The Important Difference Between Introversion and Shyness: Why They Are Not the Same
Shyness is about anxiety and self-consciousness. Introversion is about being focused inward
Being introverted is not the same as being shy. Quiet people often get labeled as shy, but that can be a mistaken assumption.
The difference between introversion and shyness
Shyness is about anxiety and self-consciousness
According to the American Psychological Association, shyness is “the tendency to feel awkward, worried or tense during social encounters, especially with unfamiliar people.”
If you are feeling shy, you will want to hide away from people you don’t know well. This comes from a fear of how others will react towards you.
Introversion is about being focussed inwards
According to Very Well Mind, introversion is “a personality trait characterized by a focus on internal feelings rather than external sources of stimulation.”
So, if an introvert is being quiet or avoiding people, it has less to do with a fear of other people’s reactions to them, and more to do with focusing inwards.
It’s also about where a person gets their energy from. Extraverts feel energized when around other people, whereas introverts feel drained from being around others for too long and feel recharged by time alone.
Why do introverts often get labeled as shy?
It’s probably because extroverts are considering what would cause themselves to be quiet. Because they are extroverts, they want to socialize with other people. So, if they were to be quiet around others, it would be because they were feeling shy. Therefore, if they see someone else being quiet, they assume they must be shy.
Shy extraverts vs confident introverts
I once briefly dated a woman who turned out to be a shy extravert. I, on the other hand, was more of a confident introvert. So, we were both quiet people, but for different reasons.
The shy extravert
These people will feel the need to be around others but will tend to be quiet and reserved in those situations.
The confident introvert
These people will have a preference for being alone, but when they are around other people they will confidently engage with them.
The confident extravert
These are the types of people who won’t shut up. They are gregarious, talkative, and loudly assertive around others. If you’re a confident introvert, you can probably handle them in small doses, but wouldn’t choose to spend lots of time with them.
The shy introvert
These people are likely to appear extremely quiet and reserved. Not only do they have a fear of being around other people, but they are also happy on their own anyway, so they have less of a drive to “fix” their shyness than a shy extrovert does.
Which type are you? I’m sure you can identify with one of the personality types mentioned here. I would love to hear your own personal take on this.
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