Product Description

At least one out of four people prefers to avoid the limelight, tends to listen more than they speak, feels alone in large groups, and requires lots of private time to restore their energy. They're introverts, and here is the book to help them boost their confidence while learning strategies for successfully living in an extrovert world.

After dispelling common myths about introverts-they're not necessarily shy, aloof, or antisocial--The Introvert Advantage explains the real issues. Introverts are hardwired from birth to focus inward, so outside stimulation-chitchat, phone calls, parties, office meetings-can easily become "too much."

The Introvert Advantage dispels introverts' belief that something is wrong with them and instead helps them recognize their inner strengths-their analytical skills, ability to think outside the box, and strong powers of concentration. It helps readers understand introversion and shows them how to determine where they fall on the introvert/extrovert continuum. It provides tools to improve relationships with partners, kids, colleagues, and friends, offering dozens of tips, including 10 ways to talk less and communicate more, 8 ways to showcase your abilities at work, how to take a child's temperament temperature, and strategies for socializing. Finally, it shows how to not just survive, but thrive-how to take advantage of the introvert's special qualities to create a life that's just right for the introvert temperament, to discover new ways to expand their energy reserves, and even how, when necessary, to confidently become a temporary extrovert.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3243 in Books
• Published on: 2002-02-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 330 pages

Paul D. Tieger, co-author of Do What You Are
"Filled with Aha! moments of recognition, Dr. Laney's book will help millions of introverts . . ."

Dr. Bernardo J. Carducci, author of Shyness: A Bold New Approach
"Its clear, step-by-step advice will help introverts recognize and capitalize on their unique strengths."

About the Author
Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D., is a researcher, educator, author, and psychotherapist. One of America’s foremost authorities on introversion, she speaks and leads workshops on the topic in the United States and Canada. She and her extroverted husband have two grown daughters and four grandchildren. They live in Portland, Oregon.

Customer Reviews

You're not alone (even if you want to be)
Since this book has been reviewed so many times already, I won't go into detail. Besides, I loaned my copy to one of my eighth grade students, (who, to this book's credit, says it is really helping her figure herself out and improve her self-esteem,) so I can't quote any details.

I just wanted to note that, as an introvert, although I found it nice to have many of my feelings validated, this book often makes introverts seem pathetic. Yes, introverts get their "energy" from solitary activities more than from socializing, and yes, parties often take a lot out of us. But the author constantly makes reference to things that make introverts feel "pooped out" and suggests all sorts of self-care techniques so we can nurture ourselves and preserve our "low energy." Firstly, I think that there is a big difference between not enjoying many social situations and finding them tiresome and actually being tired out by them. Even for those occasions when a social situation is overstimulating, which I have experienced, it doesn't make me want to lie on the couch! It just makes me want to do something else! I have taken the Meyers-Briggs type tests, so I am familiar with the concept of "where you get your energy from," and I think the author of this book takes that word too literally. I think it means something more like inspiration and motivation.

However, there were good points about this book, chief of which is that in a culture (and a world) in which hanging out and socializing is the norm, it's important to note that quite a few of us, while loving the people in our lives, need more alone time than others.

The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World
An excellent must have for every introvert -- and extrovert. Extroverts learn why they push those buttons, introverts learn we are "ok" and "normal" and how to best handle those situations where we are pushed to the limit.

This book improved my self-esteem.
I wish I had read this book in high school. My teenage years did nothing to help my sense of self-worth, as I was always made to feel weird, different and somewhat abnormal, because I didn't fit the stereotypical mould of how a teenager should act. I hated parties and found teenage friendships too superficial to devote any of my time to.

As I entered my adult years, like many examples that the author illustrates, I began to question my mental health, and wondered if I had some kind of psychological illness that could account for all of my "flaws". I was especially confused by my need to be alone to recharge, and was sure I must have a mental illness to feel drained in social situations.

Thank God for Laney's book! It has eliminated the false assumption that because I am quiet and drained by social interactions, I must have a disorder. This book has given me the freedom to say, "There is nothing wrong with me, I'm introverted!" What a relief!

I found the chapters about neurochemistry to be boring and reluctantly suffered through them, but the rest of the book is gold. Her practical suggestions are very helpful - I have now identified a barely used, lockable room at work where I can go and hide on my tea breaks, if I'm feeling overwhelmed by stimulus.

Since reading this book my health has improved. Armed with the skills to maintain my energy, and recognise when my energy is running low, I no longer run my life like a marathon, pushing myself past the point of exhaustion. When I feel my energy is draining, I schedule a break. I used to be constantly exhausted, now I have much more stamina.

The book has also helped me to understand the extroverts in my life. I can now see that those compact conversations that annoy me so much, provide hap-hits for extroverts. I can see myself through their eyes and now I understand why they get the impression that introverts are "withholding" hap-hits when we don't engage in those quick conversations.

I like the real life examples she uses throughout the book.

The most important thing I can say, is that this book has helped me make sense of myself and has validated my experience. Laney has given me the confidence to be myself, and the ability to accept myself as I am. I no longer think I'm an abnormal person, or suspect I have a mental illness. I'm normal, and proud to be an introvert.

To anyone who has been made to feel like an outcast for not being extroverted enough, this book is for you!


Thank you Laney, for changing my life.