KEEPING TO YOURSELF: Good and Bad?

Question

What are some of the beneifits and not so benefits, of being a quit person or an non-social person? Introvert if you want. I am one of those kinds of people. I feel for the pro's: Reflection! thinking, processing. The mind is just always going. Since I'm always by myself, my thought are all I really have. So I'm always processing the thing around me. Society and life. What I see and hear.

Now for the con's: Over thinking. I do that a lot. Which then leads to being cynical. Even though I kind of ok with that. Also if I do meet people, I'm no good at all.

But all in all, I'm glad I'm keep to myself person.

What are you thoughts on the topic?

Answer 1

There is nothing inherently wrong with solitude. Monks, Gurus and various other religious figures practice it all the time. That is not the same as people that are anti social however. Nor is it the same as those that cannot deal with even small groups of people.
That being said lack of social activity of any kind will have negative effects on the personality. So, while I see nothing wrong with solitude. I cannot necessarily agree with a complete lack of social activity.
You state that you are always watching those around you. That in and of itself is a limited form of social interaction. True solitude is exactly that. No social intercourse with anyone for extended periods of time.
So, keep watching. Nothing wrong with that or thinking about those you see. Speculation on life and people can lead to interesting topics and perhaps even into discussions such as this. Which some would consider social interaction...

Answer 2

I think it's not that bad, because we all have individual differences. It's ok if you find comfort and peace of mind when you're alone. However, if you feel really bothered for being an introvert, then you should seek some friends whom you feel you can trust and can accept you as a person. If you're too shy, you can start with short chats in YM or wherever. Don't push yourself to be a good conversationalist cause it really takes time to develop such.

Btw, I'm adding to the con's: if you keep too much of your negative emotions such as and especially anger, time will come that you'll be fed up and hate a lot of things...even people that you don't know.

So there, I hope it helps. :D

Answer 3

Our society tends to look down upon those who are outwardly introverted (oxymoron?) People who like to keep to themselves and those who aren't overly social receive much negative feedback from those who are extroverted. 75% of the population is extroverted, which leaves the other 25% of the population in the minority and largely misunderstood.

Actually, introversion and extroversion are terms used to define how people charge their batteries. Introverts charge their batteries while in solitude, people drain their energy. Extroverts are energized when they are around people. Introverts often do love people, they just require extra time away from them to feel rejuvenated.

Benefits of being introverted are being able to process and reflect on your thoughts. I think they tend to be better listeners. They have the capacity to dream big.
Some draw backs is that they do tend to avoid social gatherings, which reflects on them negatively. They get tagged as a loner or sometimes even "weird" because they get lost in their own inner world.

I am an introvert. I am an INFP, take the test and see what your personality type is, it is rather interesting. http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm

Answer 4

We seem rather similar. I agree with you, reflection is a pro and overthinking is my weakness lol(my friends often scold me for thinking too much and messing things up lol). Altho, I don't believe those are traits that come from keeping to yourself. From experiance, while i find being an introvert is ok, being social is far more fun.I'm still not as sociable as my peers, but just enough to keep life interesting. You should try it :)

Answer 5

I used to be like this...very passive-aggressive, quiet, etc. Eventually I went into a depression where I would lock myself in my room for hours, in the dark, staring at the ceiling. My emotions were all bottled up and I had pushed everyone away, so when I actually needed help, no one was there.
I'm not trying to give you a sob story, but not much good comes out of being too reserved. You have to express yourself somehow.
One pro I guess would be with all my...pent up anger/ sadness I got into art and made some cool stuff.
I understand you like to be kept to yourself, but when it comes to feelings and emotions you have to let them out.

Answer 6

I am the same way myself and trust me I'm not here to advocate that it's highly recommended for most but whatever makes you happy...
However keeping it bottled up too long does have its repercussions. Which is why I channel them mostly into creativity i.e. music, art, writing, etc.
Overall it's important to keep a balance, on one hand it's great to ponder but also good to be able to share.

Answer 7

Just keep yo self the you like first and look on how other people think of you actually their view is not that much important it depend on how much u value yourself .Just keep yo self the way you like and feel but yo mood must not interfere with other people's mood and the law in that way people will love .Just be socialable

Answer 8

We can't undo the fact that a man(women included)is a social animal.Also I subscribe to your view but up to a point.Therefore,ideally we should have a workable balance in our lives for a healthy,happy and contended life.Isn't that the aim of our lives?

Answer 9

I think people like us are better off than the rest of the people who aren't.

The anti socialism isn't so great, but thats easily overcome. If you can find a group of core friends who your trust completely, you're in great shape. You're better off with a small group of trustworthy people than dozens of aquaintences whom you can't trust.

Answer 10

everything in moderation dude. Introspection is absolutely necessary...as is social interaction. Social interaction is important to maintaing your brain function. Don't fight biology...you will not win.