The Difference Between Introverts, Empaths, and Highly Sensitive People
Introverts, empaths, and highly sensitive people share some traits, but they’re not the same. Here’s how to tell which one(s) you are.
People often lump introverts, empaths, and highly sensitive people together. While they do share some similar traits, each is different. So, what’s the difference — and do you see yourself fitting into one (or more!) of these categories? Let’s take a look.
Introverts
There’s been a lot of awareness-raising about introverts lately, and most people now understand that being an introvert doesn’t necessarily mean you’re shy or antisocial. In fact, many introverts are social people who love spending time with a few close friends. But introverts tend to get drained quickly in those situations and need plenty of alone time to recharge their energy. That’s why introverts often prefer to stay in or spend time with just one or two people rather than a big group.
Being an introvert is genetic, and it involves differences in how the brain processes dopamine, the “reward” chemical. People who are born as introverts simply don’t feel as rewarded by external stimulation, such as parties or chitchat — and as a result, they get worn out in those situations relatively quickly. On the other hand, many introverts draw deep satisfaction from meaningful activities like reading, creative hobbies, and quiet contemplation.
If you’re a highly sensitive person (HSP), you’re much more likely to be an introvert than an extrovert. According to Jenn Granneman in her book Sensitive, she estimates that about 70 percent of highly sensitive people are also introverts — so it makes sense why the two are often confused. A highly sensitive introvert may come across as very observant, caring, emotional, and able to read others well — even though people exhaust them!
Nevertheless, you can be an introvert without being highly sensitive. This might look like being less “in tune” with other people, because for sensitive people, the brightest thing on their radar is often other people. It may also mean being less affected by certain types of stimulation, such as time pressure, violent movie scenes, or repetitive noises — even though you still need plenty of alone time.
Additionally:
- About 30 to 50 percent of the population are introverts.
- Some introverts are neither empaths nor highly sensitive people.
- Introversion is a well-studied personality trait that’s separate from the other two.
Empaths
The word empath has taken on a new meaning in recent years. At one time, it was used mostly in science fiction to describe someone with paranormal abilities to sense the mental and emotional states of others. Although many people still associate empaths with a spiritual component, the term has become more mainstream. Today, it’s commonly used to describe someone who is extremely aware of the emotions of those around them.
For empaths, this doesn’t just feel like noticing others’ emotions — it often feels like absorbing them. It’s as if empaths feel others’ emotions with or alongside them. According to Dr. Judith Orloff, author of The Empath’s Survival Guide, this may even include physical symptoms. When overwhelmed with stressful emotions, empaths may experience panic attacks, depression, chronic fatigue, or physical symptoms that defy traditional medical diagnosis, she writes.
This ability can feel both like a gift and a curse. Many empaths feel they can’t “turn it off,” or it takes them years to learn how to dial it down when needed. As a result, they can go from feeling perfectly fine to suddenly overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, or other intense emotions — sometimes just because someone else walked into the room.
At the same time, an empath’s ability to absorb feelings is their greatest strength. It allows them to understand others on a deep level and form strong emotional connections. It’s also what makes them extraordinary caretakers, friends, and partners — especially when others understand and appreciate their gift.
Like highly sensitive people, empaths tend to have finely tuned senses, strong intuitive abilities, and a need for alone time to decompress, according to Orloff.
Additionally:
- Empaths can be either introverts or extroverts.
- This experience of “absorbing” emotions likely comes from unconsciously picking up on subtle social and emotional cues — and then internalizing them, often without realizing it.
- Many empaths are also highly sensitive people.
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Highly Sensitive People
Like introverts and empaths, highly sensitive people are often misunderstood. The word sensitive is sometimes used as if it’s a bad thing, which means HSPs often get a bad rap. But the truth is, being highly sensitive simply means you process more information about the world around you than others do. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re “easily offended” or that you cry at the drop of a hat.
For sensitive people, this can mean:
- Processing things very deeply and noticing connections others might miss
- Becoming overwhelmed or overstimulated, especially in highly stimulating environments like a party or a busy classroom
- Picking up on emotional cues — like empaths — and feeling deep empathy for others
- Noticing small and subtle details, such as textures or faint noises, that others often overlook
In other words, being highly sensitive has both an emotional and a sensory component. Many HSPs would also qualify as empaths — they tend to feel others’ emotions deeply. At the same time, being an HSP means being more sensitive to all types of sensory input, not just emotional ones. That’s why HSPs can become overwhelmed in noisy, crowded, or fast-paced environments, even if there are no intense emotions involved.
Like introversion, high sensitivity has been well studied. It’s largely genetic and involves unique differences in the brain, according to Granneman. It’s also a healthy, normal trait shared by up to 20 percent of the population.
Additionally:
- HSPs can be either introverts or extroverts.
- It’s likely that many (if not all) HSPs are also empaths.
- As more research is done, empaths and HSPs may turn out to be two sides of the same trait.
Are you a sensitive person? Here are 27 “strange” things highly sensitive people do.
The Opposite of an Introvert, Empath, or HSP
The opposite of an introvert is an extrovert. Extroverts are often said to get their energy from social situations. They tend to have a much longer “social battery” than introverts, and their brains are wired to find a great deal of satisfaction in social engagement.
The opposite of empathy or high sensitivity is sometimes mistakenly thought to be narcissism — but that’s simply not true. Just as being highly sensitive or empathic is a healthy trait, being less sensitive can be healthy, too. Less sensitive people are simply less affected by the stimuli around them. And just as high sensitivity can be a strength in some situations, being less sensitive can be an advantage in others — especially in loud, high-pressure environments like industrial work sites, the military, and more. These individuals aren’t necessarily narcissistic or selfish.
All personality traits exist for a reason. Introversion, empathy, and high sensitivity are valuable and advantageous traits. And as a species, we thrive when we have a wide range of personalities and perspectives. What matters most is the environment you’re in — and how well you learn to use the natural strengths of your personality.
Are you an introvert, an empath, or a highly sensitive person — or maybe all three? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts! 
