There’s something intriguing about those who express themselves better through writing than speaking. Ever wondered why?
Well, psychology has some insights into this. Turns out, if you’re one of those who crafts emails like a pro but stumbles over words in a conversation, you display some unique traits.
In this article, we’ll delve into the 7 characteristics that are typically associated with people who shine in written communication.
Let’s explore what your preference for writing over speaking says about you. And hey, you might even learn a thing or two about how to use these traits to your advantage in all forms of communication.
Because after all, whether it’s an email or a chat, a well-crafted message can make a world of difference.
1) Deep thinkers
As a writer, you’re in good company. Renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The pendulum of the mind oscillates between sense and nonsense, not between right and wrong.” This quote resonates deeply with those who express themselves better through the written word.
You see, when you prefer writing over speaking, it typically indicates that you’re a deep thinker. You enjoy the luxury of time that writing provides, allowing you to thoroughly process your thoughts before expressing them.
And there’s more to it.
Writers often exhibit a keen sense of introspection. They look inward and explore their thoughts and feelings at a level that many others don’t. This introspective nature allows them to articulate their ideas and emotions with a depth and clarity that can be quite profound.
So, if you find yourself crafting thoughtful emails or penning heartfelt letters, understand that this is a reflection of your contemplative nature. Embrace it! This trait allows you to connect with others on a deeper level, and that’s definitely something to celebrate.
2) Highly observant
Reflecting on my own journey, I remember a moment that truly encapsulated this trait.
A friend once commented on how accurately I described a shared experience in an email. While she remembered the broad strokes, my written account captured the minute details – the colors, emotions, and even the subtle changes in the atmosphere.
This is a common trait among those who express themselves better in writing – we tend to be highly observant. We notice the little things and weave them into our narratives, making our communications rich and detailed.
As writers, our ability to observe is closely tied to our capacity for empathy – we notice because we care about the world around us and the people in it.
So if you’re someone who recalls details others often miss and uses them to enrich your written communication, take pride! You’ve got an eye for detail that sets you apart.
3) Solitude seekers
Ever find yourself seeking out quiet corners or opting for a night in with your thoughts instead of a noisy outing?
People who express themselves better through writing often crave solitude. It’s not about being anti-social; it’s about finding the peace and quiet needed to listen to our own thoughts and translate them into words.
Carl Jung once said, “Loneliness does not come from having no people around, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself.” This resonates deeply with us, doesn’t it? The solitude we seek is often a pathway to better self-expression.
This honesty might feel raw, but there’s no shame in it. It’s who we are.
We thrive in our own space, and that’s perfectly okay. Remember, everyone has their unique way of processing the world, and ours just happens to require a little more quiet and a lot more introspection.
4) Emotionally intelligent
A fascinating study conducted by the University of Maryland found that writing about our emotions can lead to increased emotional intelligence.
This ability to understand, express and manage our emotions is another characteristic often found in those who prefer written communication.
The study asked participants to write about their deepest thoughts and feelings related to an emotional event in their lives. The results? Those who wrote showed greater awareness of their emotions and were better equipped to handle emotional situations in the future.
So, if you find yourself often turning to the written word to process your feelings, it’s likely you’re developing high emotional intelligence.
This trait can help you navigate life with greater empathy and understanding, both for yourself and others. It’s a deeply valuable skill that can enrich your relationships and overall well-being.
5) Perfectionists at heart
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve agonized over an email or a letter, searching for the perfect word or phrase that encapsulates my message. Sounds familiar?
Well, you’re not alone. Those of us who prefer writing tend to be perfectionists at heart. We strive for precision and clarity in our communication, and written words allow us that luxury.
Our quest for the perfect written expression often leads us to a deeper understanding of who we are and what we want to convey.
So, if you find yourself re-reading and editing your texts before hitting send, take it as a sign of your commitment to clear and precise communication. It’s not just about getting it right; it’s about truly understanding ourselves and making sure our message is understood exactly as we intended.
6) Champions of vulnerability
Ironically, those who express themselves better in writing are often more comfortable with vulnerability. Yes, you heard it right.
Despite the common perception of writers as introverts hidden behind their words, we often bare our souls in our writing in ways we might not in spoken conversation.
Psychologist Brené Brown said it best: “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
For us, every piece of writing is a courageous act of showing up. We share our thoughts, ideas, and emotions in written form, not knowing how they will be received or interpreted.
This openness to vulnerability is a powerful trait, pushing us to connect deeply with others through our words and making our writing all the more impactful.
7) Empathy embodied
One of the most beautiful traits of those who express themselves better in writing is our empathy. We connect with others through our words, often feeling what they feel and conveying it back to them.
Psychologist Carl Rogers 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.”
As writers, we strive to do just that – listen, understand, and express without judgment. And that, in essence, is empathy personified.
Wrapping up
We’ve journeyed through the fascinating landscape of psychology and self-expression, exploring the unique traits that make us, the writers, who we are.
From being deep thinkers and keen observers to embracing vulnerability and embodying empathy, we’ve seen how these traits color our written expressions.
As we close this exploration, it’s important to remember that these traits aren’t just about how we communicate. They’re an integral part of who we are. They shape our understanding of ourselves and others, influencing how we navigate life.
Next time you find yourself preferring to write an email over a phone call or penning your thoughts in a journal, take a moment. Reflect on these traits and how they’re playing out in your life.
There’s something beautifully profound about expressing ourselves through written words. It’s a dance of thought and emotion, crafted painstakingly, one word at a time. And that’s something truly worth celebrating.
