People who express themselves better through writing than speaking usually display these 7 traits, says psychology

For years, I struggled to articulate my thoughts vocally. Sure, you know the feeling:

– Stumbling over words

– Racing thoughts mid-conversation

– Anxiety about not being understood.

In social situations, I used to be that guy. The quiet one who would rather listen than speak, fearing I would say something out of place or not be able to express my ideas adequately.

I’m a self-confessed psychology enthusiast and a few years ago, I was just a guy with a lot of thoughts, but not enough words to express them.

It was frustrating, to say the least. Constantly feeling misunderstood, or worse, disregarded because I couldn’t get my points across as eloquently as others.

Then, I stumbled upon a fascinating field of psychology that highlighted something intriguing: some people are simply better at expressing themselves through writing than speaking.

And more than that, these individuals share 7 common traits that make them unique.

In this article, let’s delve into these traits. For those of you who might feel more at home with a pen in hand than under the spotlight, this might be the validation and understanding you’ve been seeking.

Let’s begin.

1) They are introspective

The first trait that I noticed is introspection.

People who express themselves better through writing are often deeply introspective.

This means they spend a lot of time in their own heads, exploring their thoughts and feelings. This might sound familiar, especially if you’re someone who often finds themselves lost in thought.

It’s this depth of thought that makes their written communication so rich and detailed.

They have a unique ability to delve into their minds, dissect their thoughts, and present them on paper in a way that others can understand and relate to.

But here’s the thing: this introspection isn’t always voluntary. Often, it’s a product of feeling misunderstood or overlooked in verbal conversations.

Writing becomes their refuge, an outlet where they can fully express themselves without fear of being misinterpreted.

If you find yourself gravitating towards writing as a means of self-expression, consider this as a sign of your introspective nature.

Embrace it, cherish it, and use it to connect with others on a deeper level than most people can achieve through spoken words alone.

2) They are excellent listeners

The second trait that stands out is their ability to listen.

Ironically, as someone who felt more comfortable expressing through writing, I found myself often in the role of a listener – and I was surprisingly good at it.

During conversations, while others were busy formulating responses or waiting for their turn to speak, I was absorbing every word, every nuance. It was as if the world around me slowed down, allowing me to truly hear what was being said.

And this is a common trait among people who express themselves better through writing. They tend to be excellent listeners, often because they spend less time speaking themselves.

Famous psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good.”

And as a writer and listener, I’ve found that those moments of truly hearing someone can be transformed into powerful written words that resonate deeply with others.

So if you find yourself being the ‘listener’ more often than not, recognize it as your strength. It’s this ability that makes your written words so profound and impactful.

3) They have a heightened sense of empathy

The third trait is one that I hold particularly close to my heart: empathy.

I’ve always felt things deeply, whether it was my own feelings or those of people around me. I could pick up on subtle shifts in moods, unspoken words, and silent cries for help.

This heightened sense of empathy often left me feeling overwhelmed, especially in social situations.

But then I realized something powerful. This empathy wasn’t a burden; it was a gift. It allowed me to understand people on a deeper level and express that understanding through my writing.

And this is a common thread among people who express themselves better through writing than speaking.

Their heightened sense of empathy allows them to capture emotions and experiences with an accuracy that resonates with readers.

So if you find yourself deeply affected by the emotions of others or often feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, remember this: your empathy is a gift.

It’s what makes your words touch hearts and change lives.

4) They are more likely to be introverted

The fourth trait is introversion.

As an introvert myself, I’ve always found solace in my own company. Large social gatherings and constant interactions would leave me feeling drained. I needed time alone to recharge, to process my thoughts and emotions.

This inclination towards solitude is a common trait among people who express themselves better through writing than speaking.

A study conducted by the University of Maryland found that introverts are more likely to prefer written communication over verbal.

The researchers suggest that written communication allows introverts to control their interactions, reducing the stress associated with spontaneous social situations.

So if you find yourself needing time alone to recharge and prefer writing over speaking, embrace your introverted nature.

It’s this preference for solitude that provides the perfect environment for introspection and creativity, allowing your written words to truly shine.

5) They value deep and meaningful connections

The fifth trait that stands out is the preference for deep and meaningful connections.

Being someone who expresses themselves better through writing, I’ve always cherished the depth and authenticity of the connections I make. Superficial chatter and small talk never quite cut it for me.

I believe this stems from the fact that writing, by its very nature, is a deeply personal and introspective act. It allows us to delve into our thoughts and feelings, exploring the depths of our being.

This level of self-awareness often translates into our relationships as well, making us crave connections that are genuine and profound.

So if you find yourself yearning for deeper connections and meaningful conversations, know that it’s a reflection of your ability to express yourself through writing.

It’s this yearning that adds depth to your words, making them resonate with readers on a deeply personal level.

6) They are often self-reflective

The sixth trait that I’ve noticed in those who express themselves better through writing is a tendency to be self-reflective.

Throughout my life, I’ve spent countless hours reflecting on my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This self-reflection has not only helped me understand myself better but also enriched my writing.

I remember the famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

And this rings true for those who express themselves better through writing.

The process of writing itself encourages introspection and self-reflection. It’s like looking into a mirror, only this one reflects the depths of your soul.

So if you find yourself often immersed in self-reflection, appreciate this quality.

It’s this introspective nature that brings depth and authenticity to your writing, allowing you to connect with readers on a more personal level.

7) They thrive in solitude

The seventh and final trait might seem counterintuitive: an affinity for solitude.

I remember when I first realized my propensity for writing over speaking. My friends would be out socializing, while I preferred to stay home, lost in my world of words. It was in these moments of solitude that I found my voice.

Now, this might seem contrary to the popular belief that writers are lonely or isolated. But the reality is quite the opposite. Solitude isn’t about being alone; it’s about being comfortable with oneself. It’s about enjoying one’s own company.

And for those of us who express ourselves better through writing, solitude is where we thrive. It’s our sanctuary, our creative playground.

Renowned psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi once said, “Flow is being completely involved in an activity for its own sake…Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost.”

And that’s what solitude does for us writers. It allows us to enter a state of ‘flow’, where our thoughts and words align perfectly, allowing us to create something meaningful.

So if you find yourself enjoying your own company and thriving in solitude, don’t see it as a negative. Embrace it and use it as your creative fuel.

A practical tip? Schedule some ‘solitude time’ into your daily routine.

Even if it’s just 15 minutes a day, use this time to connect with yourself and let your thoughts flow onto paper. You’ll be amazed at what you can create when you give yourself the space to do so.

Conclusion

Understanding these traits can not only help you understand yourself better but also help you harness your strengths and navigate your challenges more effectively.

Here’s my final piece of advice:

Embrace who you are. If you express yourself better through writing than speaking, that’s perfectly okay. In fact, it’s more than okay; it’s a unique strength.

Use your writing as a tool for self-expression, self-exploration, and connection. Write daily, even if it’s just a few lines. Use words to paint your thoughts, your feelings, your dreams.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to express yourself. It’s all about finding what works for you and honoring that. So go ahead, pick up that pen or open up that laptop, and let your words flow.

After all, the world needs more people who can express their innermost thoughts and feelings with such depth and authenticity. And who knows? You might just inspire someone else along the way.