Introverts will always choose texting over phone calls, but that doesn’t mean people’s messages don’t get our backs up at times.
The reason we’d rather text is that it gives us time to think and respond when it’s convenient for us. However, some people seem to think we should still be at their beck and call at all times and that they’re free to say whatever they want to us behind the comfort of their phone screens. If you’re an introvert, you’ll know just how annoying (and common) these are.
1. “Why aren’t you responding? Are you okay?”
We’re fine, really. Sometimes we just need a bit of quiet time. Constant check-ins can feel overwhelming, even if they’re well-intentioned. It’s not that we don’t care; we just might need a bit more time to recharge before we feel like chatting.
2. “I’m in your area! Can I pop by?”
Surprise visits are an introvert’s nightmare. We need time to mentally prepare for social interactions, even with close friends. A little notice goes a long way in helping us feel comfortable and ready to socialise.
3. “What are you up to this weekend?”
It’s an innocent enough question, but it can feel like pressure to make plans. Sometimes, our ideal weekend involves staying in with a good book or binge-watching a new series. For us, these solo activities are just as enjoyable as a night out (sometimes more so, to be honest).
4. “You should get out more!”
We get out plenty, thanks. Our definition of ‘getting out’ might just be different from yours. Sitting in the park and people watching counts too! People seem to forget that the quality of social interactions often matters more to us than quantity.
5. “Why are you so quiet?”
Source: Unsplash This question, even via text, can make us feel self-conscious. We’re not always quiet, but we’ll choose meaningful conversations over small talk any day. Sometimes, we’re simply observing and processing before we speak. And hey, sometimes we just don’t feel like talking at all.
6. “I’ve added you to a group chat!”
Source: Unsplash Group chats can be overwhelming, especially since the constant notifications and pressure to engage can be exhausting for introverts. We tend to prefer one-on-one conversations where we can dive deeper into topics.
7. “Call me when you get this.”
Source: Unsplash Again, texting is the best way to contact us — we hate talking on the phone. Because of this, a sudden request for a phone call can spike our anxiety levels. We appreciate having time to gather our thoughts before responding.
8. “We’re all meeting up tonight. You should come!”
Source: Unsplash Last-minute invitations can be stressful. We often need time to mentally prepare for social gatherings. It’s not personal if we decline; we just function better with a bit of advance notice.
9. “Why did you leave the party so early?”
Source: Unsplash We didn’t leave early; we stayed as long as our social battery allowed. Sometimes, that’s shorter than other people might expect. It’s about quality time for us, not quantity.
10. “I’ve signed us up for a group activity!”
Source: Unsplash While thoughtful, being signed up for something without prior discussion can feel overwhelming. We like to choose our social commitments carefully. It’s not that we don’t appreciate the gesture; we just like to have control over our social calendar.
11. “You seemed upset at the gathering. What’s wrong?”
Source: Unsplash We weren’t upset, just a bit drained. Social interactions can be tiring, even if we’re enjoying ourselves. Our quieter demeanour doesn’t always mean something’s wrong; it might just be our way of processing the social stimulation.
12. “Let’s FaceTime!”
Source: Unsplash Video calls can feel more intrusive than a regular phone call. Sometimes, we’re just not camera-ready, physically or mentally. We hate the phone, sure, but we’ll take the less intense nature of voice calls or texts over video calls every time.
13. “Why don’t you share more on social media?”
Source: Unsplash We like to keep our lives private. Constant sharing can feel like too much exposure for many introverts. That being said, our reluctance to post doesn’t mean we’re not living fulfilling lives; we just choose to enjoy our experiences without broadcasting them.
14. “I’m bored. Want to chat?”
Source: Unsplash While we value our friendships, we’re not always available for impromptu conversations. Sometimes, we need our alone time to recharge. We might be in the middle of doing something that’s important to us, even if it doesn’t look exciting from the outside.
15. “You just need to come out of your shell!”
Source: Unsplash This well-meaning advice can be frustrating. We’re not in a shell; this is who we are, and we’re comfortable with it. Our introversion isn’t something to be fixed or overcome; it’s a fundamental part of our personality that comes with its own strengths.
