The difference between introverts and shyness: how do you know?

Both tend to avoid crowds often, often making introverts and shy difficult to distinguish. Even though at first glance it looks similar, actually introverts and shyness are two things that cannot be equated just like that. In order to know the difference between introverts and shyness, find out more through the reviews below!

Why are introverts and shy often the same thing?

Before finding out the difference between introvert and shy, there are actually several reasons why the two are often confused with each other. Louis A. Schmidt and Arnold H. Buss, authors of a book entitled "The Development of Shyness and Social Withdrawal", as quoted from Psychology Today, explain this.

According to them, the difference between introverts and shyness is often hard to find because they both deal with socialization. As you probably already know, intorverts tend to spend more time alone than hanging out with large groups of people.

At times, this habit is often difficult to distinguish from someone who is shy. This is because if you pay attention, usually shy people also avoid direct contact with large groups of people.

In addition, people who are introverted and shy are also usually present as calm, sometimes even talkative. Broadly speaking, the difference between introverts and shyness is often difficult to find because both of them tend to feel less comfortable when it comes to socializing with other people.

What's the difference between introverts and shyness?

At first glance, you might find it difficult to find the difference between introverts and shyness as previously described. However, in essence the two are very contradictory.

Well, here's how to distinguish introverted and shy people:

Different definitions

The easy difference between introverts and shyness is the definition of both. Louis A. Schmidt from the University of Texas, said that conceptually, introverts and shyness are two things that are not related.

You can say that an introvert is a personality that describes a person's characteristics. Meanwhile, being shy is a trait that is characteristic and possessed by a person.

Different actions taken

From their behavior, you can also find differences in attitudes between introverts and shyness. On closer inspection, introverts tend to prefer a quiet and calm atmosphere.

When in a crowd, whether alone or with someone closest to you, someone who is introverted usually feels uncomfortable. It was as if that crowded and crowd-filled place was not his world.

While people who are shy, may feel a little uncomfortable in a crowd. However, they usually feel quite okay and are okay as long as they aren't the center of attention.

At first glance it looks the same. However, introverts who avoid the sphere of socialization are clearly different from being shy in the presence of many people.

Not only that. Shy people also tend to be more silent and rarely start a conversation first, but are still willing to join in on social events.

This is different from introverts who may still participate in social events or activities, but usually feel a little uncomfortable there. In essence, people who are shy generally feel embarrassed and worried about negative judgments because of their wrong or wrong attitudes.

In contrast to introverts, who tend to like a calm, comfortable, and away from the crowd.

Note, not everyone who is introverted is shy

So, after understanding the explanation between introverts and shyness before, you certainly understand the difference between these two things. In conclusion, actually not all people who have introverted personalities are also shy.

Vice versa. Even someone who is an extrovert can have a shy nature within him. All of these things basically go back to yourself, your personality, and your character.

Photo source: The Chronicle of Higher Education