How to Tell if You're An Introvert

An Easy Test to Determine Introverted Personality Traits

Nov 30, 2007 Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

This test for introversion will reveal whether you're an introvert or extrovert - or a little of both. It's a simple, effective self-assessment tool for introverts.

If you're wondering if you're an introvert, or have predominantly introverted personality traits, check out this this test for introversion, adapted from The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney. It's a self-assessment tool that helps people discover whether they’re introverts or extroverts.

Simply answer true or false to the following statements:

The Introversion Test: Personality Characteristics of Introverts

When I need to rest, I prefer to spend time alone or with one or two other people rather than with a group.
I feel anxious if I have a deadline or pressure to finish a project.
People sometimes say I’m aloof, quiet, and calm – and hard to get to know.
I usually think first before talking – I rarely blurt my thoughts without editing them in my head.
I sometimes react strongly to smells, touches, tastes, sounds, and people.

The Introversion Test: At Work, School or Home & Introverted Personality Traits

When I work on work or home projects, I like to have large uninterrupted chunks of time.
I write notes to myself before having conversations with people.
I like to share special occasions with just one person, or a few close friends, rather than a large group of people.
I notice details that others don’t see, such as facial expressions or movements.
If I say I will do something, I almost always do it.
I can zone out if too much is going on.
It takes me time to sort through large amounts of information, such as reports at work or long stories from friends.
I often dread returning phone calls.
My mind sometimes goes blank when I’m asked a question or caught off guard.

The Introversion Test: Social Situations & Introverted Personality Traits

I don’t enjoy being the center of attention or in the spotlight.
Groups of people make me uncomfortable or nervous.
I sometimes rehearse things before speaking.
In general, I prefer to listen to other people over talking.
I don’t like hugely stimulating experiences, such as rides at an amusement park.
I have few friends, but they’re very close to me.
I feel drained after social situations, even when I have a good time.
I like to watch a group or activity for awhile before I join in.
When people have an argument or heated discussion, I notice the tension in the air.

The Results of the Introverts’ Test

Add up the number of Trues in this test for introversion. The higher your score, the more introverted your personality traits are. Scores range from “highly introverted” to “more extroverted than introverted.”

If you found How to Tell if You're An Introvert helpful and want to learn more about introverted personality characteristics, read:

The copyright of the article How to Tell if You're An Introvert in Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish How to Tell if You're An Introvert in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

How to Tell if You're an Introvert

58 Comments

Comments

May 8, 2008 6:38 PM

Guest :

Thank you for your article. I am dating an introvert male and have been trying to understand him for 1.5 years. I believe I also have introvert traits so it as been easy to understand his quiet time, but I do still struggle with it. I enjoyed reading your article, it helped me to understand even more. Even, more about myself.... thank you!

Jun 12, 2008 9:03 PM

Gerald A. Toliver :

Everything I read here about introverts rings true with me. I've always been one and people have tried to force me to be extroverted but thats just not my personality. So, I think the first step for an introvert is to stop denying who you are and embrace it. Also, not trying to be someone you're not helps too. Most people in the world are extroverts so they dont usually understand us and make unfair prejudgments about introverts. Everyone is different and we should respect those differences.

Sep 14, 2008 11:09 PM

Guest :

am an introvert and i love that.
paulyne

Sep 17, 2008 1:12 PM

Guest :

I recently took a personality test at school and discovered that I'm an introvert. I wish I were an extroverted person though. Nursing is my major, but I'm considering switching majors. I have found my personality type to be very disabling to me. It has affected my friendships, work and family. I just have to find a way to work with my personality type. This article was very helpful!! I always wanted to be a nurse, but I rather be something else than a crabby nurse that doesn't like to be around people too long.

Sep 24, 2008 7:47 AM

Guest :

Honestly, now I feel relieved or I were cursing myself for being what I am!!Thanks for the article, it's much appreciated!!!

Sep 29, 2008 11:42 AM

Guest :

I'm highly introverted.
All the scores rang true to me indeed.

For my life situations, it hasn't really been a problem.
Some people misunderstood me for other aspects of me besides my reserve.

Oct 2, 2008 3:35 PM

Guest :

i am an intervert is there meds to take to become an extervert

Oct 8, 2008 6:13 PM

Guest :

oh thx so much
now i'm more convinved that i'm 'highly introverted' and nothing's wrong to be an introvert.
i'm proud being like this... ^ ^

Oct 12, 2008 7:59 PM

Guest :

I can relate to this article quite a bit. I am introverted and find the friends I do have respect me for who I am. I find some people don't understand me for me and can be disrespectful sometimes. I try to work around it and often struggle with it at times. I sometimes feel like a social outcast in my community because some people that don't really know me judge me and feel they don't want to know me, but that is their loss. As long as you know who you are, and you are happy with yourself that is all that counts. Be who God made you to be, if it is inate in you, and is a "default" not a fault,lol Then don't be ashamed of that. What you think of yourself is more important than what others think of you. Thanks for the article.

Oct 13, 2008 7:14 PM

Guest :

i answered yes to pretty much all of them, its nice in a way, because its something that acurately reflects me, but not nice at the same time, because i have previously denied who i was and thought i was extroverted (because of my more extroverted identical twin)... its hard to accept who i am sometimes. but i guess its the old saying, just work on your good bits, everyone has them. no point denying who you are. thanks for the artical, was uplifting.

Oct 20, 2008 11:48 PM

Guest :

I'm an introvert as well, although I love being introverted and wouldn't trade it to be extroverted.. I sometimes find myself sitting down looking at the people around me, and being jealous that they find it so easy to communicate with other people.. just the fact that they get to meet more people than I and share information with each other. that I can't listen to.. Anyways, I love listening to other people talk, just wish I could listen to more people talk..

Oct 23, 2008 9:48 AM

Guest :

im def an extro

Oct 23, 2008 10:57 AM

Guest :

More than the article,these peoples comments have helped me alot more,it shows im not the only person in the world shy to talk or just not want to talk at all cause you feel its unnecessary..you'd much rather save your breath for a decent/good conversation.
EMBRASS WHO YOU ARE! Thats the only way to be!

Oct 23, 2008 3:52 PM

Guest :

I knew i was an introvert...i hate that people say i am apathetic because i am quiet though * my friend is an extreme extrovert :(

Oct 26, 2008 9:53 AM

Guest :

I scored very high on the introversion scale...often I am critical of myself thinking I should try to be more outgoing, meet new people, change my life...but those things drain my energy. I would much rather think to myself while gardening, hanging out with my pets, going for walks, listening to music, reading, and being in small groups of people...no more than 4 at a time. Large groups scare the heck out of me, too much energy at once. Thanks for this insight!

Nov 8, 2008 9:52 PM

Guest :

i'm an introvert..and social interactions gives me a lot of pressure. If
i haven't known i'm this type--i'd really would've still believed that I'm weird (my family and friends are extroverts...) coz I don't get a lot of social interactions or rather, i prefer doing things alone; i find it hard to adjust with new people, and i find it hard making friends in situations that i really need to; i like to hang with people i can talk about deeper things, but it's hard to find these types of people. The info. truly help me understand and know myself more...although sometimes i wish i'd be more of an extrovert coz it's fun being interested in knowing a lot of people.

Nov 8, 2008 9:52 PM

Guest :

Nov 10, 2008 6:44 PM

Guest :

Wow, I kind of knew that i was an introvert, but never knew there were this many others sharing the same feelings. I often feel like an outcast when everyone is babbling meaninglessly all the time. I don't like getting caught off guard either when someone asks me something before I'm ready. I thought I was kinda slow or something, but it's really that we're so caught up in our own mind that we're startled. It's hard being an introvert & trying to do the whole dating thing as well. Most girls want to have these long deep conversations about everything & nothing & I just really dont' care for conversations, untill I am truly comfortable with someone...

Nov 13, 2008 9:19 AM

Guest :

I have known a long time that I was introvert. I don't like it sometimes. Sometimes I wish I were a little more outgoing. I really don't have many friends and at times feel lonely and sad. I am married with two kids, but I feel like I am lacking in something, I just don't know what it is yet.

Nov 13, 2008 9:21 AM

Guest :

Nov 26, 2008 9:23 PM

Gerald A. Toliver :

Being a introvert as well, I do feel just fine writing, or watching tv, or doing things on my own. I do feel comfortable with that but it makes it hard to meet other people. I dont want or need a lot of friends but when it comes to dating, however, it can be difficult. You see her, want to meet her, but just cant do it for some reason. You also wonder if your personalities will clash due to my introversion, especially if she is extroverted. I feel the same about feeling like a social outcast. It's like you're in your world and everyone else is in theirs and even though you're in the same room, you might as well be 1,000 miles away. Some people tell you that you need to be social but it is draining just like it would be for an extrovert to try to be an introvert. I believe we were all created this way for a reason so we should embrace it and make the most of it.

Nov 30, 2008 4:45 AM

Guest :

Wow. This article and everyone else's comments were very helpful. I am highly introverted and have always viewed it as a huge flaw. I've really struggled with it throughout my life... it's like I want to be more outgoing and I want more friends...but I've never understood why it was so hard for me to hold a conversation or to think of what to say when caught off guard. It can get so lonely sometimes when you prefer to be alone, or even when you're with a group of people (because you're mind is somewhere else)! It's so frustrating. I don't like to be perceived as a boring, quiet, or shy person... but maybe everyone is right.. you should accept and embrace who you are. There isn't anything wrong with being 'introverted'. Drama does tend to go somewhere else and you do tend to notice certain things that many extroverts don't. Thanks for the article and comments. It does help to know where I stand and why I prefer to be alone sometimes. I'm more at peace with myself now...but I still want to change how I feel and act when in a group setting. An introvert may describe who I am, but it doesn't define me.

Dec 1, 2008 7:22 PM

Guest :

it is nice to know that being an introvert is not a really bad thing. people really favor extroverts more, though, and we really can't do anything about it. i just wish that i can learn how to be with groups of people. for me, it's really tiring and very hard to do. i enjoyed reading the article! thank you! hope you can write more about introverts to help us out here, also thos who are having much difficulties, like me. more power to this site!

Dec 8, 2008 8:49 AM

cancer26 :

I am a huge introvert.What worries me is that it takes ages for me to talk and i am so self critical.I even make extrovert people quiet when they are around me.I have always been quiet but being a medical student requires some level of extroversity and i am struggling with the balance of being myself or trying to be something i am not.But in this case i need to change to some extent.I would apreciate any advice.

Dec 8, 2008 9:02 AM

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :

First, figure out why you're so self-critical! Take 15 minutes, find a quiet spot, and either write it down or really focus on how your self-criticism started.

Once you figure out the beginnings, then you might be able to separate those faulty reasons from the truth. That is, if you're hesitant to speak up because your older siblings always made fun of you or your dad was super critical, then you may be able to realize that speaking up when you're with your friends, colleagues, or potential patients is a whole different ballgame!

And then I'd suggest practicing. Practice sharing your opinions, thoughts, ideas, and feelings. This worked for me: I used to think that everything I said had to be brilliant or at least interesting, but then I slowly realized that I could point out a pretty tree or comment on my food, and people pick up the conversational ball and run with it!

Good luck - and thanks for posting. You'll find the balance between being yourself (which is crucial) and being open with your thoughts -- which really is part of being yourself! It's NOT yourself to be self-critical and scared. That's not the real you.

Best wishes, and feel free to update me,

Laurie

Dec 9, 2008 6:39 AM

cancer26 :

Thanks Laurie.I grew up in a single parent family with my mum.My brother and 3 sisters were way older than me and were working in other towns.So it was mostly me and mum.
I always use it as a mechanism sometimes, to avoid getting into an argument, i will just keep quiet.I especially find it hard to get into uncomfortable topics even with my husband.When we dated it took me months to say i love him,but now its natural.The problem is we never said things at home.We just knew from actions and assumed.And now i expect things to happen like that.I am slowly improving though.
I can talk without hesitation with people i know.but with strangers i have to try extra hard.Most of the times i am more drown to just keeping quiet.
I moved from my country 5 years ago to pursue my studies and i stay alone now,no family,I study in a foreign language i learnt when i got here which doesnt help.But it challanges my personality and helps me grow, which i like.So I will keep striving to improve.
I will take the practice advice with me.
I try to prepare more when i know i have a presentation to make at doctors meetings.It helps a lot.But i still shake with fear.
Thank you again

Dec 12, 2008 2:09 AM

cancer26 :

Its not perfect but its going in the right direction.So this site and posting really helped me.ciao.

Dec 17, 2008 6:55 PM

Guest :

Being a nurse and being an introvert is possible especially if you feel that it's your calling. I have been told that I don't have enough confidence and just recently someone accused me of being too soft. I am currently working on a Psych floor under contract and one of the supervisors on the floor felt that I was too soft spoken I guess she wanted me to just up and change my personality. She actually had the nerve to compare me to one of the extroverted nurses. I thought to my self how dare she...I am considering going to another floor.

Jan 5, 2009 12:49 PM

Guest :

hi thankyou for what you have wrote
i was always told i was shy when i was younger and had always strugled to change that for years..i do all the things and think all the thoughts of an introvert and after being in a large group or party being on my own is like being pluged in and recharged,how intresting to read all of this..ive met a lot of people in a lot of places but never discussed this subject
im proud to be introvert i just wished i knew thats what i was years ago and the people around me did but i guess thats part of growing up
keep up the good work
rick

Jan 17, 2009 2:04 PM

Guest :

im more introverted but i love rollercoasters lol im not highley intreverted im a bit extrovert but im more introverted like i perfere 2 or three friends rather than a big group but thing is i also love excitment so i think im a mixture

Jan 29, 2009 4:25 PM

Guest :

Oh my goodness people! I answered TRUE to every single statement. Have I broken some kind of record? I am "Highly introverted"

Feb 13, 2009 12:50 AM

Guest :

Wow I found this article really helpful. I also liked this - http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200303/rauch. I am 80% introverted AND shy, so it only exacerbates my problems. I have always felt so ashamed that I get tongue-tied and blush and hate when people put me on the spot, or even just come over and start a normal conversation when I am not "fully prepared". I have also always felt so depressed about getting so sick and tired of small-talk - my housemates are all extroverts and chatter all night long after work about NOTHING, about just the most trivial crap... I feel the minutes ticking by because I am so disinterested. Yet, as the article said, I love nothing more than a deep philosophical heart-to-heart with one person. It's just so rare to have the opportunity these days! Overall, while I am not happy with who I am just yet, at least I don't feel so alone, and maybe one day I can embrace who I am.

Feb 23, 2009 1:40 PM

Guest :

I am introvert and for the past year I've been a nurse on a large med-surg unit. I find that enjoy the interaction with the patients very much and the role has more to do with competency and confidence than with outgoing nature and small talk.

Mar 4, 2009 3:08 PM

Guest :

I wish everyone read these articles about introverts. I've gotten to be more extroverted about jumping into social situations, but I still require a LOT of time to process information. The bad thing about this is apparently everyone I know is an extrovert because everyone gets mad at me when I don't answer the second they finish talking.

Mar 11, 2009 6:21 PM

Guest :

I am only 15 and have a very difficult time toparticipate in
school events, sports, class projects, etc. I believe I'm capable
of doing thingx but it's difficult for me to join in even though I
want to. Is being an introvert a passed-down problem or am I my
own problem?

Mar 12, 2009 6:38 AM

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :

Having introverted personality traits isn't a problem, my friend! You just need to learn more about how your personality works, and how to approach people in a way that doesn't freak you out.

Here's a whole list of articles about introverted personality traits -- plus 3 ways to communicate with others if you're an introvert:

http://theadventurouswriter.com/blog/quipsandtipsforachievinggoals/394 (copy and paste into your browser).

Having a hard time interacting at school may be a function of your age, not just your personality traits. Most kids your age feel scared, nervous, anxious, and insecure -- they're just hiding it pretty good.

Anyway, reading up on introverted personality traits might help you connect with others better because it'll help you understand yourself.

Let me know how it goes!

Laurie

Mar 12, 2009 7:58 PM

Guest :

i have just taken the test and it is shocking how true it is, i am a very quiet person, always have been and people always knock me for it but now i know what the crack is so to speak, before i thought i was just an odd one out but after reading all the other comments i realise that it is quite common for some people to be an introvert so now i am a little bit more at ease with myself and wont be too self conscious anymore. thank you. Dan

Mar 18, 2009 2:46 AM

Guest :

love reading this article! it's pretty awesome.

Apr 8, 2009 11:55 AM

Guest :

janie:
i finally realize whats wrong with me:D i thought i had to change it,that i just had bad experiences in my past or sth.like that. now that i ve read all this,i actually can be calm and try to take the best of what i am and stop trying to be something that i m not.this really helped me.

Apr 22, 2009 3:31 PM

Guest :

I have always felt like there was something wrong with me. It was always in my nature to be "slow" as everyone who knows me would say. Everybody assumes I'm a pothead. I'm not that shy, but I'm not that outgoing either. I'd look at myself in the mirror and ask myself why can't I be more aggressive or assertive? It's almost as if I have to force it and like a lot of comments here said, it's "draining" trying to be outgoing. It's frustrating because girls find me attractive and I have a couple of good friends, but I was never a "ladies man" like my friends. The problem is, a lot of introverts here say, "embrace it", but like me, you all feel lonely and sad at times. You have to fight it, you can't just let life unfold around yourself and look at it from a distance. You have to do what my coach tells me as well as anyone else who knows me, you have to TRY. The sad part is, I know what I have to do, and I really do try, but everyone has their own personality and nature they will never be able to change.

Apr 28, 2009 3:57 PM

Guest :

I'm a girl who is 19 (from Norway, so sorry about the language) and in the past few years I've noticed that I have been more and more quiet. From I was 6 to I was 16 I went to a lot of social activities, but I never called a friend to hang out. When I was 16 (and started at a new school) i started to think about it, beecause I didn't find it hard to hang around friends when I first did it (at school), but my friends had to "drag me out" of my home, because I didn't find it boring or lonely to just be at home. After a year at the new school, I started to hang out with people, but it was always people who was calling me, and I am GLAD they did! When I am with people I don't know really well, I really enjoying be with them, but since I always have to think before I speak I ain't good at small talk with them, so I am scared they find me boring. I am blessed with a bestfriend who is soooo outgoing. I "use her" in social settings, because everybody is talking to her, and when I can talk to her I kind of join the whole group. I like to have a bestfriend, because it's mutch easier to relate to just one person at the time. This article helped me to see why I'm the way I am, THANK YOU! I am going to be a teacher, and I really don't think it's a problem for an introvert to be it, as long as you have confidence on yourself!

May 20, 2009 8:41 AM

Guest :

I am almost half and half, little more extro. The world is geared toward extroverts. I guess it would be financially beneficial for me to be even more extroverted, right?

May 20, 2009 6:40 PM

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :

I think there are ways to increase your financial success even if you have introverted personality traits! Try searching on Google for "tips for networking successfully for introverts" -- you'll find info on increasing your business skills, which can lead to making more money. :-)

Jul 3, 2009 3:36 AM

Guest :

Gosh, I am so glad I came across this article. It has really given me an understanding of who I am. I wish everyone else took these differences in personality into account. I have always thought something was wrong with me even as a kid. I was very intelligent but kept to myself and teachers always thought I was too quiet and reserve, but I have always enjoyed being alone. Never done well speaking in front of crowds, but could ace a written report and did well on test. This is who I am.

Jul 6, 2009 6:58 AM

Guest :

it's very informative :)) I know more about myself. proud to be an introvert. "I yam what I yam" - Popeye

Jul 24, 2009 6:37 PM

Guest :

I'm confused...I use to think I was an extrovert, but now after reading this article I possess more traits of an introverted person. Its so true in the article when it says that introverts often pay attention to detail, such as facial expressions and movements. I think introverts aren't necessarily quiet and shy, they just spend more time processing thoughts in their head and they usually think before they act.COOL! This article was a huge help!

Jul 28, 2009 4:20 AM

Guest :

I always figured myself for being more comfortable alone (or introverted I guess) but wow... only two falses? Guess this is just something to grow with.

Jul 29, 2009 8:54 AM

Guest :

Having answered 'true' to almost all of the above it is certainly good to know I am not alone. I have always thought that being reserved and happier alone or with few friends was a character flaw and something I should actively tried to change, I now realise that this is not the case and I should be happy being me!

The article was very helpful and reading comments from other introverts has made me feel less isolated and not like so much of an outcast, thank you!

Aug 9, 2009 4:59 PM

Guest :

I am proud to be an introvert. I enjoy the calm and find people that are extroverts are very annoying. I respect all introverted people. I find that they are quite intelligent human beings, and are a special breed. I am proud of all of you that are admitting and embrasing the aspect of being an introvert.

Aug 23, 2009 12:40 PM

Guest :

All except 2 of the statements are true to me, and it's hard having friends and family who are extroverts... I never knew there were this many people who were like me, it's refreshing to know.
I started believing I was a bit out there. :)
Highly appreciated. :)

Aug 24, 2009 11:54 AM

Guest :

I am 47 years old and "today", suddenly it all came together in my mind after I heard the word "introvert". When I was young, I felt extremely shy, I lived in the country and loved taking walks alone or being alone in my room or crawling up in the attic, I didn't like talking and misc conversations. Going to school was stressful for me as I didn't relate well to everyone else, I was never part of the "in" crowd. As I got older, I thought I was different, weird maybe, I wondered why I couldn't have fun like I saw other people having fun, why being involved in activities drained me, stressed me out so badly, why I couldn't feel what they felt. Why in the end, I was just glad to be home. Dr.s', therapists, etc. told me I had social phobia, anxiety, chronic depression all of which I've been treated on & off for with meds for over 20 years. I still wondered why I wasn't acting the way I thought I should, why I wasn't socialable, or why I hated the thought of any event someone would invite me to, why people in my life held shallow places. My family doesn't understand, no one understands I want to be home alone, that I love it that way, that the events they think are wonderful drain me completely of life. .. Funny I have yet another appointment today with a therapist and someone said the word Introvert. And I immediately researched that on the internet and found "myself"! What I am! ME!

Sep 16, 2009 8:49 AM

Guest :

I noticed that I purposely get to gatherings/parties early because I hate to walk in later with all the attention that gets focussed on who comes in. I'm an introvert and proud of it.

Sep 18, 2009 12:53 AM

Guest :

IM GLAD IM A introvert

Sep 21, 2009 9:10 PM

Guest :

I am and i hate it! :(

Oct 25, 2009 6:42 AM

Guest :

I am grateful that i have read this article. It gives me an idea to love myself as an introvert, that i am not the only one who finds hard time to mingle with other person.. especially strangers.... This article made me realize that being an introvert isn't bad at all.... thanks...

Oct 28, 2009 3:56 AM

Guest :

ahhh for the longest time i have wondered what is wrong with me, why am i so different from a lot of my peers and acquaintences. stumbling upon this and other articles clairified that there is nothing wrong with me. i'm so glad i had discovered this early in my life rather then asking the same questions over and over for the rest of my life.
thank you very much

Nov 3, 2009 11:22 PM

Guest :

Thank you! I scored very high. Now I know why i act the way i do. I feel better. Now when i get asked why im so quiet or why i don't join in i wont feel like im so wired. I don't know i just feel like i can accept it and not fight it now. :)

Nov 7, 2009 8:23 PM

Guest :

I got 17 trues. That's not enough. I'd like to be even more introverted.

Many people think being an introvert is bad. I think otherwise. When you are introvert, you get more time to do things that are beneficial.

58 Comments

How to Tell if You're An Introvert

An Easy Test to Determine Introverted Personality Traits

The Introversion Test: Personality Characteristics of Introverts

The Introversion Test: At Work, School or Home & Introverted Personality Traits

The Introversion Test: Social Situations & Introverted Personality Traits

The Results of the Introverts’ Test

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