Even though our culture still favors the extroverts, I find it to be easier navigating in the world as an introvert. And it makes my heart sing that my introverted son gets to grow up without having to adjust as much as I had to. He gets to focus on his desires and strengths.

The great benefits of being an introvert don't come from faking extroversion. They come from honoring yourself, knowing what's best for you, and living that as much as possible. Be true to yourself and you'll find being an introvert is not nearly as bad as it's made out to be.

Some of our greatest ideas, art, and inventions -- from the theory of evolution to van Gogh's sunflowers to the personal computer -- came from quiet and cerebral people who knew how to tune in to their inner worlds and the treasures to be found there.

QUESTION Dear Irene, I have never been the type to initiate friendships, although I can usually guess pretty accurately whether I'll end up being fr...

Losing friends can be particularly difficult for introverts because we don't surround ourselves with people. We prefer a few intimate friends to lots of less-intense friendships.

I live in the most ordinary American household - I live alone. Knock on any door in the nation and you are more likely to find a household like mine t...