log out, and it becomes us and our thoughts again.
3) Introverts are introspective. What a better way to share our voice, and often our deepest thoughts, than on the form wwii replica watch of a blog post? If we reread what we wrote and decide not to share it, we can just hit the “delete” button, or save it as a future draft.
4) An introvert gets re-energized by having alone time (being apart from real people).With blogging, it’s just us, our keyboard, our screen and our thoughts. We can publish an article if we feel like it, or if we don’t, we can spend our time quietly working behind the scenes or just thinking. Many bloggers also take sabbaticals when they begin to feel overwhelmed by blogging.
5) Introverts enjoy exploring their thoughts and feelings. What a better way to voice that exploration than in a blog post. Might that be why we often end our posts with a question? Often the comments we receive will help to complete our thought process.
6) Many introverts like to have meaningful conversations and may shy away from “small talk”. Whether on our own blog, or the blog of others, it’s those meaningful comments we enjoy. The “great post” comments could equate to “small talk”.
7) Introverts prefer one on one conversations or speaking to a small group. With blogging, introverts often find their voice – a voice that may otherwise get lost in the crowd of real life. We often forget how many people may be reading our posts, and if we’re commenting or Twittering, we’re feel we’re engaging in a two way conversation with another author.
8.) Most introverts don’t like to draw attention to themselves. With blogging, we do “put it out there”, but don’t know if someone will take the bait. Often we attract like minded people. Another introvert? This may also be the reason many bloggers who are introverts have difficulty “selling themselves”. They don’t to brag and appear presumptuous.
9) Career choices for introverts are often blog/writing related. Many introverts do well as software engineers, accountants or auditors, editors, market research analysts, graphic designers, and you guessed it, authors or technical writers.
10) According to some sources, introverts make up 60% of the population. Might that be why blogging and social media sites are becoming so popular?
Keep in mind, being an introvert is not the same as being shy. Introverts prefer solitary over social activities and aren’t necessarily shy. The roots of shyness are based on nervousness, fears, anxiety and apprehension – traits which can affect both introverts and extroverts.
Today’s Assignment
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
How has your personality type affected how you blog?
Do you think introverts and extroverts blog differently? If so, how?
BTW: If you’re an extrovert, I’d love to have you write a post on how your personality type helps you in your blogging endeavors -either on your blog, or as a guest post here. Just raise your hand and let me know.
~Barbara.
Other great links and/or books on introverts and extroverts
The Introverts Strike Back, by Hunter Nuttall
Questions – Are Social Tools Making Introverts Into Extroverts, by Liz Strauss
I Lost My Introvert In A Crowd, by Davina Haisell
Why Should Extroverts Make All the Money?: Networking Made Easy for the Introvert
Living Introverted: Learning to Embrace the Quiet Life Without Guilt
Photo Credit: cesarastudillo
Hi Barbara. I’m an introvert true and true and I accept it as who I am, not what needs to be fixed. Thanks to posts like these, introverts can be seen in a different light. I’ve read that 75% of society are extroverts and with such a majority, the minority is tended to be seen as a “negative”.
I think my personality type through blogging, has helped me see that although remaining “invisible” has been important to take care of myself, it’s not because I don’t want to connect with people. Smiles at your comment that even though we have lots of connections online that we can log out whenever we want. Thanks for including my post in that great lineup.
Davina´s last blog post..Positively Breathing — A Series Intro
Ok, this might sound silly but…is it possible to be both?
Here’s the thing (as Monk would say)…I take joy in those moments of solitude where I have space all to myself and I can get work done. Sometimes, I really take a lot of joy in performing solitary tasks where I have space and comfort all to myself.
But then I also REALLY enjoy being amongst other people!
I don’t think that either has affected the way I write. If anything, it’s given me the opportunity (or advantage) of being able to connect the best of both world (online and offline) and merge them. As much as I like engaging with my online community, I also thrive on finding places to take those online connections and turn them into offline connections (by organizing a meetup).
I’m definitely both, Ricardo, so it IS possible.
I’m a Gemini, and they’re known for being outgoing and relatively extroverted, typically. But I’m not a typical Gemini, I suffer Bipolar. Blogging, and the online social atmosphere is a comfortable medium for others who experience a similar sense of unnatural introversion.
For those of us who actually quite LIKE to be involved in group activities, some of the time, but can’t handle face-to-face interactions we have an outlet that suits whichever end of the social spectrum we are on from moment to moment. With Bipolar, some of the time I’m happy to be the life of the party, and other times I just want to turn the world off. The internet gives us both options and removes the pressure of trying to be socially acceptable.
I suspect a lot of introverts resort to blogging for similar reasons. It’s a solitary pursuit that allows us to feel a sense of outward connection. Perhaps Introverts are more commonly bloggers too because, spending more time at home, alone, we have more time to blog. Extroverts are more likely to be out and about, sharing their stories to the people surrounding them, and spending less time at a computer.
But, of course, this is all generalization. *grins* There will always be a percentage that goes the other way.
Rebecca Laffar-Smith´s last blog post..Add Spark To Your Writing
I’m both. I have features of introversion and features of extroversion. It’s very useful, although the blog changes depending on how I’m feeling at any particular moment.
Joely Black´s last blog post..Answering questions
Count me in as another shy intoverted person! It’s much easier to type sometimes than it is to speak. ’tis one reason why I love teaching online.
Barbara
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last blog post..What’s a white list?
I’m definitely an introvert, which is one reason photography works for me. I love just spending the day investigating a location with my camera. Although I do sometimes go with friends, often times, it’s just me and my camera.
Blogging gives me a platform to share my experiences. I just love talking to people about places they’ve been, what they’d like to see, and where they want to go.
You nailed it with this post…………………..:)
LisaNewton´s last blog post..Twitter and the Lonely Shoe Story
I’m definitely an introvert, and the things that you mention here are some of the very reasons that I got into blogging. It allows me to “open up” to a large number of people, and it introduces me to a lot of new friends, but I don’t have to do it in person, which is perfect for me. I love making new friends, but I don’t always enjoy the crowds and stress that are involved with meeting people in most traditional ways.
Blogging exposes me to a lot of friendly, like-minded people from all over the world. And while I certainly enjoy meeting people “in real life” as often as possible, meeting people online helps me make more friends, more quickly, and from many more places than I would if I didn’t blog.
Jay Schryer´s last blog post..One Year of Love
Hi…
I think that I’m both…. it all depends on the ocassion and circumstance… possibly leaning more towards introvert as I’m getting older 🙂
best wishes x Ribbon
Definitely an introvert! I believe being an introvert has helped me be a better writer. Blogging is a great outlet because I have a lot to say.
Silly Girl´s last blog post..Just call me Lawn Girl
I’m totally both as well. I’m shy until comfortable, then I’m like water from a broken spigot.
Writer Dad´s last blog post..Serial and Milk: Available Darkness – Chapter 2
Barbara, blogging is indeed a wonderful outlet for introverts and their readers. We get the benefit of so many wonderful thoughts and creativity from all over the world.
I am a bit weird (okay a LOT weird,) as I’d classify myself as 80% introvert, but I make up for it with my remaining 20% – boy, do I go for it when the occasion needs me! Kind of a conundrum of being a performing songwriter. The writing goes on in solitude but the sharing must be wth others.
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..I Found My Thrill… on Aventine Hill
I am an introvert and I feel more comfortable talking on internet rather than talking with people face-to-face because I feel its easier for me to express myself when somebody is not around .
I don’t know whether introverts are better bloggers or not but according to me most bloggers are introverts
One of the ways you can tell whether you’re an introvert or an extravert is this: introverts find socializing draining; extraverts find solitude draining.
I’m an off-the-chart introvert, but I also enjoy socializing, as long as I have my alone time to recharge. Othewise, I become a very unhappy Dot.
“…blogging is a great ‘fit’ for introverts.” This is true. I suspect most bloggers are introverts. (I also suspect that blogging attracts people who have trouble getting along with authority figures, but that’s another post.) My extremely extravert friend Gregory finds blogging boring and can’t think of anything to write, but he’s all over the social media.
This is a fascinating post. You said all that so well and I had a number of aw-hah moments as I read it. I am sooo an introvert and now that you’ve pointed it out a lot of the bloggers I follow are too. Thanks Barbara.
Introverts are more comfortable with one-on-one conversations, and that’s exactly what blogging is. Although a blog post is read by many different people, these people are not all crowding in front of a monitor together reading it at the same time. So for each reader, it’s still a one-to-one conversation (between the blogger’s words and the reader’s internal thoughts, until they comment, that is). And when they comment, there’s a chance of extending this. Due to the asynchronous and distributed nature of responses, a lot of times we are not seeing an one-to-many conversation, but a collection of many one-to-one conversations.
Kelvin Kao´s last blog post..Voiceover Gig
I believe we can be both! I agree with your perceptions about introverts. They are spot on.
Hi, Barbara,
I’m an introvert in that groups can drain me, and I prefer one-to-one conversations, but I also enjoy teaching karate to students or self defense to the public. Watching someone light up with a new understanding or skill gives me energy as well.
My blogging or writing style depends on which side of me I’m accessing at the time.
Hi Barbara
I’m an introvert until I get to know people and then I’m pretty open and chatty. Blogging is great for all the reasons you mention I particularly enjoy meeting like minded people who aren’t afraid to share their different approaches or perspectives on things. This is a really neat article 🙂
I am extremely introverted, this shocks people because I am also a chatterbox and come across as very open and social. And I do really like people and spending time with them, but I need, absolutely need alone time to recharge. Luckily my husband is the same way so we both understand needing to escape to our hidey holes.
Honestly, the hardest part about having kids is not getting to be introverted as much as I’d like!
I do really enjoy exploring my thoughts and feelings. That’s one of the reasons I think people enjoy my writing, because I often write about the little quirky thoughts we have when we’re alone in our heads.
Such an interesting topic. While I have my extroverted moments (I work in PR so I kinda have to), I am definitely an introvert. I really enjoy blogging because I can be my introverted self but can also connect with other people. That doesn’t necessarily mean I’m a better blogger, though it may mean I spend more time doing it because I like it so much. If I spend more time doing it, and really enjoy it (more than I enjoy spending time with other people a lot of the time), then I may get better at it than other people who want to be more social in the “real” world… Very interesting…I will have to ponder this some more.
Wow, I guess I am in the minority here, as a blogging extrovert!
Dot’s little test for determining which you are—introverted or extroverted—is spot-on. I think of it this way (the same approach, but flipped): Do you derive energy and ideas and comfort from being with other people or from time alone?
I definitely get this fuel from being with people, even though as a freelance writer and blogger, I spend all kinds of time alone. In many ways, I’m “good” at being alone, as long as I don’t experience too many hours in a row without human connections.
I’ve often thought I would be better suited for my vocation as an introvert, but I’m not sure I’d agree that introverts make better bloggers. (Of course I can’t agree to that, right?!?) You say that introverts are introspective and enjoy exploring their thoughts and feelings, but that shouldn’t imply that extroverts aren’t/don’t. I’d say we do—we just go about it differently, through conversation and interaction.
Kristin T. (@kt_writes)´s last blog post..Should stereotypes be forced into the spotlight?
Hi, Barbara. I’m new to your site but I saw the name of your blog on Lance’s post through CommentLuv (something I need to get). I was intrigued because I am a primo introvert (Myers-Briggs INTJ).
Even though I am quite social and can enjoy very rich and rewarding friendships with the people in my life–can occasionally even be the entertainer in a (small) group–my energy comes from my time alone. I need it. I crave it. I become a bear when I don’t get it. 🙂
Does it make me a better blogger? Well … I’m a new blogger so that’s hard to say. I wonder myself: are perhaps our blogs influenced more by the 2nd letter in that Myers-Briggs equation– N for intuitive or S for sensing. I’ve noticed that we ‘N’s form our opinions on the world more on how they relate to our inner worlds, our gut. The ‘S’s I’ve known are observers, forming their impressions from without. Might make for some very different perspectives in writing, no?
I enjoyed this post. Thank you:)
I’m an introvert. I was forced to become more extroverted in my job as a reporter. It wasn’t easy, but I found that my increased listening skills and sensitivity to others’ emotions helped me a lot.
Introverted people might be a bit more in touch with their own feelings, which probably helps them write better about themselves. Extroverts might be better at socializing and marketing their own blogs and products, though. I think both sides could learn something from one another.
Oddly, my creative side is quite extroverted. I enjoy when people react to something I wrote or drew. In the real world, I almost never call attention to my work.
I hope so! in answer to your question because I am definitely an introvert who was cast into the role of extrovert at every page turning of my life.
I do have to be care though for like writer dad when the spigot gets opened as I feel comfortable I can talk your ear off…and then some
another fun post
Patricia´s last blog post..anniversary
Wow, Barb. This one really strikes a chord with me.
@ Tracy – Ditto to everything you wrote… except for the husband part. I’m not married. 🙂 You just described me to perfection. When people first meet me, they’re always surprised to learn that I’m an introvert.
I love and respect that aspect of myself, although it does sometimes make marketing myself in an authentic way more challenging. It’s so easy and fun to help my clients get “out there” and market themselves with excellent results. But I often feel some internal conflict at play when it comes to self-marketing.
Actually, I still feel a bit of conflict at times when it comes to blogging. You see I also tend to be a very private person. There’s a part of me that wants to spill my guts to the world and another part of me that thinks certain things “should be” kept to one’s self.
But I think the latter has more to do with a father who took privacy to extremes.
The truth of the matter is that most people are a unique blend of both extrovert and introvert in varying degrees, and varying from one life area to another.
Is it egotistical of me to confess that this is one of my fave posts of yours? 😉
There is another reason why some introverts are attracted to blogging and Social Networking. I suspect many of them are INTPs like me or INTJs like BloggerDad.
Most bloggers are not “average”. They tend to research and read – I think of myself as the robot in Short Circuit (input! input!) – and think far more than the people they tend to know in “real” life.
With the Internet we can connect with others more similar to us and share information and thoughts that the majority would consider “out there”. We tend to be big picture thinkers who can see how many pieces of the puzzle fit together.
Most people are more narrowly focused, “can’t see the forest for the trees” types. Where we can see not only the forest but the planet and beyond, like the men feeling the elephant and each believing they know what an elephant looks like, those who understand us the least can not even see all of one tree. Some have their noses pressed so tightly to their tree they can only see what is literally right in front of their faces.
The more research, reading, information and puzzle pieces we have put together the more we need to record that progress somewhere. A blog is the perfect place.
Internet Strategist´s last blog post..Do YOUR Blogging Goals Include Monetization: Benefits Our Readers Receive
I am at heart introverted. However, it may not appear that way to a lot of people because I also can have a lot of social activities. Even as an introvert, I am not sure why but friends come to me to ask me to organize outings and social gatherings.
Reflecting on this topic, I think that introversion is a scale. Some of us are more introverted than others. I see myself portraying a blend of introversion and extroversion. I can be sociable and mingle with crowds if I have to. However, I draw my energy not from the company of others but from myself. Spending alone time is vital to me.
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..From Outer to Inner Space
I am also an introvert and I like the fact that blogging enables me to earn money even though I am not going outside of my home.
Palabuzz´s last blog post..Charice Pempengco releases new album
Hi Barbara – I really enjoyed this post about introverts and blogging. I am an introvert, and one who enjoys a high degree of affiliation and connection with others. Out in the “real” world, if I did a similar amount of connecting with people as I do through my blog/social media/etc. my energy levels would get drained very quickly. Having a blog allows me to be thoughtful, share what I’m thinking and connect with others in a way that doesn’t completely drain me. I’m not surprised at all that a lot of bloggers are indeed introverts. Thanks for this post!!
Amanda Linehan´s last blog post..How To Like Yourself
Blogging is solitary and does suit an introverted personality. I personally tend to shun cliques. By clique I mean a controlling group within a group (that’s a whole other topic). Introverts probably do make good bloggers because they are usually deep thinkers, value individuals and words. Creative people are often thought of as odd, strange, eccentric, bohemian, different and are misunderstood because their thinking is unique. I am reading stuff on blogs that is just mind blowing. I’m an introvert (who also values face-to-face socialising) who is being stimulated to think and create by other introverts. It’s a massive interlinking of the creative process. It’s really a gift passed on from one introvert to another via blogging. Viva introverts!
Paisley (Paisley Thoughts)´s last blog post..Pattern Potential – It’s Everywhere
I’m definitely an introvert, but not a shy one. I like being with people but have to have my alone time – if not, I just get “peopled-out.”
As for blogging, I think you’ve made good points why it’s attractive to us. What I appreciate the most is that since we’re not interested in small talk, the variety of topics and the depth of discussion (post and comments) tend to be thoughtful, reflective, and interesting.
Love this post and clicked a few of your links at the end as well.
Based on the ‘where you get your energy from’, I’m definately an introvert (and shy too!). Yet, people who meet me now find that extremely hard to believe (both the introvert and shyness) since I seem to be able to be comfortable in my skin in presentations to larger crowds (you know, everyone’s nightmare public speaking) amongst other things.
For me, I am not trying to be more like an extrovert (because I still need alone time to regroup/get my energy back) – it’s the skills associated with extroverts that I seem to have gotten better at. Is the fear still there? Absolutely, but I don’t let the fear stop me.
thanks for yet another great post!
Daisy
Daisy´s last blog post..Quoting my quote
Technically, nobody is both an introvert and an extravert (that’s the official MBTI spelling that derives from Carl Jung’s native German, and I know – we all want to spell it with an “o!”) That’s because an introvert by definition is someone who has an overall preference for introversion over extraversion, whether it’s a strong preference or only a slight preference.
However, we all have elements of both in us. Even I, a super introvert, am sometimes told to stop talking so much. We’re all somewhere in between the extremes, and the question is just which side of the middle we lie on.
I’m sure I’m more drawn to introvert bloggers on average, but I still consider each blogger individually.
Thanks for linking to my post about introverts!
Hunter Nuttall´s last blog post..How To Protect Your Blog From Hackers
Hi Barbara – you know, it’s only since I started blogging that I have stared to see being an introvert in a different light (seeing I am one), because of the discussion I’ve been seeing about it. I dismissed the whole terminology thing some time ago, as not being useful to me, especially as being an introvert seemed to be less than desirable. But now I can say I’m proud to be an introvert! In my case, I really love being with people and also performing (which is a different thing), but it all has to be genuine for me to keep it up – genuine contact and a real purpose. Thanks for this post!
Robin´s last blog post..Life And Teaching Of The Masters Of The Far East
Very interesting post! Is it possible to be both introverted and extroverted? Because I am both. I love to be the life of the party and meet new people…but I also need to be alone and quite. For me blogging and tweeting are extroverted activities. I am putting myself out there and mingling!
Caroline´s last blog post..Soulful Sunday
Introvert / extravert is a dichotomy, an either/or thing.
I’m an extravert, and in MBTI terms I’m an ENFP.
Oh, and usually people who say they’re both tend to skew more introverted because they’re really introverts who’ve learned to adapt to extraverted expectations but are really just introverts.
At this stage of the internet, not everyone is an introvert who blogs.
When I’m busy, my blog becomes a collection of my messages on Twitter. And yes, you can tell from my Tweets that I’m engaged in the outer world of people and things quite a bit in a way that would typically exhaust the average introvert.
I think the question isn’t, are introverts more often bloggers or better bloggers, but how are introverted bloggers different?
Looking at bloggers like Andrew Sullivan or Perez Hilton, they both seem very extraverted to me in their approach to blogging and they’re two of the highest profile bloggers online today.
Hey, Gib, I’m also ENFP!
Extroverts like to think out loud by talking it out, so blogging fits an extrovert too. We put our thoughts out there and continue the analysis process. So I agree that extros and intros blog differently.
(raising hand, shyly) Introvert, here. I don’t think introverts are better bloggers than extroverts, but I do think we are better at inter-acting via the internet than in a large public assembly. And yup, I do think we have a harder time selling ourselves, or at least I do.
Good thoughts and observations here!
Hi Ricardo – Looking over the Myers Briggs Test, it appears there are varying degrees of these personality traits. You might want to take the test and see what the results show.
Hi Rebecca – First, its great to see you here again. You’ve raised a great point. In instances where other personality traits are also present, does that indeed, skew the results?
Hi Joely – That’s true. Our disposition will change the way we blog on a particular day.
Hi Davina – You’re welcome. I agree. Introverts are often labeled as being “less than”, when in truth one isn’t better than the other.
Hi Barbara – Teaching online is a perfect profession for an introvert. We get to do what we love without the actual human interaction.
Hi Lisa – A camera is a great “prop” for an introvert to use when they do go out. Oddly enough, it also appears many bloggers also have a love for photography, me included.
Hi Jay – That’s very true. We can make friends a lot quicker via a blog than we can in real life, and like you said, from all over the world.
Hi Ribbon – I’ve never thought of age having anything to do with these traits, but as we get older we may also become more accepting of how we truly are.
Hi Writer Dad – “like water from a broken spigot” I like that.
Hi Jannie – As a song writer/singer, in order for your voice to be heard, I’m guessing it would become necessary to have the extrovert side to kick in.
Hi Gagan – That’s true. Us introverts can first think what we want to say before we say it. With blogs or social networking sites, there’s no pressure to say it “now”.
Hi Dot – Thank you for expanding on the differences.
I know what you mean about friends who are extroverts. They just don’t “get it”, do they?
Hi Silly Girl – Good point. Blogging does help introverts to become better writers. We get lots of practice, don’t we?
Hi Linda – Thank you.
Hi Valerie – You’re welcome. It’s amazing how many bloggers are introverts, isn’t it?
Hi Kelvin – Well put. With blogs it often comes down to those one on one conversations.
Hi Lori – I know what you mean about getting drained by being in a group. I don’t know about you, but I often feel I have to be “on”. That can become a drain, but like you said, if we’re being of assistance to others, the joy they provide outweighs the “drain”.
Hi Sherri – Thank you. I hear you. Friends often don’t see us as being introverts as we can be chatty, but we do need time to recharge, too.
Hi Positively Present – You raise a good point. Introverts often end up in jobs where they are put into positions where they have to “act” extroverted. Although it may not be our favorite thing to do, if it pays the bills, we accept it.
Hi Tracy – You’re right. I wouldn’t have thought you were an introvert, but when you mention your writing and how you share those quirky thoughts, it all makes sense. Like you, I am also married to an introvert.
Hi Kristin – Yeah! A true extrovert. I love how you shared how you see situations differently and how through conversation and interaction you explore your thoughts. I find that fascinating.
Hi Chania – You’re welcome. INTJ (Myers Briggs Test) – that’s me, too.
Thank you for expanding a bit on the test results. It reminds me how there are different aspects to consider than just being an introvert or extrovert. It’s not quite so cut and dry, but does give us a place to start.
Hi Blogger Dad – I agree. Both personality types can learn from each other. I also like how you pointed out your listening skills and sensitivity to others helped you in your job as a reporter.
Hi Patricia – Thank you. How great it is that you found blogging and can now share all of your thoughts with your readers. Being thrown into the role of an extrovert couldn’t have been easy.
Hi Mary Ann- Thank you. That’s true. We all need to embrace our authentic self and not see being an introvert as a curse. How boring the world would be if we were all the same.
Hi Internet Strategist – Very well put. A blog is the perfect place for us to share our research and findings. Thank goodness others find it so helpful.
Hi Evelyn – I hear you. It’s that alone time that feeds us introverts. Can you imagine what we would be without it? Yikes!!!
Hi Palabuzz – That’s true. Blogging is a perfect way to earn a living without leaving home.
Hi Amanda – You’re welcome. That’s true. In blogosphere we can connect with others and it’s not as draining as it would be in real life. It’s like we get the best of both worlds.
Hi Paisley – Isn’t that the truth? Blogs can be mind blowing with the amount of creativity and awesome ideas that are shared. And to think, some will find that same information odd or strange. Go figure.
Hi Laurie – Haha! I also use the phrase “peopled out”. And you’re right, once we get past the small talk (or avoid it all together), that which is being shared is filled with tons of value.
Hi Daisy – You’re welcome. I like how you put that. “I don’t let the fear stop me”. There are many admirable traits extroverts possess that introverts would love to have. With practice, we can get better at them.
Hi Hunter – You’re welcome. I contemplated which spelling I should use for extrovert in this post. I settled on the “o”.
Thank you for expanding on the definitions. I know you’ve done a lot of research on this subject, thus your comment holds a lot of weight.
Hi Robin – You’re welcome. I agree. Being an introvert is often labeled as being less desirable, however, like you said, we need to embrace it and be proud.
Hi Caroline – Good point. Blogging and tweeting do put us out there – mingling with others.
Hi Gib – Thank you for stopping by and sharing how your blog posts and tweets may look different than those belonging to an introvert. I’ll check out your blog and follow you on Twitter so I can “see” you in action. 🙂
Hi Katy – Thank you for your observation. I like how you said extroverts like to think out loud. I find that to be true with friends who are extroverts.
Hi Karen – Thank you. Yes. On the internet, introverts do appear to have an easier time interacting with others.
i’m an introvert…i enjoy my own company and can easily get wrapped up in my own world and i prefer one on one company when it comes to large groups.
blogging gives introverts a voice without having to physically being in the spot light. you can still be “heard” w/o saying a verbal word.
i totally agree with dot: introverts find socializing draining; extraverts find solitude draining.
i don’t mind one on one, but lots of people? i’ll pass.
Natural´s last blog post..Mirror, Mirror on the Blog….
I’m an introvert. Your list (the first 9 anyway) seem written right from your heart, Barbara. They’re all accurate. Another — subpoint, maybe, to being introspective — is being fairly private. I do care what I share.
How does my being an introvert affect my blogging? It well may be the other way around… my blogging has begun to affect my energy levels. I love to gather my thoughts and write. And after editing and revising, when I finally hit the publish button, I generally feel fully energized — for a little while.
But then I remember new friends all about the web and realize I have just been vocal to the world. And that still scares me a little.
I think my blog’s format and description, drawn in earlier posts, invites people to come in and tarry a bit, have some meaningful conversation, and head out feeling they added value by leaving their comments. That uplifts me. Most of the blogs I read and come back to seem to extend that same invitation. And that feeling of small groups sharing together…….
Now I’m thinking, from reading your list, that it’s the introspective, more introverted, bloggers that appeal to me.
Interesting……. still.
Barb Hartsook´s last blog post..Why Does an Artist Paint? Or a Writer Write?
Hi Barbara,
I have been a reader of your blog for a couple of weeks now but felt I had to comment on this post as I am an introvert as well (INFJ). This is greaty post and really hit home for me. All valid points
My background career wise has been in the software industry but my passion is for automobiles and almost everything related to cars. I find I agree with all the points you have listed and mainly #8 – Most introverts don’t like to draw attention to themselves. I have turned to blogging to fill a need to express myself and channel my energy and thoughts/passion into a place that can be useful to others – without really drawing too much attention to myself. I had tried a general blog a couple of years ago but I wasnt able to sustain it for too long. Same with a blog at work which I post maybe once a month. This current blog seems to be different since I want to write about the topic and am able to do so atleast 2-3 times a week. Am still learning though. It was an effort to write up a blurb about myself and even tell people about the blog :-). Just a few close friends know about it.
I have used my time on train journeys to work to write up blog posts and then refine them as best as I can and then put them up. The time I get to myself is used like this and I enjoy it and hope I can continue with it.
-Sushil
Not only bloggers, but I think writers in general tend to be more introverted. I doubt I would have had much interest in writing or blogging if I hadn’t started off more interested in reading and surfing the internet than I was with hanging out at bars and parties. So yeah, another introvert here.
Shawn´s last blog post..Does Not Work Well With Others
Hi Natural – Isn’t it nice when we can enjoy our own company? It’s amazing how much we can find to do to occupy our time. Blogging has become a great outlet for introverts.
Hi Barb – Hmmm. I think you’re right. We are attracted to other bloggers who are like us. It’s like we connect on a different level. Kind of like we can even understand without hearing/reading the words.
I agree, sometimes publishing is uplifting/energizing. Maybe that’s because we got something off of our chest and threw it out to the universe.
Hi Sushil – It sounds like you are settling into a “niche” you’re enjoying now. I think that makes a big difference – we have to love what we write about. How perfect for you that you can work on your blog posts while on the train. It’s a great way to occupy the time and gather your thoughts. Thank you for leaving a comment. I hope to hear more from you again soon.
Hi Shawn – I think you speak for many introverts. We would rather not be hanging out at bars and/or parties. How lucky we are to have discovered blogging.
I really enjoyed and related to this post, Barbara. As an introvert (INFJ), I have finally started Just Saying No to large parties! I am so much happier now that I don’t force myself to do these things anymore. While I adore seeing friends and family, and of course my work is very social, I want more depth to the conversation than you can have mingling with 40 others, or sitting at a long table with 10 others.
To other possible introverts out there: take the Myers-Briggs inventory – it can help you understand yourself and your partner.
Lauren Jordan´s last blog post..TOO MUCH OF A PLEASER?
HI Barbara:
This was interesting. All your points are well taken. I’m definitely an introvert/extrovert. I love writing (several books) and definitely enjoy my blog which I started recently, but I also like to meet people and talk with them (I’m a speaker and coach). However, the best part is always the writing. I LOVE to put my thoughts down and they always seem to be that much more fluid and directed on paper.
My latest blog post is http://www.thefearlessfactor.com/do-you-think-change-is-easy/
Thanks for posting.
i m 100% introvert, and i do agree with whatever you have said
maya´s last blog post..Aaj sunday ka din hai, din mein daaru pine ka din..
Introvert. But as Myers Briggs suggests, many people become less so with age. In a discussion group I’m on, a poll found the majority were INT’s. We enjoy ideas and writing and personal time, all which contribute to blogs and online discussions. Curiously we also had surprisingly similar experiences of growing up and there were jokes about the commonality of certain given names (laughs) Extroverts typically prefer face time or the phone to email and other forms of writing.
The commenters above who say they’re “both” may be mild or may not understand what it means to be intro or extro. As another mentioned, I can be quite chatty socially, but I gain energy from solo. Extros get energy from being with others. (as you mention) One can read some of the Myers Briggs material to understand this better.
David´s last blog post..RoboScooter
wow, i didn’t know most introverts are in writing related fields or graphic designers.. i’m a graphic designer (introvert!) and LOVE to write. i would agree wholeheartedly on this that most bloggers (or better ones) are introverted. but i would also add that in the realm of personal blogs, there are probably more introverts. maybe even tech blogs. not sure about other ‘categories’.
floreta´s last blog post..Archive Monday: Boobies
Yep. Introvert right here.
Some people were asking if it’s possible to be both and a great book if you are feeling in the middle is “The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney. I highly recommend it.
Jillian´s last blog post..A just cause: Puppies Behind Bars
Hi Lauren – Thank you. Good point. Learning to say no to the “extrovert” activities can make a huge difference in the life of us introverts. Forcing ourselves to do something we don’t enjoy certainly doesn’t help our quality of life.
Thank you for reminding others to take the Myers-Briggs inventory test. It is very helpful.
Hi Jacqueine – You’re welcome. The introvert comes to play in your writing, doesn’t it? It sounds like that a real passion of yours. I’ll come by and check out your work.
Hi Maya – Thank you for stopping by and weighing in. I hope to see you here again sometime.
Hi David – That’s fascinating that we may become less introverted with age. In some ways it makes sense, but I wonder if it’s still in our “blood”. Like you (and all of the other introverts), I also gain energy from having alone time.
Hi Floreta – You know, interestingly enough, after reading all of the comments it does appear the majority of bloggers (who commented here) do claim to be introverts. If it is more equal, I would have to guess extroverts are so busy with socializing in other ways, they’re not taking time to comment.
Hi Jillian – Thank you for the great recommendation on the book. It sounds like a fascinating read.
Hi Carla – Like you, I also like to work alone. I like what you said about your blog. I think introverts do find blogging is a perfect fit. We can share, but don’t have to “socialize” (in person).
I am definitely an introvert. I get exhausted in social situations and tired when I spend too much time with someone (usually if they are not a romantic interest). I work my efficiently when I’m alone and get more done in general.
In terms of my personal blog, I guess I have it because I really don’t have anyone besides my partner who I can share these things with.
Carla´s last blog post..Before and After (pictures)
Hi Kevin
I’d agree. And it’s not just an issue with social networking. Job search, business launch, any kind of planning – if the person is nervous about getting out there as many intros are, they can fall into the trap of perpetual planning or spending too much time organizing and not enough doing. We sometimes need a reminder that doing is what makes it happen, not thinking and planning and socializing…
Barbara – while blogging may be for introverts – blogging for any commercial purpose – at least one that requires an ultimate face-to-face meet up to complete a transaction – requires a willingness to take things offline.
It’s actually one of the things I see happening a lot as folks try to use social media to market themselves. They get so caught up in developing an online following that the offline meeting never materializes. True – some products are sold online w/ no need to meet in person. But for folks, like me, who are involved in the sales or service industry – ya gotta be willing to break out of the virtual realm!
Kevin Sandridge
Orlando Mortgage´s last blog post..Things Every Orlando First Time Home Buyer Should Know