World Introvert Day Date in the current year: January 2, 2024

The terms extroversion (also spelled extraversion) and introversion were first introduced by the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung, who defined extroversion as focus on the outside world and introversion as focus on the internal world. He likened extroverts to Dionysus and introverts to Apollo.

The definition of extroversion and introversion in modern psychology is somewhat different. Extroverts thrive off human interactions which give them gratification, whereas introverts are more likely to enjoy time spent alone than time spent around other people.

In general, extroverts are more talkative, gregarious, assertive, and enthusiastic than introverts, whereas introverts are more reserved. However, contrary to a common misconception, introversion does not equal shyness or social awkwardness. Most introverts are perfectly capable of attending large social gatherings and socializing; they simply prefer a quieter environment and need more time to recharge after being around other people than extroverts.

Although extroversion and introversion are variants of the norm, extroversion is perceived as more socially desirable in Western culture. Because of this, introverts often face challenges that stem from existing in extroverts dominated society. They are often perceived as timid, aloof, arrogant, and closed off, which isn’t true. They just work differently and take more time to warm up to new people.

According to research, introverts are less equipped to handle stress than extroverts, are more susceptible to burnout, and are subject to a higher risk of depression and affective disorders than extroverts. The interpersonal relationships of introverts often suffer because of their need for withdrawal in order to recharge, which their extroverted friends or romantic partners may perceive as indifference and a lack of affection.

World Introvert Day was initiated in 2011 by Felicitas Heyne, a psychologist and author who published a blog post calling for a day for introverts, a misunderstood minority in the world dominated by extroverts. She suggested that World Introvert Day be celebrated on January 2 because it is the first day after the winter holiday season that starts on Christmas and lasts until New Year.

On this day, introverts across the globe finally get a chance to relax and recharge in solitude after days filled with family gatherings, parties, and other activities that require socializing. If you’re an introvert, spend the day alone, reading your favorite book, meditating, or doing whatever you prefer to do to recharge. If you’re an extrovert, the best way to acknowledge World Introvert Day is to read about what it means to be an introvert to better understand introverted people and their boundaries.