The 4 Types of Introverts That Exist

When you think “introvert” you probably stop at that general, all-encompassing term. You would never think that there were distinct subtypes within a personality type. Why would you? That’s how we’re accustomed to thinking; right or wrong, black or white, like or dislike, there’s always an opposite.

It doesn’t make sense to only have two choices though. People don’t necessarily feel one way or the other about every little thing. If you like movies for instance, must you absolutely love them to the point that you would do anything else? You also don’t hate something if you aren’t necessarily a fan of it. It’s just not your first pick when it comes to pastimes. There isn’t anyone that fits into a neat little box and they definitely don’t act and feel a certain way just because they identify with being an introvert.

There are four “classified” types of introverts thanks to research and they all have different behaviors and preferences associated with them. Though all introverts have primary characteristics that establish it as an umbrella term, each person who identifies as an introvert is different. These subtypes are just a way to offer people guidance and hopefully a sense of validation in who they are.

1. The Anxious Type

Anxious introverts are unique because they tend to overthink things far more than the average introvert does. Normally, an introvert is stressed from expending too much energy being in a social situation. When they have the opportunity to leave that environment and have time with their own thoughts, they naturally should calm down and feel balanced again.

An anxious introvert doesn’t calm down easily. They actually ruminate on what they did, who they saw, what they’re worried will happen, anything that would normally bother them and stress them out only when socializing and feeling worn out by that. Anxious introverts also tend to feel unconfident in themselves when interacting with others. They worry about being judged and feel nervous at the thought of socializing.

2. The Social Introvert

This subtype is probably where most “typical” introverts fall. These introverts are as sociable as you can expect an introvert to be. They like to socialize individually or in a small group – the more intimate the better. They don’t necessarily dislike being with other people and socializing, but they do have a heavy preference in being alone rather than being with people they don’t know and don’t feel like they can be “natural” or truly themselves with.

The world tends to expect a more extroverted version of introverts – or as extroverted as they can manage to act – and it can be more or less difficult depending on the type of introvert you are. Social introverts might have an easier time of projecting an extroverted version of themselves and fitting in.

3. The Thinking Introvert

Thinking introverts are defined by how they maximize the introspective characteristic that all introverts are known to have to some degree. They don’t mind the typical things that give introverts grief, like the burden of oversocializing or the strong need to be alone to regain energy. They redirect that need to having time to think and feel.

They mull over things and instead of feeling overwhelmed it actually calms them and they feel most comfortable when they get the chance to address anything notable that they’ve experienced. They don’t necessarily need to talk about it, but it’s always nice to do so with a confidant. Writing down those thoughts to get even more insight into what they mean and what decisions might be inspired by them is also worthwhile.

4. The Restrained Introvert

Being a restrained introvert means you think before you speak and try to make the best decisions according to the situation. These types of introverts like to plan out their days or prepare for certain social situations. If they’re thrown off guard or surprised by something they can get pretty stressed and try to avoid a repeat in the future.

If they feel like they didn’t give an ideal response or that they didn’t navigate a situation well they might regret it and it could really bother them more than it should. When that happens, it’s important to try and fight the tendency to overthink or expect everything to be perfect.




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Hana Othman

Hana Othman is the founder of SimpleHermit.com and identifies as an INFJ. Most days you can find her typing away or reading a book. Beyond that, she keeps busy as a dog and cat mom.