Domain Strengths
Every person must fall on one side of the spectrum or the other for Traits. There is no such thing as a half-Introvert half-Extravert. But they will not necessarily hold all the Strengths of that Trait. Strengths are the Subfactors of Traits, and there are 9 of them for each Trait: 3 for each Factor, or Domain, with 3 Domains per Trait. In fact, it is highly irregular for a person to be found an Extravert in possession of all 9 Extraverts Strengths. To be considered to possess a Strength, a person must answer enough relevant questions with a certain degree of identity.
Who has them?
Currently, an average answer of 21% or higher from the neutral line is considered significant. When a person reports that each of the items of a particular Strength apply to them significantly, they are said to have that Strength. An Extravert may possess all, some, or none of the Extravert Strengths. They may also possess zero, one, or more Introvert Strengths. An Extravert cannot, however, have all the Introvert Strengths.
Familiarization
The first Introversion Factor, or Domain, is Familiarization. Unlike Extraverts, Introverts see the world as a hostile place. To protect against it, they have developed strategies that allow them to conserve their energy while maximizing the resources they have close at hand. This involves investing time and energy into their closest relationships while avoiding new ones, improving their skill in one or two activities, and amassing knowledge about specific subjects of interest. The following are the Strengths of Familiarization.
Limiting Relationships
Introverts are so selective about their friends they can usually count all of them on one hand. They shower their resources on only a few friends, strengthening bonds, creating powerful positive memories, and ensuring a friendly reception in the future when unexpected needs arise. Introverts may not be very expressive, but what they lack in showmanship they make up for in sincerity and genuine good-will. Years apart will not sever these relationships, nor significant personal differences. That said, losing a friend is harder for Introverts, akin to the loss of immediate family, because when that person goes, they take a part of the Introvert with them.
Pensiveness
In this context, being Pensive involves participating in activities where there is less stimulation than what Extraverts typically enjoy. Pensive activities can involve a lot of thought, but even those ones that don’t will leave Introverts pondering about them when they aren’t doing them. These may include anything from reading, doing puzzles, and crocheting to shooting, rock climbing, and fishing. They like anything that involves short bursts of intense energy, or that lets them set their energy consumption to a low burn, allowing them to be productive or engaged while avoiding burnout. Introverts prefer to focus on just a few things, which allows them to get really good at a handful of activities, rather than being marginally experienced with a great number.
Centralized Learning
In order to be prepared, to reduce loneliness, and to add meaning to their lives, Introverts will gravitate toward an area of study early in life and latch on. For many Introverts, their identity becomes tied in with the subject. Many Introverts find it difficult to respect anyone who doesn’t know the most basic facts of their field. Not all Introverts are equally centralized; some spread their interests a bit more than others, though there is often a central theme that unites them all. When you need a lot of knowledge about a specific subject, especially one that is abstruse or tangential, what you are looking for is an Introvert, one who has made it their life’s purpose to know all about that subject.
Our Strengths Can Benefit Others
The Familiarization Domain encompasses Strengths that are essential for human happiness and prosperity. They make relationships more meaningful and provide specialized skills and knowledge that can benefit society at every level. Perhaps you or someone you know has one of these Strengths? You can start by taking the Trait Spectrum test. Then get your friends to take it, and see how similar, and how different, you each are!