This blog is dedicated to introverts, highly sensitive people and people with social anxiety, but is it the same thing? In case you don’t know, I’ll tell you in advance, it’s not the same but neither are they exclusive or contradictory terms.
The truth is that I am an HSP, an introvert and I have social anxiety (quite controlled today) and that is why it is easy for me to write about these terms simultaneously.
However, I understand that not all of you who read the blog will be both. That is why in today’s post I want to explain the differences between being a highly sensitive person and being an introvert. I thought it was a good idea to cover this topic, because if you are an introvert and HSP, learning the difference can help you better understand what you need in a given situation and why you need it.
Recommended reading: >>Daily routines for HSPs
Introverts vs. highly sensitive people
In short, an introvert is someone who recharges when alone. They like to socialize but prefer smaller groups when they do. They need more time to recharge, think things deeper than an extrovert.
Being a highly sensitive person is a term for those who are believed to have increased central nervous system sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli.
For introverts, the starting point is inside: that’s where they get their energy and that’s also where they return to when they run out of it. They have to process external stimuli before responding to them. In general, they are more sensitive than an extrovert: they are easily overstimulated, because their brains need less dopamine (the happiness hormone) than an extrovert. As a result, you have less need for social contact and prefer to avoid conflict.
High sensitivity, on the other hand, is a neurological phenomenon. As an HSP, you process stimuli very deeply, making all kinds of connections.
Main differences
- HSPs have more difficulty adapting to change than an introverted person alone.
- HSPs can become overstimulated even in an environment where they are not socializing. This is because they not only react to social stimuli, but sensory ones as well.
- A HSP person may be extroverted. It is impossible to be an extrovert and an introvert at the same time.
- Highly sensitive people have a greater reaction to environmental changes such as cold, smell, noise, etc.
Similarities
- Both personality types have a preference for being alone having been in contact with the outside world.
- HSPs and introverts often feel misunderstood.
- They are both thoughtful and analyze things deeply.
- Both types will be labeled as quiet or reserved (sometimes wrongly).
- They are genetic.
Recommended reading: >>What type of HSP are you?
Frequently asked questions about sensitivity
Can a highly sensitive person be an extrovert?
Yes, and that is because Introversion/Extroversion and HSPs are two different character distinctions.
And while most HSPs are introverts, 30% are said to be extroverts. This means that it is possible to be someone who gets energy from being around others, but also feels overwhelmed and drained if you are in a highly stimulating environment for too long. Until extraverted HSPs understand these two aspects, they may feel like they are in a tug-of-war with themselves. They may struggle with wanting to go out and then wanting to go home before their other outgoing friends do, coming to think of themselves as introverts.
We talk a lot about introverts being a minority on this blog, but of course highly sensitive and extroverted people definitely share some of our misunderstood and underrepresented struggles.
Are all introverts sensitive?
Not necessarily. The truth is that you can be an introvert and not be very sensitive. In other words, you may have a tendency to be alone and need to clear your mind after social interactions, but not be a sensitive person in terms of external stimuli (light, noise, hustle and bustle…). It can also mean being less stressed by certain types of stimulation, such as time pressure, violent movie scenes, repetitive noises, etc.
Is it bad to be an introvert or HSP?
No, all personality traits exist for a reason. Introversion, and high sensitivity are valuable traits. And the human species does better when we have a diverse population with many different perspectives. It all depends on the situations you find yourself in and how well you learn to use the natural strengths of your personality.
Are you like me a highly sensitive and introverted person? Let me know in the comments!!⬇⬇💬
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