Introversion vs shyness (The differences #4)

Buenas heir! Maayon Buntag wonderful creature! Know GOD and know yourself. Don't be a copy without revelation of what others do and say. Bless GOD for lighthouses, but remember that it's not only at sea that we need light. Learn from others, honor others, but do what GOD tells you to do. Moses was bilingual (Egyptian and Hebrew). So was JESUS (Aramaic and Hebrew). Paul was trilingual (Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek).

1. Introverts

2. Ambiverts

3. Shyness (misconceptions about introversion)
   

" For GOD has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our LORD, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of GOD." (2 Thimothy 1:7-8, NKJV)

" And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the LORD, as I also do. Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren. Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time." (1 Corinthians 16 :10-12, NKJV)

" Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you. " (Proverbs 25:17, NKJV)

" Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. " (1 Peter 3:8, NKJV)

1. Introverts

We are beings created entirely by GOD, in His image and likeness. Every human being is a spirit, endowed with a soul, resident in a body. In the spirit is the awareness of GOD (consciousness, intuition, communion). In the soul is awareness of self and others (emotions, feelings, will, understanding). The soul is the seat of the personality: a person's patterns of thinking, feeling and acting. Beliefs are implied in thoughts and words are implied in actions.

Personality is made up of two elements: temperament (innate) and character (acquired). Temperament is given by GOD (introvert vs. extrovert) at birth.

According to the DISC model, temperaments are classified into 4 major groups (Dominant, Influential, Stable, Conscientious). The four groups are themselves divided into 8 sub-groups: normative, organizing, direct, promoting, expansive, facilitating, cooperative, coordinating.

The aim is not to confine us to boxes. But to help us to know ourselves better, to better understand others and to better communicate with others. Having things in common with others doesn't mean being identical to them.

Introverts prefer inner reflection to social interaction. Two marked traits in introverts are their ability to analyze their own feelings and their need for solitude to recharge their batteries. They enjoy quality time and deep discussion. They tend to be quiet, thoughtful and reserved. They can be very talkative within their family or when expressing themselves on a subject they are passionate about.

Extroverts prioritize social interaction over internal reflection. Two strong traits in them are spontaneity and a penchant for group activities. Extroverts aren't afraid to learn by doing. Introverts prefer to observe and research before trying. By overthinking, introverts can mentally magnify problems. Because of their need for interaction, extroverts may trivialize problems or underestimate the personal commitment they will need to make to solve them.

2. Ambiverts

Ambivertis are those who have both introverted and extroverted traits. Ambiverts spend time with others, depending on the needs of others or their personal goals. They are champions of adaptation. They have lively, interactive conversations with some, and quiet, deep conversations with others. They are both advisors and spokespeople. In truth, ambivertis are those who naturally have very high relational intelligence. For my part, it would be more accurate to say introvert-ambivertis and extrovert-ambivertis.

You're either an introvert or an extrovert. It's one or the other. 🙂 To be discreet about your plans, or to show self-control when you disagree, is to be wise and not introverted. To be constantly, effortlessly, in almost all circumstances, is to be introverted.

3. Shyness (misconceptions about introversion)

Sociability relates to need and motivation: having or not needing to spend time with others, and wanting or not wanting to be with others. Shyness relates to feelings and discomforts in the presence of others (insecurity, anxiety, discomfort, social pressure). The introvert withdraws from others by choice, not because of a lack of self-esteem. The shy person lacks self-esteem, fears judgment, rejection, failure or the repetition of a trauma. Beyond quiet, the introvert has a preference for certain types of discussion: that which edifies. Introverts are bored by trivial discussions. They'll either listen politely without participating, leave, or change the subject.

Shyness and introversion are not mutually exclusive characteristics. A person can be both shy and introverted, but it is possible to be introverted without being shy. An extrovert can be shy. Shyness is a character trait, not a personality trait. God creates introverts, not shy people.

There are no bad temperaments, but there are bad characters. Character is not innate, it is acquired. Notably through social learning (family role models, friendships, culture), cognitive learning (teachings, experiences, stories) and beliefs (faith and ideals). Character reflects the state of the soul. It is the extent to which the soul reflects the fruit of the SPIRIT mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). GOD calls us all to manifest the fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT whatever our circumstances.

** Buenas = Hello in Chavacano (Philippines)

** Maayon Buntag = Good morning in Visayan (Philippines)