Is He Observant or Just Introverted?
This critical and creative thinking skills (CCTS) module has not been kind to me in recent weeks, and Mrs. Lee’s lecture on vertical…
This critical and creative thinking skills (CCTS) module has not been kind to me in recent weeks, and Mrs. Lee’s lecture on vertical farming certainly did not make things any better. Anyway, I’m just relieved that the class is over. Finally, I can spend the rest of my day away from Mrs. Lee’s voice. I wish. Mrs. Lee called my name out loud as soon as I tried to make my way out of the lecture hall. Sigh. She asked me if I could assist in turning off the projector, and of course I did. As I made my way out, I couldn’t help but notice that there was still someone in the class, and it was Demarcus Cousin the Third. I wasn’t surprised, but I kind of felt sorry for him even though he seemed just fine. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve always pitied people that were left out. All of the sudden, Demarcus burst out laughing. Of course, there he is reading that manhwa again, “Lookism”. This got me thinking, maybe he truly enjoyed being alone instead of being surrounded by 10-ish people that constantly talked about the latest TikTok trends. Maybe, he actually enjoyed being in his own world, a silent one. The other classmates didn’t want to be around him because he once pointed out how long Bella’s toenails were. It’s like he sees every little detail around him. Introvert’s perk they say.
The words “introvert” and “extrovert” are not something foreign as people use them a lot these days. The question is, how well do we understand those terms? Let’s start with extroverts. Extroverts are known for how well they socialise or communicate with others. They are easy to approach and they can click with just anyone seamlessly. According to Carl Jung’s theory of personality, there are several types of extroverts but the most common ones are extroverted feelers and extroverted thinkers. Extroverted feelers desire to connect with others by listening and talking to them. Extroverted thinkers are basically what we commonly see in leaders, outspoken, goal-oriented, and decisive. They think aloud and are very vocal about their thoughts.
Introverts, on the other hand, tend to spend their time alone or with a smaller number of people around them. They dislike being in a huge crowd and they find that exhausting. When we hear the word “introvert”, we instantly think of that kid who sits alone in the corner of the class. Well, that might not always be the case since there are actually a few types of introverts, the most common ones being social introverts and restrained introverts. Social introverts are basically the default setting. They are those that find socialising draining and try to be less involved. Restrained introverts are the ones that really think about the consequences of their actions and decide to give them some time before saying anything about a certain situation in order to have the best possible outcome.
So, why do people frequently associate introverts with the observant trait? Well, introverts often struggle to maintain their focus on a daily basis due to a variety of factors. Loud noises, bright lights, strong odours all affect them in some kind of way. They are quick to notice minor details and dislike being overwhelmed by all that. Obviously, being overwhelmed is stressful and may prevent you from doing things properly. Introverts avoid the excruciating feeling of overwhelm on purpose. One way they avoid that unpleasant overstimulation is to be extremely observant. Introverts carefully analyse what is going on around them before taking any action. This way, they can prevent themselves from being overwhelmed. So yes, they are being observant, not because they want to, but because they need to.
The media’s portrayal of introverts is also a big reason why it became so associated with being observant. I am sure some of you have seen the Netflix series “Money Heist”. In this series, the professor is the textbook definition of a restrained introvert. It doesn’t take us very long to realise how intricate his mind is. In some ways, he is a classic introvert in some aspects as he doesn’t talk much and avoids eye contact, but still showcases exemplary leadership skills. In the series, he is the “brain” of the team. Although he isn’t out there with his gang carrying out the robbery, his involvement is what helped his gang get through all the hardships. He came up with some of the craziest ideas, but how? By being observant! The professor is frequently seen taking notes on his board throughout the entire series, anticipating the worst-case scenario and coming up with the most creative solutions.
However, most people know that observation skills are important. It assists us in critically evaluating our circumstance, comprehending, drawing well-informed conclusions, and effectively resolving issues. Being observant is a skill that can be gained with a lot of effort and practice. It does not solely rely on whether you are introverted or extroverted. Slowing down your pace would definitely help you, since it’s hard to observe what’s around you when you are always in a rush. It helps you to see everything more clearly. Keeping a journal or even finding a quiet spot where you can sit and reflect on all the details you encountered today would also be helpful.
In conclusion, even widely used terms such as introvert and extrovert are often misunderstood. Although multiple research suggests the correlation between introversion and observance, this is not always the case. It does not mean that it is impossible for extroverts to be observant. While introverts may have a natural inclination towards being observant due to their need to avoid overstimulation, being observant is a skill that can be developed by anyone. Trying to take things at a slower pace, critically assessing your surroundings, and practising observation can lead to better problem-solving and decision-making skills. It is important to recognize that both introverts and extroverts can possess observation skills, and the key is to find the right balance of socialisation and alone time to optimise your personal strengths.
[Written by: Danial. Edited by: Nastassja]