When we hear the term introvert personality type, we may visualize a person who speaks less, socializes minimally, and prefers to live a low-key life in general. But in the true sense, introversion as a personality trait can mean much more than this.
Introverts are hard to identify as they tend to remain quiet and emotionally distant from others in most social circumstances. People with this personality type energize themselves by being alone. They take time to reflect upon ideas and are usually slow decision-makers.
In this article, we will discuss the 8 types of Myers-Briggs introvert personalities and how they are different from each other in different ways.
Introvert Personality Types
Introvert personality types are those who prefer to live in their cozy and comfortable inner world. People with introversion preferences focus on internal thoughts and feelings instead of being stimulated by environmental influences. Their nature is withdrawn and reserved. They prefer to maintain a low-key social life and avoid the spotlight completely. These individuals tend to remain aloof from conflicts and try to maintain peace within and outside of them.
Introverts tend to be introspective and recharge themselves by having a lot of ‘me-time’. They are comfortable with silence and solitude and may use this time to create innovative ideas of their own. They are contained and inclined towards a psychological preference that is private and quiet.
Introversion-extroversion preferences determine whether an individual is inclined to energize themselves all by living alone or through an active socialization process. In reality, no one can be an introvert or an extrovert completely. The same person will possess both these preferences in varying degrees.
As their inner space is immensely satisfying, an introvert will always turn deep within themselves to feel safe and secure. They will think about the possibilities of the present time and future by turning inwards. In this way, an introvert will always remain aware of his or her subtle inadequacies or weaknesses. They will be able to ponder and think about new ideas; documenting plans that can help them realize big goals in life.
Introverts are active listeners because they speak less and prefer to use their senses in understanding the world around them. Most introverts will socialize and interact with others as much as needed. They are not the ones to overdo things and repent later on.
Introvert personality types are thoughtful decision-makers. As they prefer to analyze situations in depth, they are not the ones to make any hasty decisions. They will take a call only when they are confident that things will work out exactly in the manner they had already expected.
The introvert types also enjoy spending quality time with close-knit family and friends. They do not prefer becoming a part of a large social gathering. Whether a person is an introvert or an extrovert depends upon how they perceive and interact with the world at large.
People with introverted qualities love to remain in their personal space which is all theirs. They hate intrusions and unsolicited interference in their private space of deep insights and creativity. Their reserved and thoughtful nature is their greatest asset. It makes them introspective and focused on what they actually wish to achieve in life.
Signs of introverted personality types
People with introverted personality types possess some characteristics that act as signs to spot them in the social space. These subtle signs define their behavior patterns in specific ways.
- They are reserved and mellow
- Speaks less and listens more
- Too much socialization can drain their energy levels
- They usually have few, well-chosen, trusted friends
- They are in love with silence and solitude
- They are hard to be understood
- Deeply insightful and creative
- Too much stimulation can distract them easily
- They hate small talk and chit-chatting
- Introverts prefer an independent work style
- They are self-aware
- Feels mentally exhausted if asked several questions
- They never want criticisms and evaluations to become a part of their daily life
- They are keen observers
Types of Introverts
After reading the above-mentioned signs of introverted personalities, you may be wondering whether you know someone in your life who actually meets a few or more of these signs. You will also love to know that introverts can be of various types and you know them all; maybe you have come across one introvert in your everyday life much more often than what you have ever thought of.
1. Social introverts
A social introvert is a person who prefers to stay alone and usually has very few friends. They prefer quiet alone time at home, instead of going out with friends for a party or night out. They will ensure that they have enough lonely time that they need to recharge themselves all over again.
Social introverts are not the ones to talk to you endlessly. Rather their communication style is crisp, short, and to the point. They prefer either complete solitude or spending time with small groups in quiet places.
2. Thinking introverts
This group of introverts loves to study, read, learn, research, and investigate diverse topics in their daily life. They think deeply about known facts and unknown things in life. Their power of mind enables them to develop deeper insight into every small experience that they come across in their life.
Thinking introverts may retreat into an inner world of deep thinking while a conversation is going on. They may miss out on what has been told. They are introspective, and receptive, and prefer to remain lost in their thoughts.
3. Anxious introverts
An anxious introvert lives on the edge of things always. They are quiet, nervous, and appear confused in life. Anxious introverts shy away from public gatherings and large social functions because they are always nervous about how they appear in front of others. They tend to turn inward while social communication is ongoing; as such, they also appear haughty to others.
4. Restrained introverts
An introverted person with restrained qualities is slow-paced, methodical, and cautious in all his actions and behavior. They are inhibited and prefer to keep their guards on in a social space unless they know the others well. These introverts are shy, avoidant, and stay aloof in social settings.
They appear emotionally cold and distant. Others may see them as non-interactive, secluded, as well as rude, and arrogant. Restrained introverts are steadfast, and quiet, and portray a rock-like nature that is completely devoid of feelings and sentiments.
Description of 8 Myers-Briggs Introvert personality types
In this section of the article, we will highlight the eight Myers-Briggs introvert types. These introvert types have specific cognitive functions that make them unique, reserved beings.
Each of these introverted personality types has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. They are all exclusive in their unique ways.
1. ISTJ
The ISTJ personality type is reserved and prefers to remain focused in the present. They are deeply thoughtful with a meticulous mindset. This helps them to make steady progress in life. An ISTJ type gets pleasure in doing things accurately.
They are fiercely loyal and prefer to maintain a very formal relationship with all in their life. Sometimes, being a judging personality type, ISTJs portray stubbornness and insensitivity. They are also resistant to change and prefer to accomplish goals with their set of terms and conditions.
ISTJs are independent thinkers. They are based on pragmatism and live life in realistic, authentic ways. In the same way, they show exemplary courage when it comes to sticking to those ideas that are dear to them. People with INTJ traits are tireless performers with a logical, rational outlook toward life.
More to this, an ISTJ will never take things at face value. They can read well between the lines and are good at understanding inconsistencies in work. These individuals will put a lot of emphasis on facts and theories and will cross-check the same before arriving at a decision. ISTJs are not prone to make many mistakes. They prefer not to get caught in unnecessary arguments and illogical debates because it irritates them a lot. They may become impatient in such a situation and appear rebellious and arrogant to others.
ISTJs are perfectionists and they want others to remain perfect, just the way they are. Since this is just an over-expectation, they are meant to face disappointments as well. People with ISTJ personality traits are highly ambitious, and self-sufficient, and carry a no-nonsense aura about them.
2. ISFJ
The ISFJ Myers Briggs is a silent helper and the ultimate caregiver in society. Being introverted sensors, ISFJs are reticent and present-focused individuals. They are generous and compassionate as well. People with this personality type believe in the goodness of human nature.
They believe that every one of us is good in our own ways and therefore all should thrive in peace and harmony. ISFJs are methodical and systematic. Their orderly nature makes them do things in a precise and perfect manner. These individuals hold a traditional outlook toward life.
They are the ones who never break rules or try to defy the protocol as prevalent in society. ISFJs cannot stand those who do their job poorly. They hate to sit back and wait for the right opportunity to come into their lives.
Instead, they work hard and stay focused on their daily routine. ISFJs believe in consistency and hard work as important ingredients for success and goal accomplishment. ISFJs have a strong sense of duty. They are morally inclined and stick to their beliefs and ethics that guide their life’s path in the best ways.
People with ISFJ personality traits are confusing introverts because they have several extroverted qualities that do not fit them in the typical introvert personality types. Armed with great social skills, ISFJs are the only Myers Briggs introverted types who are not shy in social circles. They are able communicators and can befriend strangers when the need arises. People with ISFJ personality types are deeply thoughtful, yet they remain inclined to understand the feelings of themselves and others.
They are good helping hands for the needy. They prefer to stay away from the spotlight but also have a strong altruistic nature. Staying behind the scenes and assisting others is their old habit and they will do it gleefully.
3. INFJ
The INFJ personality type is an ideal example of a doer and a dreamer. They are quiet and mellow, deeply thoughtful, and prefer to stay in tune with their deepest intuition and gut feelings. People with INFJ-type preferences are big-picture thinkers.
They are never bothered with what’s happening now and here, instead, they will put emphasis on understanding various future possibilities that can shape their lives in good ways. INFJs are introspective, and meticulous, and prefer to remain absorbed in their rich inner world of creativity and innovation.
These individuals have an empathetic bent of mind and they are always ready to help the poor and the needy. INFJ types have a vision that is purposeful, clear, and focused. These individuals will always plan perfectly and structure their world in such a manner that ensures successful goal accomplishment.
INFJs are sensitive to unjust practices in society. They are keen to build a fair world where justice and equality can thrive together. As they are the proponents of righteousness, they will remain fair in their dealings with others under all circumstances.
They are also warm-hearted, kind, and compassionate types. This quality allows them to think and feel for others. They believe in creating trustworthy, authentic human connections. INFJs can forgive others’ mistakes easily. They are friendly and believe in harmony over confrontations.
They may disagree with family members or friends on various aspects but will never be resentful and aggressive in their daily behavior. After all, they are peace-loving and kind in nature.
4. INTJ
INTJs are logical masterminds who are known for their acumen and creativity. They are introverted-intuitive types which means they have a rich inner world that thinks about various possibilities. People with INTJ personalities are planned and organized decision-makers.
They are critical-minded and less emotional when it comes to rational decision-making. INTJs are emotionally distant and prefer to socialize only with what is needed. They are introverts with mellow and submissive natures as far as initiating a social conversation is concerned.
They prefer to stay aloof when a small talk discussion is going on because they hate wasting time on activities that seem non-purposeful to them. An INTJ person is highly intelligent and spends time in interesting conversations that allow brainstorming ideas and creating innovative problem-solving strategies. These individuals are progressive thinkers with big goals in life. They will always have fresh ideas to work with. Their plans are perfectly set with the needs of the situation they are in.
INTJ types are passionate and committed to the work they are doing. Since they usually have higher IQ levels, they will always think out of the box. Simple, mundane ideas do not interest them much and they prefer to stay ahead of others by thinking about abstract concepts that others find it impossible to accomplish in reality.
Apparently, an INTJ appears dull and boring but deep inside they are strong-willed, intelligent, and focused. They may not like to be part of social gossip yet makes themselves available for friends and relatives whenever possible.
They appear unexciting and ‘dry as dust’ in most social scenarios but deep within, they are guided by strong intuition that always speaks the truth. Overall, an INTJ personality type can design, plan, and execute a life of their choice just by hard work and commitment to reach their desired goals at the right time and right way.
5. ISTP
Another Myers-Briggs introvert personality type is the ISTP personality type. ISTPs are a lone wolf who prefers to live in their articulated and well-curated inner world. They are quiet, reserved, and a little shy in front of others. ISTPs can perform well in flexible work environments where there are fewer rules in place. They are patient with excellent observation skills.
An ISTP personality type is spontaneous and prefers to remain in the moments of life. They prefer not to think too much about the future and remain focused on the present they are in. This stops them from overthinking and remains blissful in life.
People with ISTP personality traits are realistic thinkers. They never create castles in the air and prefer to do things that have practical implications. Their social engagement is just what is needed. Just like any other introverted personality type, an ISTP also dislikes large social gatherings. They have a few well-chosen friends who are dear to them and with whom they can spend quality time just the way they want.
Being a sensing personality type, an ISTP always values concrete ideas and factual information to work with. They cannot handle abstract data and thereby avoids seeing future possibilities. These individuals are keen to solve present problems and prefer to stay in tune with what’s happening now in their lives.
ISTPs are spontaneous, easygoing, and open-minded people who seek the ideas and opinions of others like no other introverted type. At the same time, they are not the ones to follow rules blindly. ISTPs are the trendsetters when it comes to innovation and change. They will readily accept the change that is purposeful and can help them build a better lifestyle.
They are curious souls who prefer to scan and examine every small detail before accepting it as a part of their life. ISTPs are thoughtful types and their feeling function is less developed. Therefore they are not good at understanding the emotional cues of others and may stay away from situations that demand a thorough understanding of human emotions.
6. ISFP
ISFPs are sensing-feeling personality types. Therefore it is evident that they are present-focused and can learn about human emotions in the best possible ways. ISFPs are flexible, open-minded, and spontaneous in nature. They live life with creativity and happiness as they move with the flow of time.
They are not future-focused and remain happy and blissful in their present moments. These individuals have a charm that is mesmerizing. They have an easygoing outlook towards life that others can easily connect with.
The ISFP personality type is also friendly, and creative and lives in an aesthetic world of pure bliss and happiness. They make things happen the way they want and never sit with complaints and repentance in life. Too much planning can stifle their creativity and they just avoid doing it consciously. ISFPs are born artists who prefer to live in a world of color and creativity.
They are patient listeners and emanate positive vibes all around. ISFPs are not the typical boring introverts who think and never enjoy life. They can make things interesting for themselves and others. At the same time, they are practical-minded and rely upon hands-on learning. They make use of their five senses thoroughly in order to deeply understand the surroundings they are in.
ISFPs have strong values that guide their life’s path as always. They are caring and helpful people who will leave their comfort zone to help others in need. These individuals can understand others’ problems and can help them resolve those in the best way. They are lively and can bring smiles to those who are sad or not happy with their lives.
An ISFP personality type will embrace new ideas and opinions of others. They are not stubborn but rather prefer to understand others’ points of view deeply before taking the final call.
They are energetic and contradict the typical nature of an introverted type. ISFPs will always embrace life as it happens and seldom complain about the missing parts of their life.
7. INFP
INFP Myers Briggs is reserved, quiet, and intuitive types. They are flexible, easygoing, and prefer to live life with happiness and spontaneity. They are often known as mediators because they are peace-loving and rarely get into conflicts of any sort with others.
People with INFP personality traits are feeling types. Therefore it is obvious that they can feel for others deeply. These individuals are caring, helpful, and considerate. They are imaginative with an idealistic bent of mind. Thus, they will think about future possibilities and will never live in the present time.
INFPs are keen to create innumerable ideas inside their heads but only a few reach toward goal accomplishment. As they lose focus from their tasks easily, you may find them struggling a lot with deadlines. They may rush at the last moment and try to complete the task with less accuracy and speed.
INFPs are faithful and fiercely loyal. Moreover, they believe in actions and try to help others with their caring behavior and kind words. People with this personality type fail to set emotional boundaries while they attempt to assist others. In doing so, they may fall prey to emotional abuse and maltreatment that can leave them scarred forever.
INFPs are fragile emotionally. The pain and suffering of others can overwhelm them very easily. These people are against society’s injustice and unfair practices. They believe in doing the right only. Given the ability to feel for others, they are highly considerate and may take up social work that can help in community building.
An INFP is non-judgmental. They are sensitive and try to know others deeply without critically trying to evaluate either the person or the situation. Being introverts, they themselves are not expressive. They may hide their real feelings and mask it with fake happiness.
Deep inside, they are dissatisfied and unhappy with their lives. In relationships, they may absorb the feelings of their partners and feel overwhelmed after some point in time.
8. INTP
An INTP personality type is a brilliant mind with great thinking abilities. Their intuitive-thinking qualities make them realize big visions in life. They also have excellent analytical abilities. INTP stays aloof from emotional situations because they are not touchy-feely types at all.
They prefer impersonal human interactions and appear cold and distant to others. An INTP hates showy business and pointless discussions in their daily life. People with INTP personality traits are spontaneous, flexible, and remain open to new ideas and insights.
Being intuitive minds, they rely on gut feelings before making a final decision. They are not the ones to deal with theories and facts instead delve deep into abstract ideas. These individuals are known as logicians because of their original ideas. They believe in creating a life of their choice.
An INTP personality type is interested in knowing the unknown. They are sharp and confident, focused and comfortable in their own skin. They can run endless discussions inside their heads and come up with new ideas that others can never think of.
An INTP type hates gossip and small talk. When they are with others, they would expect people to talk about serious matters and innovative ideas. In a nutshell, INTPs are focused internally.
Logic and objectivity are their fundamental working tools. They have a small group of friends only. These individuals are deeply knowledgeable and insightful and put emphasis on logic above emotions while making a decision.
They are seen as nerdy, boring intellectuals by many.
To Sum Up
Knowing whether you are an introverted personality type or an extroverted one will definitely help you to understand your innate preferences. It is a powerful tool for self-growth. However, it should be noted that no person can be considered fully introverted or extroverted.
Each one of us is built with mixed attributes. In one way, we all crave solitude and ‘me-time’ and if the situation demands, we will also have to socialize and bring to the surface our extroverted qualities. Both inner journey and outside orientation make us complete beings.
Introversion-extroversion is a continuum with some people inclined more toward an inward journey of self-discovery while others find joy in being part of the larger world. The same person may exhibit signs of both these functions depending upon the situation they are in.
