Empath, Introvert, Highly Sensitive, WTH? Introvert: (Part 2 of a 3 Part Series)

In last week's column, I spoke about 3 labels that have been used interchangeably and often incorrectly, a lot lately.

The words are empath, introvert and highly-sensitive. Last week I discussed what an empath is and isn't. This week I will do the same for the word "introvert".

Going back to our friend, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

The definition of an introvert is: "a person whose personality is characterized by introversion: a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone."

It goes on to note: "Introverts are typically more comfortable interacting with small groups of people rather than large groups (as at parties). The psychologist Carl Gustav Jung first introduced the terms introvert, introversion, extrovert, and extroversion in the early 1900s to describe personality types that focus a person's energy on either the inner or outer world."

Additionally "The terms introvert and extrovert have since become widely popularized, with introvert often broadly used to mean "a quiet or shy person."

I think the very last sentence about the modern adaptation of the word "introvert" is where things start getting confusing and muddled.

I, for one, am an introspective person who thrives on alone time. However throw in the words, "quiet, reserved and shy" and you lose me.

This grey area is so common that a new label had been created, "The extroverted-introvert".

Pardon? Come again?

In an article in "Science of People", they refer to the "extroverted-introvert" as being "an ambivert". That is, "Someone who exhibits qualities of both introversion and extroversion, and can flip into either depending on their mood, context, and goals."

The article goes on to explain that like many behaviors, traits and characteristics, there is a broad spectrum.

So what kind of "vert" are you? If you are like me, at this point, a very confused one.

What does being an introvert have to do with last week's conversation about being an empath? How does being "highly sensitive" fit into all of this? Why does any of this matter? DOES any of this matter?

Questions to ponder until next week's column, "Empath, Introvert, Highly Sensitive, WTH? Highly Sensitive: (Part 3 of a 3 Part Series)

'Til then my friends. (Tipping my hat)