1. Others perceive you as being a good listener.

It isn’t a bad thing to be quiet, laid-back or reserved; others often recognize that these qualities make you trustworthy. When people feel like they can come to you with issues close to their heart, you gain a reputation of being kind and dependable.

2. Observing people is fascinating!

Sometimes it’s best to take a step back and observe your surroundings instead of participating. You can learn more about others through observation, but you can also gain more insight about the structure of society and how others interact. It makes you a great sociologist!

3. You learn traits like compassion, introspection and creativity.

Introverts are often dreamers and deep-thinkers. You may be more sensitive than others, but this often allows you to develop characteristics that lead to you help others, think deeply about your role in the world and become proficient in drawing, music or writing.

4. You might only have a few close relationships, but they are all incredibly meaningful.

With introversion often comes shyness, but even if you’re too nervous to form friendships with everyone you meet, you can still foster wonderful relationships with a few close friends. These friends often become life-long confidants with whom you can reconnect instantly, no matter how long it’s been since the last time you’ve talked.

5. You become your own closest friend.

Maybe you spend more time alone than others, but that isn’t a bad thing. You can immerse yourself in a television show, write a story that’s been running through your mind for months or reread your favorite book from when you were younger. By “hanging out” with yourself, you begin to enjoy your own company and learn how to love yourself. It becomes a form of self-care!