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Introvert Insights is one of the most comprehensive blogs about introverts.

If you’re interested in truly understanding introverts—and how you can thrive as the introvert you are—you’re in the right place.

Welcome!

To make more of your shots—in basketball and in life—overdo your follow-through.

Overdo Your Follow-Through—Because Tentative Is Oddly Risky

We tend to think of the concept of follow-through in the context of finishing things well. But in many ways it’s more about starting them right. Whenever I’m shooting free throws on the basketball court, I can tell instantly—the moment the ball leaves my sweaty 57-year-old fingertips—whether I’m about to experience a make or a […]

An introvert energy audit can help you spot where your introverted batteries are being drained unnecessarily.

An Introvert Energy Audit Will Help You Track Down Pesky Leaks

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You may be losing some of your introvert energy each day without…
Your introversion fluctuates—which means the more-extroverted side of you emerges in certain situations.

Your Introversion Fluctuates—Situational Differences Matter

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Your introversion/extroversion level fluctuates—sometimes considerably—depending…
For introverts, having a deep conversation means setting up the right conditions for it.

Looking for Deep Conversation? Set Up the Best Conditions for It

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As an introvert, you can't really have a deep conversation with…
No matter what others might say or think, your introversion isn't a problem.

Introversion Is Often Seen as a Problem—But You Can Push Back

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No matter what others in your life might say or think, your introversion…
Think of the term "introvert" not as a confining label but instead as a guiding lighthouse.

Yes, “Introvert” Is a Label—But What Matters Is How You Use It

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Don't think of the term "introvert" as a confining label. Think…
Whether it's dogs or something else, the things you have in common with other people are wonderful initiators of new relationships.

Let Common Interests Be the Catalyst for New Relationships

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Establishing new relationships can be difficult, especially when…
Your teamwork skills as an introvert are more important—and more versatile—than you might think.

You Can’t Always Work All Alone—Teamwork Skills for Introverts

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On the job and elsewhere in life, your teamwork skills as an…
For introverts, happiness means peacefulness and self-acceptance.

Happiness Depends on Who’s Defining the Concept—and How

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As an introvert, you likely have your own definition of what…
There's a price to pay when you don't address your introvert needs consistently.

When You Don’t Take Care of Your Introvert Needs, You Pay

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To be consistently healthy and happy as an introvert, you've…
You can almost always find—or create—an introvert oasis in the midst of your everyday life.

Amidst the Activities of Your Daily Life, Seek Out the Introvert Oasis

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If you're intentional about it, you can almost always find—or…
When you really need to get into "The Zone," you need to put your phone away—far away.

When You Need to Be in “The Zone,” the Phone Has Got to Go

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As an introvert especially, it's crucial for you to understand…
We control what we can in life, but we have to be able to wing it too.

We Control Only So Much—We Have to Be Able to Wing It Too

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It's natural to gravitate toward the things we can control in…
It takes an unsustainable amount of energy to be someone you're not in life.

The Energy It Takes to Be Someone You’re Not Is Unsustainable

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You can try to go against your own introverted grain—and many…
The facets of introversion help us see what introversion is vs. what it is not.

Finally, We Can Define Introversion by What It Is vs. What It Is Not

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Too often, in Western culture especially, we define introversion…
The world—Western culture in particular—still slants toward extroverts and extroversion.

Extroversion Is (Still) the Ideal We’re Supposed to Pursue in Life

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In Western culture especially, extroversion is seen as the gold…
Your capabilities as an introvert lend themselves nicely to a wide variety of situations and settings.

You Can Bring Your Introvert Capabilities to Most Any Activity

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The capabilities that come quite naturally to you as an introvert…
Your introversion plays a highly influential role in the broadway show that is your introverted life.

There’s a Reason Your Introversion Is So Influential in Your Life

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Your introversion is one of the most influential aspects of your…
Sometimes, introverts speak most effectively when they put their voice away.

You Don’t Need to Speak to Voice a Message That Really Matters

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When you're an introvert, the most powerful way for you to speak…
Extroverting sometimes is like eating your vegetables—it's good for you.

Extroverting When You Need to Is Like Eating Your Vegetables

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You may not love extroverting. That's understandable. But sometimes…
For introverts, saying no is an essential—and powerful—skill.

Saying No: For Introverts Especially, It’s an Indispensable Skill

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Saying no can be challenging, especially if you're an introvert.…
A career portfolio is the introvert's secret weapon in job interviews.

The Career Portfolio—an Introvert’s Best Friend in Job Interviews

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When you're an introvert, job interviews are tough—in more…
Some volunteer opportunities are the perfect fit for your introverted personality.

As an Introverted Volunteer, You May Be the Perfect Garden Bloom

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You and your introverted temperament are likely an ideal fit…
The world is increasingly recognizing the introvert's way of operating in life.

The World Is Starting to See—and Cater to—the Introvert’s Way

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When you're an introvert, you get used to the world catering…
Amazing things can happen when you minimize distractions.

The Good Things That Happen When You Minimize Distractions

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Online education offers a glimpse of what's possible—particularly…
A quieter commute can free your mind up so that new ideas appear.

A Quieter “Drive Time” Allows New Ideas to Hop in for the Ride

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The quieter you can make your surroundings—intentionally—the…
Forest bathing is a calm, beautiful way to recharge as an introvert.

If You’re an Introvert, Forest Bathing Will Replenish Your Gas Tank

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Forest bathing is just what it sounds like—bathing yourself…
Your introverted knack for connecting one on one goes beyond people, apparently.

Jim and Stan Should Have Used One-on-One Connecting Tactics

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We introverts are good at connecting with people one on one.…
Fellow introvert—don't fall into the trap of believing that other people can read your mind.

Lesson from a Fellow Introvert: Other People Can’t Read Your Mind

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You probably don't seriously think that other people can read…
Your introversion is part of virtually every relationship you have.

Your Introversion Influences Virtually Every Relationship You Have

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Your introversion comes into play in most every relationship…
Buying yourself just a few seconds of time to think will help you to contribute your best.

Buying Yourself Time to Think in the Moment—a Key Introvert Skill

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When you're an introvert, having time to think before you share…
When you're an introvert, socializing is often easier when you have—or take on—a role to play.

Socializing When You Don’t Feel Like It—A Few Tricks of the Trade

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Sometimes you're basically forced into socializing; you don't…
Yes, fellow introvert, you really do need your sleep.

Yes, Fellow Introvert—You (and I!) Need to Get Some Good Sleep

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Yes, some studies suggest that introverts do better than extroverts…
Reflection is important to introverts before and during as well as after.

Reflection Before and During Is as Crucial as Reflection After

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We typically think of reflection as something we do after the…
Your introversion is a significant element of your personal operating system.

Your Introversion Is a Core Part of Your Personal Operating System

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Your introversion is a major component of the operating system…
Labels have the power to make—or break—how you see your strengths as an introvert.

Labels Can Boost Your Confidence as an Introvert—or Destroy It

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Are you slow, or are you methodical? Are you rigid, or are you…
Part of being an introvert is straightforwardly explaining introversion to others—the way a teacher might.

Part of Being an Introvert Is Explaining It—in the Teaching Sense

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Being an introvert means calmly explaining your introversion…
For introverts, overstimulation can be as debilitating as lack of energy.

Sometimes, Overstimulation—Not Energy—Is the Problem at Hand

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Yes, you have to manage your energy as an introvert. But frequently…
For introverts, passion is a source of transformative strength.

For Introverts, Passion Is as Powerful as Popeye’s Spinach

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When you're an introvert, passion can to turn you into the Energizer…
Being engaged is about listening, too—not just talking

You Don’t Need to Be Talking to Be Engaged in What’s Going On

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In the workplace, at school, practically everywhere—engagement…
Deep conversations are more likely when you find—or create—the right conditions for them.

5 Ways to Cultivate the Deep Conversations We Introverts Crave

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Yes, even in this age of constant distractions and interruptions,…
Many introverts feel shame ABOUT being introverted.

To Be a Healthy, Happy Introvert, You May Need to Address Shame

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Shame is a powerful, debilitating force in the lives of many…
Social events can be more fun for you as an introvert when you have a specific job to do.

Social Events Can Be More Satisfying When You Have a Job to Do

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Social events are often hard when you don't know many—or any—other…
When you're facing a difficult task, a schedule will help you focus and get it done.

Got a Difficult Task You Need to Complete? Schedule It—on Paper

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When you schedule a difficult task—on paper, especially—you…
We all get to—and need to—define happiness for ourselves.

Define Happiness for Yourself, Fellow Introvert—Your Own Way

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Happiness is not a one-size-fits-all entity. It looks, and feels,…
Your introvert brain and a solid mindset are a potent duo.

Your Introvert Brain and Your Mindset Are a Powerful Combination

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When you combine your introvert brain (always thinking!) with…
Go ahead—be the introvert you are.

You Deserve to … and Need to … and Can Be the Introvert You Are

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If you want to be truly healthy and happy in life, just go ahead…
Introversion presents differently in different people.

Introversion Presents Itself in Different Ways for Different People

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Your introversion presents differently in you than it does in…
Simple social interactions in your everyday life boost your well-being.

Little Social Interactions Produce Big Benefits—for Introverts, Too

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The mini social interactions you have each day—with the barista,…
Fellow introverts, we deserve better than merely surviving the holidays.

Fellow Introverts: Aim Higher Than Merely Surviving the Holidays

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Too often, we introverts think about simply surviving the holidays.…
The foundation of The 4 Pillars of Introvert Well-Being is a positive self-concept.

A Positive Self-Concept Anchors Your Well-Being as an Introvert

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Having a positive self-concept of yourself as an introvert—that…
Ironically, scatterfocus can bring great clarity.

“Scatterfocus”—a Way for Introverts to Plan, Recharge, and Create

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Feeling lost? Tired? Out of ideas? All three?! Intentional scatterfocus…
Use your introverted instincts to comfort an introvert.

How Do You Comfort an Introvert? With Quiet, Introverted Actions

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If you really want to comfort an introvert in your life who is…
The things you loved doing as a kid will replenish you now, too.

Replenish Yourself Now with the Activities You Loved as a Kid

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Sometimes the best—and easiest—way to replenish yourself…
Solitude vs. isolation—the distinction is crucial.

Solitude vs. Isolation—The 4 “Ifs” That Signify Healthy Alone Time

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What constitutes healthy solitude vs. isolation? Here's a handy…
What you don't want as an introvert points to what you want.

What You Seek to Avoid as an Introvert Is a Clue to What You Want

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How do you figure out what you want—and need—as an introvert?…
Shyness is something you can overcome, while introversion is just a normal part of you.

Your Introversion Is a Part of You. Your Shyness Need Not Be

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Shyness is a behavioral difficulty. Introversion is a normal…
You can make a difference your own introverted way.

Make a Difference in People’s Lives Your Own Introverted Way

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You don't need many—or any—words to make a difference in…
Depth is critical to introvert well-being.

Depth Is a Frequently Overlooked Aspect of Introvert Well-Being

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Many introverts overlook—or are simply unable to put their…
Focus on what you can control, knowing you can't control everything.

To Fight Stress as an Introvert, Focus on What You Can Control

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When you're feeling stressed—or worse—as an introvert, focus…
Sometimes you need to pursue peace and quiet.

Peace and Quiet Is an Escape, but It Needs to Be a Pursuit, Too

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The peace and quiet you need as an introvert sometimes materializes…
Being an introvert is a big part of who you are—but it doesn't define you.

Being an Introvert Doesn’t Define You—but It Is a Big Part of You

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Being an introvert means you have introverted tendencies you…
If you're feeling overwhelmed as an introvert, you might simply be struggling with too FAST.

Feeling Overwhelmed Lately? The Speed of Life May Be to Blame

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Feeling overwhelmed these days, fellow introvert? It could be…
Acting out of character, temporarily, is not the same as becoming an extrovert.

Acting Out of Character Doesn’t Mean Becoming an Extrovert

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Author Brian Little calls it "acting out of character"—being…
As an introvert, you can recharge yourself in just a few minutes if that's all you have.

You Don’t Need Permission—or Lots of Time—to Recharge Yourself

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When you need to recharge yourself as an introvert, go ahead…
You can pinpoint your introvert gifts by changing what you focus on.

Look for Your Introvert Gifts in the Traits You Supposedly Lack

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You have amazing introvert gifts. One powerful way to identify…
It's too easy to take your introvert strengths for granted—or overlook them altogether.

Your Introvert Strengths Are Probably Hiding in Plain Sight

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Other people in your life can see your introvert strengths far…
Use The 4 Pillars of Introvert Well-Being tool to combat introvert burnout.

Introvert Burnout—Fight It with The 4 Pillars of Introvert Well-Being

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How can you combat introvert burnout—prevent it, even? The…
Tuning the world out sometimes constitutes self-care for introverts.

Self-Care for Introverts—Sometimes, It’s Just Tuning Out for a Bit

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Self-care for introverts is often nothing more than tuning out…
Introversion is a tendency, not a type.

Think of Your Introversion as a Tendency—Because It’s Not a Type

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Myth: Introversion is part of your personality type. Reality:…
Introverts can, and do, act extroverted when the situation is meaningful.

Introverts Can “Act Extroverted”—Be Extroverted—When It Matters

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Sometimes introverts need to "act extroverted"—or just let…
Introverts are far more likely than extroverts to be overcome by feelings of too much external stimulation.

External Stimulation Takes a Toll on Introverts—Insidiously

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Too much external stimulation makes the typical introvert shut…
Introverts who have been through traumatic experiences need to be careful about trying to keep their thoughts and feelings completely to themselves.

Let Traumatic Experiences Come Out—Your Own Introverted Way

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The internalized thinking you do as an introvert can exacerbate…
When you work the way introverts work best, you can often do things you thought you weren't capable of.

Harness the Way Introverts Work Best—You May Surprise Yourself

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It's easy to believe that many of life's minor challenges are…
Often, introverts can express themselves best in ways that don't involve talking.

Introverts Can Express Themselves Beautifully Without Talking

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Frequently, introverts can express themselves best in ways that…
Introverts like to socialize with deep conversations.

Introverts Like to Socialize in a Different Way—Our Own Way

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The way introverts like to socialize is just different from—not…
"Fallow time" gives your brain a chance to get the rest it needs.

“Fallow Time” Is Replenishing Time for Your Introverted Soul

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"Fallow time" gives farmland a chance to rejuvenate itself and…
The extrovert ideal represents one path through life, but you can follow your own as an introvert.

The Extrovert Ideal Is Real—Be You Anyway, Fellow Introvert

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When you're an introvert living in Western culture, you're surrounded…
The best New Year's resolution for introverts: just be the introvert you are.

A New Year’s Resolution for Introverts—Be the Introvert You Are!

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Here's an inviting New Year's resolution for introverts everywhere:…
There's no such thing as an introvert. "Introvert" is just shorthand for "tends toward introversion."

Always Remember—There’s Really No Such Thing as an Introvert

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It sounds odd to say it, but it's true: There's no such thing…
The way you socialize as an introvert is just different from the way extroverts socialize.

To Socialize as an Introvert, Go Your Own Way—Not the Extrovert’s

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When you want to socialize as an introvert, you'll probably go…
Introverts need to talk sometimes too—just like everyone else.

Introverts Need to Talk Too—There’s No “Introvert Code” to Uphold

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Introverts need to talk just like everybody else does. Don't…
Alone time for introverts is non-negotiable. But introverts need their people time too.

Alone Time for Introverts—Yes, There’s Such a Thing as Too Much

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Quiet author Susan Cain said it best: Alone time, for introverts,…
Introverts need time to think so that they can process information effectively and make their best contributions.

Introverts Need Time to Think to Offer the World Our Best

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To feel our best and offer our best, introverts need time to…
Myth: Introverts don't like people. Reality: We just like people our own way.

Introverts Don’t Like People? Not According to Introverts!

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Myth: Introverts don't like people. We're antisocial. Reality:…
Introverts listen more than they talk not because they don't care, but because they do.

Introverts Listen—Then Talk—Because We’re Highly Engaged

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Typically, introverts listen first—perhaps for quite a while—then…
Give introverts a little time before you pepper them with questions.

Introverts Need Time to Process Before All the Questions Come

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Introverts need time to process—and start recovering—before…
The Introvert's Bill of Rights lists the inalienable rights of introverts everywhere.

The Introvert’s Bill of Rights—What Introverts Deserve in Life

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The Introvert's Bill of Rights is a declaration of independence—the…
Most introverts get overstimulated quickly and easily, especially compared to extroverts.

It’s Not Just You—Most Introverts Get Overstimulated Easily

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Lots of introverts get overstimulated in situations that would…
A perfect park bench for some alone time.

When Introverts Need Alone Time, We Get to Pick the Flavor

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Maybe you want to be alone all alone. Or maybe you want to be…
Typically introverts prefer to work alone, but teaming up with the right person can be fulfilling too.

Introverts Prefer to Work Alone—or with the Right Somebody Else

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Usually introverts prefer to work alone. But if you can collaborate…
Sometimes, introverts find peace by simply moving TO where the peace is.

Sometimes, Introverts Find Peace by Moving—Not Waiting

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We introverts need quiet to replenish our proverbial batteries.…
Quiet people have a lot to say. They just pick how—and when—to speak.

They May Not Always Talk Much, but Introverts Have a Lot to Say

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Myth: Introverts have little or nothing to say. Reality: Introverts…
Part of being an introvert—it's a responsibility—is being an advocate for introverts everywhere.

In an Extroverted World, You Need to Be an Advocate for Introverts

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Are introverts really that misunderstood? Yes. That's why part…
Deep-thinking introverts need to take a break—or a run—sometimes to clear our heads.

Deep Thinking—Embrace It, Fellow Introvert, but Don’t Chase It

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Deep-thinking introverts are drawn to, well, thinking! But sometimes…
It's not accurate to say that introverts hate small talk per se. We just hate small talk that has no substance.

Yes, Introverts Hate Small Talk—Unless a Little Depth Skates By

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Why do introverts hate small talk so much? It's shallow. Add…
Introverts are not all the same, especially when it comes to their socializing wants and needs.

Introverts Are Not All the Same—Especially in Socializing Needs

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When it comes to social events like "happy hour," introverts…
Introverts need to be alone to replenish our energy and/or prepare for what's next—but we don't always have to be COMPLETELY alone.

Yes, Introverts Need to Be Alone—but Not Necessarily All Alone

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Introverts need to be alone at times so that we can recharge…
People who work to combat the many myths about introversion aren't whiners—we're introvert advocates.

Combating Myths About Introversion Is Not the Same as Whining

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When you push back against all the myths about introversion,…
You don't have to justify your decisions as an introvert, any more so than extroverts have to justify their decisions as extroverts!

You Don’t Have to Justify Your Decisions as an Introvert

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When you're an introvert in our extroverted culture, it's easy…
You don't have to just survive the holidays as an introvert. You can make them yours, too.

How Can You Survive the Holidays as an Introvert? Reclaim Them

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You can do more than "survive" the holidays as an introvert.…
It can be hard to take care of yourself as an introvert, especially if you have children.

Take Care of Yourself as an Introvert—It Beats Eating Your Kids

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How can you best take care of yourself as an introvert? Not by…
You can do more than simply tolerate self-promotion as an introvert. You can do it in a way that fits your personality.

Self-Promotion as an Introvert—It Doesn’t Have to Be an Oxymoron

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When it comes to self-promotion as an introvert, you don't have…
If there were such a thing as the perfect workout for introverts, yoga just might be it.

Yoga: The (Perhaps) Ideal Body and Mind Workout for Introverts

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When it comes to deciding on a good workout for introverts, yoga…