I have heard a lot of misconceptions about introverts and it is such a pity that they are often branded as weirdos or cold and unapproachable people. Yes, they are different and their world is definitely smaller but it’s for a reason. Here I have written down some useful things to improve our understanding of it.
If an introvert smiles at you it means he thinks highly of you and likes you, but that’s it.
You can’t expect introverts to entertain you or to crack a joke. They are good listeners but they will never be the centre of attention.
If you receive a gift from an introvert the biggest punishment is to invite him in.
Most introverts can’t feel the conversation flow. They don’t know when to say something and they can’t get into the rhythm of a dialogue. It’s the same as when you have no ear for music but try to play the violin.
You need to realize that extroverts are energized by social interactions whereas introverts are drained by them. If you imagine that introverts spend the whole week socializing at work it’s understandable that at weekends they want to turn off and recharge their batteries alone!
Introverts won’t start a conversation and in some cases they will avoid you when they see you. It’s not because they don’t like you but the small talk is a real dread for most of them.
When introverts don’t feel like talking they would move a mountain to avoid a conversation. They might suddenly become runners just to avoid meeting you in the street or decide they don’t actually need those eggs they came for in the first place when they see you in the aisle. It is when a conversation doesn’t go well and becomes awkward the aftertaste stays much longer with introverts and often haunts them for days.
Introvert s are experts at overanalysing. They are probably two steps ahead when planning for a social gathering they have to attend. They also calculate how much time they have to spend there before they can go home without being “weird” and will have prepared several reasons why they can’t stay longer.
Introverts will never sit in the middle of the room. They will occupy back seats or corners probably close to the exit so they can disappear quickly when feeling uneasy.
This is a favourite saying of my father and it’s absolutely true: Three people are a crowd. The bigger any group is, the bigger the chance that the introvert will slip away unnoticed at some point.
Introverts spot other introverts almost immediately. They recognize their own kind and then form a quiet coalition wherein they enjoy each other’s company but without any pressure to make small talk and enjoying a minimum of conversation. After all, even introverts are social animals just not that social.
The quieter introverts seem on the outside, the busier they are on the inside. If introverts grow quiet they are probably preoccupied by a zillion questions buzzing in their heads.
For some inexplicable reasons introverts don’t like to share personal stuff about themselves. Maybe it’s because social interactions are a bit problematic for them. They are afraid that their habits might seem slightly odd to others and they fear being socially rejected.
If you can choose between calling and texting an introvert always choose texting. They rarely answer the phone if they don’t have to. They would rather listen to a voicemail message and then text you back.
Introverts usually come and go on their own terms when socializing. Never force them into a conversation or you’ll be disappointed. They will come, chat briefly and leave.
Introverts need to think about ideas or invitations, therefore they will never agree to something off hand. They need time to process new information, to let it sink in. If they are really interested they will get in touch.
They are not drama queens which makes them perfect neighbours. They will hardly ever have loud parties at 1am and they are excellent at minding their own business.
Next time when you see your introverted friends have patience and understanding. They are doing their best to survive in this crazy world and they step out of their comfort zone just to meet you.
Comments