Thanks for your thoughts, Rachel. A quick internet search of “introversion vs. shyness” brings up numerous sites explaining the difference between the two. Of more importance, some will venture to explain why it matters to people like me. By calling me shy, I am being mislabeled as one who feels nervous, uncomfortable, or apprehensive with people (definitions for “shy” I found in every online dictionary I searched). This does me and other introverts who aren’t shy a disservice, not because there is anything shameful in being shy, but because it doesn’t accurately describe who we are. I understand that for many the two words appear to mean the same thing and so they are used as synonyms. (And yes, dictionaries that include “shy” as one of their definitions of introvert, are accurate in that you can be, but are not necessarily, both. For non-shy introverts, this is a significant distinction.) Louis Schmidt of McMaster University wrote, regarding introversion and shyness, “Though in popular media they’re often viewed as the same, we know in the scientific community that conceptually or empirically they’re unrelated.” My thinking was that for this well-written article to be of maximum benefit for readers, it would be helpful to clarify the difference.
KymanFebruary 23, 2015
Excellent article
RachelFebruary 23, 2015
Mary Hall- The dictionary defines introvert as a shy person. Shy and introvert are synonymous in our language. I understand what you mean but the common conception is introvert and shy are one in the same. There are details that may distinguish them, but introvert and shy will always have more similarities in comparison to introvert versus extrovert or shy versus extrovert will.
Ashby D Boyle IIFebruary 18, 2015
It's fitting Dony Osmond should lead off the placement of this article under the article about him.
All I had hoped to say was said before and so much better by the Apostle Paul:
Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one.
Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense.
There is nothing love cannot face;
There is no limit to its faith, its hope, and endurance.
In a word, there are three things that last forever: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of them all is love.
Linda AyreFebruary 16, 2015
I appreciate this article and all the comments. I'm glad Mary Hall added her thoughts because she hit the nail on the head for me. I am an introvert also, but am not at all shy. I think these are two different characteristics.
Layne WestoverFebruary 14, 2015
I especially liked the part that said "shy" people make compassionate counselors (and therefore good and effective leaders).
David ChandlerFebruary 13, 2015
I wonder if this shyness is a reason why so many find it hard to do Home Teaching or make Visiting Teacher visits. I think it is for me.
Ruth KongaikaFebruary 13, 2015
I felt that this article addressed me personally. Thank you!
Mary HallFebruary 13, 2015
This was an interesting article. I would emphasize that there is a difference between introversion and shyness. Current popular books on introversion (i.e. Quiet by Susan Cain) teach that perhaps the number one misconception about introversion is that it's the same as shyness. I view myself as an off-the-chart introvert who immensely enjoys conversing with others (just in smaller groups and with less 'small talk'), I feel, relatively speaking, little anxiety over the many times I've taught or spoken publicly over the years, and I don't dread meeting new people. A shy individual probably couldn't make those statements. By definition they would feel anxiety and discomfort in those situations. I immensely enjoy interaction with others, but in different ways than my extroverted brothers and sisters do. And I absolutely need to 'recharge' in a quiet place after being at large group events whereas extroverts are just warming up. I am a content introvert. I absolutely love people. Just in moderation.
Rich PriceFebruary 13, 2015
Perhaps we need more compassion for those who find it difficult to speak, teach or go visiting; including ourselves. Great read!
Sasha Bill KwapinskiFebruary 13, 2015
When I hear lessons and discussions about missionary work, the underlying subtext that I often seem to detect is: "Thou shalt be an extrovert." As a non-extrovert, I sometimes feel left out, as if shy people have little or nothing to contribute in that regard. Non-extroverts can in fact do much to spread the gospel - posting online videos and comments, writing letters, and distributing pass along cards, are just a few examples.
hollandparkFebruary 13, 2015
Thank you for your efforts to point out in this article that for some, it is seriously emotionally taxing to be social.
Many, who can not imagine what that is like, need to be careful to not make THEIR way of doing things in the Church be insinuated as the RIGHT way or even the Church-approved way--- and that some things, which are fine for some members, are incredibly socially and emotionally taxing/intrusive/invasive/distressing and avoidance-causing for shy or introverted members.
Just because so many in our wards are Narcissistic and court attention (or DEMAND attention) and can't survive without having everyone involved in their lives and their personal business all the time does not mean that ALL Ward members are that way.......
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Mary HallFebruary 24, 2015
Thanks for your thoughts, Rachel. A quick internet search of “introversion vs. shyness” brings up numerous sites explaining the difference between the two. Of more importance, some will venture to explain why it matters to people like me. By calling me shy, I am being mislabeled as one who feels nervous, uncomfortable, or apprehensive with people (definitions for “shy” I found in every online dictionary I searched). This does me and other introverts who aren’t shy a disservice, not because there is anything shameful in being shy, but because it doesn’t accurately describe who we are. I understand that for many the two words appear to mean the same thing and so they are used as synonyms. (And yes, dictionaries that include “shy” as one of their definitions of introvert, are accurate in that you can be, but are not necessarily, both. For non-shy introverts, this is a significant distinction.) Louis Schmidt of McMaster University wrote, regarding introversion and shyness, “Though in popular media they’re often viewed as the same, we know in the scientific community that conceptually or empirically they’re unrelated.” My thinking was that for this well-written article to be of maximum benefit for readers, it would be helpful to clarify the difference.
KymanFebruary 23, 2015
Excellent article
RachelFebruary 23, 2015
Mary Hall- The dictionary defines introvert as a shy person. Shy and introvert are synonymous in our language. I understand what you mean but the common conception is introvert and shy are one in the same. There are details that may distinguish them, but introvert and shy will always have more similarities in comparison to introvert versus extrovert or shy versus extrovert will.
Ashby D Boyle IIFebruary 18, 2015
It's fitting Dony Osmond should lead off the placement of this article under the article about him. All I had hoped to say was said before and so much better by the Apostle Paul: Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense. There is nothing love cannot face; There is no limit to its faith, its hope, and endurance. In a word, there are three things that last forever: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of them all is love.
Linda AyreFebruary 16, 2015
I appreciate this article and all the comments. I'm glad Mary Hall added her thoughts because she hit the nail on the head for me. I am an introvert also, but am not at all shy. I think these are two different characteristics.
Layne WestoverFebruary 14, 2015
I especially liked the part that said "shy" people make compassionate counselors (and therefore good and effective leaders).
David ChandlerFebruary 13, 2015
I wonder if this shyness is a reason why so many find it hard to do Home Teaching or make Visiting Teacher visits. I think it is for me.
Ruth KongaikaFebruary 13, 2015
I felt that this article addressed me personally. Thank you!
Mary HallFebruary 13, 2015
This was an interesting article. I would emphasize that there is a difference between introversion and shyness. Current popular books on introversion (i.e. Quiet by Susan Cain) teach that perhaps the number one misconception about introversion is that it's the same as shyness. I view myself as an off-the-chart introvert who immensely enjoys conversing with others (just in smaller groups and with less 'small talk'), I feel, relatively speaking, little anxiety over the many times I've taught or spoken publicly over the years, and I don't dread meeting new people. A shy individual probably couldn't make those statements. By definition they would feel anxiety and discomfort in those situations. I immensely enjoy interaction with others, but in different ways than my extroverted brothers and sisters do. And I absolutely need to 'recharge' in a quiet place after being at large group events whereas extroverts are just warming up. I am a content introvert. I absolutely love people. Just in moderation.
Rich PriceFebruary 13, 2015
Perhaps we need more compassion for those who find it difficult to speak, teach or go visiting; including ourselves. Great read!
Sasha Bill KwapinskiFebruary 13, 2015
When I hear lessons and discussions about missionary work, the underlying subtext that I often seem to detect is: "Thou shalt be an extrovert." As a non-extrovert, I sometimes feel left out, as if shy people have little or nothing to contribute in that regard. Non-extroverts can in fact do much to spread the gospel - posting online videos and comments, writing letters, and distributing pass along cards, are just a few examples.
hollandparkFebruary 13, 2015
Thank you for your efforts to point out in this article that for some, it is seriously emotionally taxing to be social. Many, who can not imagine what that is like, need to be careful to not make THEIR way of doing things in the Church be insinuated as the RIGHT way or even the Church-approved way--- and that some things, which are fine for some members, are incredibly socially and emotionally taxing/intrusive/invasive/distressing and avoidance-causing for shy or introverted members. Just because so many in our wards are Narcissistic and court attention (or DEMAND attention) and can't survive without having everyone involved in their lives and their personal business all the time does not mean that ALL Ward members are that way.......
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