By Tiffany Desiree
Within the past few years, “introversion” is one of the most popular words to grace the internet. To some, it’s a fad, but to others, it’s our lifestyle. So much so, the thought of talking to someone for hours, seconds or even minutes about coffee, Kim Kardashian or recent brands is uninspiring. Let’s talk about Kepler 186f, better yet, TRAPPIST-1 solar system. Let’s dive deeper and explore our subconscious mind to learn about what makes it so majestic.
Some days I want to talk while other days, I’d rather not be bothered, as my mind has already traveled around the galaxy and back. But once I’m back on earth, my introversion becomes questioned. Many people assume there is a look or style to introversion when in all actuality, we just lose energy by being around people for a long time. Before congregating with fellow earthlings, I need a forewarning because I need to recharge by only being consumed with my thoughts for the moment, a good book or movie. Sometimes I like to go for long walks with my dog as well.
Introversion is notably unique, especially being a woman of color whose an INFJ. Women of color are believed to be extroverted, the life of the party or always on the go. However, being the rarest personality type, which makes up 1% of our population, I consider myself a rare breed among rarer breeds. INFJs (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging) are one of Myers-Briggs 16 personality types, which was created by a prominent psychiatrist, Carl Jung. I like to believe he used my brain to define INFJs because I see myself in each aspect of his research.
As an INFJ, I’m sometimes mistaken for an extrovert because I have an outgoing personality, especially around people that I’m alike. Due to my excessive enthusiasm and love for fighting a cause, my eagerness has labeled me an “extroverted introvert,” until I’m invited for tea on the weekend and I somehow fall ill *cough – cough* in order to recharge my batteries.
Since decoding these 4 exquisite letters, INFJ, I’ve been on an everlasting spaceship capturing amazing images from my telescope. I continue to celebrate myself. I’m okay with random burst of laughter, discussing ruby programming or people watching to create characters of how I see the world. Introversion is not something that needs to be fixed, but a personality profile that creates coders, authors, artist, gamers and most of all, a rare personality which keeps the world rotating.
This makes a lot of sense to me. I’m only extroverted in certain settings/ situations. I feel like my KLLP (Kendall Life Languages Profile) explains it better, but yeah. This is great.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your exquisite, thought provoking writing on the INFJ personality. It’s refreshing to see some of my very own personality traits in your descriptions! Keep writing young lady!
I love reading everything you write! I truly liked your perspective. People have so many assumptions, which causes false interpretations of ones personality.