Julienne Merza
Listen, I am not exactly an introvert.
But as someone who has been in a romantic relationship with one for 14 years, I can tell you right now.
Introverts are real-life superheroes! They just really prefer to be invisible.
And, no. Introverts are not your anti-social neighbor, your super shy cousin, or your painfully quiet coworker. Well, they can be.
But it can also be insightful to know that these traits and being an introvert are not necessarily inclusive. In fact, introverts are more than just your average “shy” stereotype.
So forget what you think you know about introversion, grab your favorite cup of tea (or coffee, if that is your jam), and cozy up! Here are five strengths that prove being an introvert is far from your kryptonite.
1) Introverts are self-sufficient
One of the reasons I survived the quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic was because I was living with my partner. Despite living in a 300-square-foot studio unit, doing things together did not feel like a chore because we respected each other’s space.
I did not have to struggle with another person’s clinginess or feel uncomfortable with awkward silences. We did not have to worry about breathing down each other’s necks because we have our own hobbies and versions of what is fun and interesting.
He is also perfectly comfortable with his own thoughts and daydreams. He is a self-sufficient person who does not depend on me for happiness.
But this does not mean that he will not get lonely when he does not have anyone to share his discoveries with. He is social but selectively social.
This makes it easier for us to establish healthy boundaries in our personal and professional relationships. It also allows me to embrace my individuality and enjoy my own moments of solitary exploration.
So for someone like me who grew up in a home with co-dependency trauma, having an introvert as a life partner is liberating. His introversion has proven to be very beneficial for us because I know that I am not in his life to complete him but to complement him.
2) Introverts are great listeners
Some might think that staying quiet and letting the other person speak is listening enough.
But true active listening means hearing even the things that are not being said.
It is paying attention to the other person’s body language and emotions, acknowledging them, and reflecting their feelings back to them with empathy and understanding. It is such an underrated skill, and introverts just do it so effortlessly.
As a child, I would throw tantrums if I did not get things my way, and my mother would try to resolve it by saying, “Quit crying or I will give you something to cry about.”
I used to blame her for my passive-aggressiveness as an adult.
But if there is one thing that my healing journey has taught me so far, it is that my parents also have their own wounded inner child.
Being in a relationship with my introverted partner allowed me to experience the power and impact of being listened to. I find that with him, I can safely express how I feel because I will not be judged, shamed, or gaslighted for it.
For the first time, I slowly felt safe asking and receiving.
Not only did it positively impact my relationship with him, but it also helped me hone my emotional intelligence, develop my communication skills, and see other people as works in progress worthy of love, kindness, and respect.
If that is not a superpower, I do not even know what to tell you anymore.
3) Introverts are highly creative
All of the introverts in my life are some of the most creative artists, musicians, and teachers that I know.
In my partner’s case, he is quick-witted. He can come up with hilarious jokes even in the most awkward moments. He can also easily catch the hidden messages and references behind a person’s dark humor and even interpret them for me when my brain is working slowly.
Humor is a superpower because it makes even the most challenging times of life feel lighter. Laughter also reminds me to stop taking myself and my journey too seriously.
I think introverts have naturally vivid imaginations.
They are most likely to access their innermost thoughts and creative ideas because they embrace solitude. Their rich inner worlds will not often reflect their outer reality, but it is difficult not to be impressed with what they bring to the table once you get to know them deeply.
I also had the amazing privilege of collaborating with introverts throughout my whole journey as a freelancer. It is true that they prefer working alone or in smaller, intimate settings.
And that is totally okay because they are in their element.
By finding solace and inspiration in solitude, they can effectively channel their feelings and inner experiences into their creative projects. The results? Magical, emotionally resonant, and authentic expressions.
4) Introverts are mysterious
I do not know about you, but I believe there is strength in mystery.
Nowadays, it is so easy to take for granted the power of living and enjoying a private life, especially in this digital age. So this is one of the things that I appreciate most about my introverted partner.
He does not obsess about maintaining an active social media presence. He does not feel the need to announce our plans online and does not worry whether other people will approve them or not.
But the chronic people-pleaser in me honestly struggled with this dynamic early in the relationship.
Eventually, however, I realized that nothing is sweeter than being content with who I am in the present moment without constantly seeking external validation.
I still love using Facebook and Instagram, but I no longer allow the things I post and the comments that I receive to dictate my life and how I am supposed to feel.
Yes, people know me. But they do not know about me. How freeing!
Furthermore, introverts are real “keepers” in the sense that they can hide things and secrets very well. If you share your goals and secrets with an introvert, it is almost always guaranteed that they will not spill the tea.
This is because they do not have the patience and energy to gossip or even sit down with people with whom they do not share a close bond. This makes introverts trustworthy and reliable allies.
Now that is a superpower!
5) Introverts are excellent energy readers
Everything is energy, according to spirituality.
But the thing about energy is that it is so subtle that it can only be seen and felt in the present moment. The best way to stay present is to get rid of the distractions and just be.
In most cases, an introvert’s preferred way of life resembles that of meditation. This makes it fairly easy for introverts to tap into their intuitive guidance and read the energy of the room and the people around them without even trying.
And speaking of inner guidance, I can no longer count the number of times that my partner’s intuition has saved us from potential danger. He is so attuned to his own intuition that it also inspired me to start honoring mine.
Both of our inner compasses helped us gain clarity in times of confusion and overwhelm.
He would often say, “My gut tells me differently,” and he is always right.
I also notice that animals like cats, dogs, and birds are naturally drawn to him. This might be his own gift, though, and not necessarily an introvert’s trait.
But still, the majority of the introverts that I know are excellent observers who pay attention to details, facial expressions, and body language, which helps them pick up on the emotional cues and energy of others.
This is actually a strength that is innate to all of us human beings.
But many of us live our lives in constant survival mode or have been programmed to doubt our intuitions. Which is why engaging in mindfulness practices and being present like most introverts can help us take our power back.
Final thoughts
Being an introvert is not a weakness or a limitation, but an asset and a gift.
Because behind every introvert’s calm exterior are depth, sensitivity, and unique qualities that make the world a balanced and well-rounded place.
And in a society where most people fight to hold the microphone, introverts are simply happy to introspect. Unlike others, their focus is not on making more connections but on cultivating their existing ones.
They are thinkers, empaths, and leaders who lead not through dominance or words but by setting an example. They are peaceful people whose main role is to be the calm in chaos.
So the next time you find yourself in the company of an introvert, do not ask them why they are so quiet. Instead, ask yourself if what you have to say is worth breaking the silence.
