It seems like the whole world belongs to extroverts—people who are outgoing and overtly expressive. At least that’s how it appears to introverts, those of us who are shy and reticent.

It seems like most holidays are geared towards extroverts as well, with loud parties filled with a large number of people seeming to be the norm. Fortunately, someone decided to throw us introverts a bone and give us our own holiday.

A day that’s often observed by canceling any party plans for the day and curling up with a good book. After all, introverts are allowed to have a good time every once in a while, too. This day is called World Introvert Day, and it’s observed on the 2nd of January every year.

The History of World Introvert Day

The terms introvert and extrovert were first defined by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung in his 1921 book called “Psychological Types.” In this book, he theorized that every human being on the planet falls into one of two different personality types: either introverted or extroverted. He also claimed in his book that introverts were more focused on the internal world of reflection than they were on the outside world.

This holiday was created when Felicitas Heyne, a German psychologist and author, wrote a free eBook entitled “Happily Introverted Ever After.” This was after she wrote a blog post entitled “Here’s Why We Need a World Introvert Day” on her website. This post would then lead to the creation of World Introvert Day, a holiday that’s been observed ever since.

Some Quick Facts About Introverts

Below are some quick facts that we’ve learned about introverts as we researched the holiday World Introvert Day. Even though we don’t expect the following facts to be entertaining to extroverts, we’re pretty sure that introverts are going to get a big kick out of them. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at them, shall we?

• There are four different types of introverts: Social, Thinking, Anxious, and Restrained.
• Introverts can react to new information quite quickly but monitor change at a slower rate.
• Small talk is almost universally dreaded by introverts.
• Introverts tend to be more calculated and careful about the risks they are willing to take.
• Introverts tend to be deep thinkers.
• Introverts also tend to be more creative.
• Happiness isn’t always a priority for introverts.
• Social exchanges don’t just drain introverts mentally, but they can also drain extroverts.
• Introverts tend not to need the validation of other people during social encounters.

Observing World Introvert Day

During World Introvert Day, introverted people should do the things they enjoy. This includes reading, going for a walk, or doing something creative. This is the perfect day to skip work, cancel social engagements, and just spend some time with your own thoughts.

And while they’re doing that, they should take the time to spread the word about this holiday using the hashtag #WorldIntrovertDay on social media.