The Difference Between Being Shy And Introverted

Clear Differences Between Shy And Introverted Personalities

Ever wondered about the fine line between being shy and introverted? Let’s unravel 7 key differences, shedding light on the unique aspects of these personality traits!

More often than not, introversion and shyness are confused to be the same thing. But the actual truth is that there are some fundamental differences between being introverted and being shy, and should never be used synonymously.

An introvert enjoys solitude and feels drained if there is too much interaction with others, whereas a shy person doesn’t really want to be alone, but feels intimidated when it comes to interacting and engaging with other people.

Take, for instance, two children in a classroom, one is an introvert and the other one is shy. The classroom teacher has organized an activity for all the children.

The introverted child prefers to stay seated at their desk, and maybe read a book because they find it enormously stressful socializing with the other kids. The shy child, on the other hand, wants to engage with the other children but is too scared to do so.

Now that you know the underlying difference between an introverted person and a shy person, let’s take a deeper look into their differences.

Related: 3 Common Myths About Introversion And The Truth Behind Them

The Difference Between Shy And Introverted Personalities

1. Alone Time Holds Different Meanings For Them.

Difference Between Shy And Introverted Personalities

Introverted: For introverts, there is almost nothing as good and exciting as alone time. Whenever they get to be alone, and by themselves, they feel happy, energized, and rejuvenated.

The solitude and alone time recharges their batteries and makes them feel at peace with themselves and their surroundings. Simply reading a book, watching their favorite movie, or just lazing around makes them feel oh-so-amazing!

Shy: Shy people on the other hand don’t always like to spend time alone. Deep down inside they want to go out with other people, socialize with them and have fun, but their inherent shyness stops them from doing so.

The deep-seated fear of interacting with other people, most of the time stops them from doing what they truly want. So, alone time for them is not as amazing as it is for an introvert.

2. Their Approach To Social Interactions Are Not The Same.

Being Introverted Being Shy Not Same social

Introverted: When it comes to social engagements and social interactions, it’s nothing short of a nightmare for introverts. Small talk, surrounded by too many people, loud noises, and the constant need to talk to people, makes them feel emotionally, mentally and even physically drained.

An introverted person would any day prefer to socialize in a small group that consists of people they know and trust and are close to.

Shy: Shy people don’t necessarily have a problem with social interactions, or with a lot of people around them.

The problem is they get very frustrated because they want to mingle with people and interact with them, but find it very hard to break out of their shells to do so. The thought of going up to someone and initiating a conversation makes them anxious and jittery.

Related: 24 Signs That Show You’re An Introvert And Not Just Shy

3. They Have Different Reasons For Being Quiet.

Being Introverted Being Shy Not Same quiet

Introverted: Introverts don’t feel comfortable in large groups, and don’t like talking amongst a ton of people. But whenever they get to be in small groups, and with people they know and trust they thrive and open up. They feel way more comfortable in smaller settings, and that is why they tend to talk more. But when it comes to big crowds, they stay quiet.

Shy: Shy people have a lot going on in their minds, and they think about many things and have many strong opinions, but their shyness forces them to stay quiet most of the time. No matter how much they might want to express their views and opinions, they feel intimidated to do so.

4. Starting Conversations Is Not Always The Same Ballgame.

Being Introverted Being Shy Not Same conversations

Introverted: An interesting thing about introverts is that they are perfectly capable of initiating conversations, but they rarely ever do so.

Initiating a conversation means the limelight and everyone’s eyes will be on them, and that is something they don’t really feel comfortable with. It is only in rare situations would you find an introverted person starting conversations all by themselves.

Shy: The thing with shy people is that they like interacting with other people, even strangers, but they want the other person to approach them and initiate a conversation.

This does not stem from arrogance or a high-handed attitude, it’s just that they feel a bit intimidated with the prospect of going up to someone and just start talking.

5. They Have Different Ways Of Having Conversations.

Being Introverted Being Shy Not Same conversations having

Introverted: Introverts are famous for hating small talk, and it is truly something they run from. They would any day choose to have deep conversations, and conversations that will help them know a person inside out.

Talking about the weather is not really their cup of tea, but talking about dreams, goals, mindsets, and how a person truly is on the inside – now that’s something an introvert always looks forward to.

Shy: Shy people, on the other hand, don’t find it particularly pleasing to express themselves by speaking their minds.

Even if they have something major to say, they would much rather be quiet, than verbally express what is on their mind. Speaking their mind openly is a bit of a challenge for them.

Related: 19 Signs You’re an Introvert in a Loud World

6. Public Speaking Brings Out Different Reactions In Them.

Being Introverted Being Shy Not Same conversations public speaking

Introverted: Now, introverted people might not talk much in bigger settings nor do they always look to express their opinions everywhere they go. But interestingly, when it comes to public speaking they are sometimes the best people to go for.

Introverts are sometimes even better speakers than extroverts and ambiverts, and that is because they are skilled at structuring their speeches and words in such a way, that it draws energy from their audience.

Shy: Shy people on the other hand don’t do so well with public speaking. The moment they are put on a stage and are expected to speak in front of hundreds of people, they start sweating profusely, get tensed up a lot, and have flushed faces.

The whole prospect of standing up there and talking in front of that many people is enough to make them panic.

7. Their Party Personalities Are Different.

Being Introverted Being Shy Not Same conversations public party
Shy Vs Introverted: Difference Between Introversion And Shyness

Introverted: Introverts are often mistaken as shy people at parties because they don’t exhibit many facial expressions.

You will normally find them in the corner of the room, quietly observing and analyzing everyone with a poker face. They are not the most animated and expressive people when they are at a party.

Shy: Whenever you put a shy person in an unfamiliar situation, they will feel enormously uncomfortable. Being surrounded by people they don’t know scares them and makes them feel out of place. Being in a party where they hardly know anyone is a sure-shot way of feeling awkward and uneasy.

Related: This Test Can Reveal Whether You’re Shy, Introverted, Antisocial, Or Just Hate People

So, now you know the differences between an introverted person and a shy person, and why it’s totally unfair to consider them to be the same. Which one are you – the introverted one, or the shy one? Let us know in the comments down below!


Differences Introverted Shy Person pin
Shy Vs Introverted: Difference Between Introversion And Shyness
differences between shy and introvert pin
Difference Between Shy And Introverted Personalities
differences between shy and introvert
Shy Vs Introverted: The Difference Between Shy And Introverted Person
differences between shy and normal people pin
Shy Vs Introverted: Difference Between Introversion And Shyness
shy vs introverted

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply



Up Next

The 8 Most Introverted MBTI Personality Types: Ranked From Most To Least

Most Introverted MBTI Personality Types: Most To Least

The MBTI personality types have always intrigued people, especially introverted people (I know because I am one!). Today we are going to talk about the most introverted MBTI personality types, and better still, we are going to rank them as per their level of introversion.

Let’s explore the most introverted personality types in the MBTI universe, and find out the secrets of these introverted people who find peace within their own selves and who flourish in their quiet worlds. Let’s get started, shall we?

Related:



Up Next

Supercharge Your Social Energy: The Ultimate Guide On How To Recharge Social Battery

Pro Tips On How To Recharge Social Battery And Revitalize

Do you find yourself mentally and emotionally drained after being around people, even if you like them? Do you often feel the need to rejuvenate yourself by spending some time alone? This happens when your ‘social battery’ is running low. What is a social battery and how to recharge social battery? Let’s find out.

What does Social Battery Actually Mean?

The idea of social battery refers to an individual’s ability to engage socially



Up Next

Why Introvert Extrovert Couples Make Great Parents: 8 Compelling Reasons

Reasons Introvert Extrovert Couples Make Great Parents

You know why introvert extrovert couples make great parents? They’re the perfect combination of yin and yang. Introvert extrovert couples work really well because where one person lacks, the other makes up in spades. And this approach reflects in their parenting skills as well. They have different ways of looking at things, and they give the best of both worlds to their children.

In this article, we are going to explore some of the major reasons why introvert extrovert couples make a powerful team when it comes to the battle of parenting their children.

So, if you are someone who is in an introvert and extrov



Up Next

The Introvert’s Guide To Confidence: How To Be A Confident Introvert

How To Be A Confident Introvert: A Step Guide

A confident introvert? Is that even a thing? Aren’t introverts supposed to be shy and meek? Well, no! Introverts can be highly confident, it’s just that the confidence introverts have is very different from that of extroverts. While they may still be shy and socially awkward, introverts can still be immensely confident in their abilities and skills. 

If you are an introvert, I am sure you have often preferred the solitude of being alone in the corner of a room than seeking attention in a party or in large crowds. I am sure you have felt misunderstood as people confused your peaceful and reserved nature for shyness or lack of confidence.

This is the story of most introverts. But does that mean introverts aren’t typically confident? Can introverts be confident? And how to be a confident introvert? We are going to explore all that a



Up Next

5 Reasons Why Introverts Go To Bed Early While Extroverts Stay Up

Reasons Why Introverts Go To Bed Early (Even If They're Not Sleepy)

Do you ever feel like the best part of your day is slipping into those comfy sheets early? Well, you’re not alone! Explore the five reasons behind why introverts go to bed early.

I know I’m not alone on this but bedtime isn’t just sleep for introverts. It’s the escape from a world of complete chaos. And diving into an early night isn’t something we regret — it’s a sweet haven that we secretly enjoy.

Sleeping early is a foreign concept to extroverts. The idea of it is ridiculous. “Why would I ever want to sleep so early when there’s always so much stuff going on?” They know that sleep is necessary, but they don’t want to get any.



Up Next

Thinking Of Going On An ‘Introvert Vacation’? 10 Offbeat Travel Destinations For Introverts

Introvert Vacation? 10 Unusual Destinations For Introverts

If when thinking about a vacation, your mind easily goes to crowded places, the constant noise of traffic, and large gatherings then you have come to the right place. I understand that you just want an escape from all the noise and recharge your introvert batteries in peace, AKA, go on an ‘introvert vacation’.

Imagine this: a vacation tailor-made for you, the quiet connoisseur, and the master of comfortable silence. A peaceful escape where the only thing louder than your thoughts are the rustling of leaves. The only gathering being with snow and ice.

If you’re ready to swap attractions for sanctuaries and small talk for the sound of nature join us on this journey. Hop on one of these 10 interesting travel destinations for introverts and embrace your inner explorer.



Up Next

60+ Funniest Introvert Jokes and Puns for the Masters of Silence

Introvert Jokes And Puns: Humor For The Reserved Souls

On World Introvert Day, let’s step into the funny world of introverts, where laughing your heart out is everything, but socializing? Whooff…a nightmare! We have compiled over 60 hilariously relatable introvert puns and introvert jokes that will make even the most serious introvert laugh out loud!

From avoiding small talk with strangers to the awkward “introvert hello” (a subtle nod), these jokes celebrate the quirks and joys of introverted life. So, whether you’re an introvert looking for a laugh or an extrovert trying to understand your introverted pals, buckle up, because it’s time for some funny introvert jokes and play on word puns.