Introverts have our own ways of doing things that not everyone understands.
We’ve managed to carefully construct our lives for maximum comfort and quiet, which is just how we like it. Of course, that means we might behave in certain ways that a lot of people might find weird, but I swear we do them for a reason!
1. We need a lot of alone time after socialising.
It doesn’t matter if we’ve only been hanging out with people for a few hours — we’ll likely need a few days to get over it. It’s not because we dislike people, we just need to manage our mental resources (which are finite, I might add). When we’re on our own, we can process things and get our emotional equilibrium back.
2. We hate group chats — we’d prefer one-on-one, thank you.
While group conversations can be overwhelming for a lot of introverts, we definitely thrive in one-on-one settings. We can engage more deeply, listen more attentively, and express ourselves without the pressure of having to compete for attention in a bigger group.
3. We sometimes zone out in busy environments.
In crowded or noisy places, it might look like we’re zoning out, and that’s probably because we are. It’s often a coping mechanism to manage sensory overload. By mentally retreating, we can stay calm and composed in environments that might otherwise be overwhelming.
4. We take our time to respond in conversations.
Introverts don’t always answer straight away in conversations, not because we’re not interested or slow thinkers. In reality, we just like to take our time to process information and come up with more thoughtful responses. We like to mean what we say and say what we mean, and that takes time.
5. We avoid small talk.
Source: Unsplash Many introverts find small talk draining and prefer deeper, more meaningful conversations, as I already mentioned. That doesn’t make us rude or antisocial, we just value quality conversations and don’t like to waste time on things that don’t matter. We’d rather discuss ideas, feelings, or shared interests than surface-level nonsense.
6. We turn down a lot of invitations to social events.
Source: Unsplash Introverts say ‘no, thanks’ to invites a lot, which might seem rude to some people, we know. However, this is usually about managing our energy levels and avoiding burnout. We’re not rejecting the person, but rather choosing activities that align with our need for quieter, less stimulating environments.
7. We have a very small, close-knit circle of friends.
Rather than having a large social network full of random acquaintances, introverts typically maintain a small group of close friends. This means we can invest deeply in a few meaningful relationships, which aligns with our preference for depth over breadth in social interactions.
8. We might leave parties early (read: we probably will).
Leaving events early is common for introverts. It’s not that we’re not enjoying ourselves, we just know when we’ve reached our social energy limit. By ducking out before we’re completely drained, we can end the evening on a positive note.
9. We often prefer texting to phone calls (and probably won’t answer if you ring).
Many introverts favour text-based communication over phone calls. It’s less immediate, so we have more time to think through our responses, take our time, and engage in conversation when we feel up to it. If you ring, chances are, we’ll just let it go to voicemail. Talking on the phone feels like too much pressure sometimes!
10. We seem lost in thought a lot of the time.
Introverts often seem preoccupied or daydreaming, as I’ve been told. However, most of us focus inward because we have a lot going on in our minds at all times. We’re usually analysing, creating, or problem-solving in our brains, and we can’t help when that happens. We’re not trying to be rude, and we’re perfectly capable of being present in conversations, but we let our minds wander when they want to.
11. We need time to adjust to new environments.
When going into new situations, introverts might hang back at first. Taking a more cautious approach means we get to observe and understand the dynamics before engaging. That doesn’t mean we’re shy or socially awkward, we’re just gathering information so we can feel more comfortable and confident.
12. We like to work with headphones on, even in quiet spaces.
Source: Unsplash Wearing headphones, even in seemingly quiet environments, helps introverts create a personal bubble. It sounds crazy, but it increases focus by blocking out small distractions and signalling to other people that we’re in a concentrated work mode. We even do this at home when interruptions are unlikely!
13. We often have intense, niche interests.
Source: Unsplash Many introverts develop deep, specialised knowledge in particular areas. Our tendency towards intense focus helps us to become experts in our chosen fields and can lead to unique contributions in our work or hobbies. We’re intense, what can we say?
14. We rehearse conversations in our heads.
Source: Unsplash Introverts like to mentally prepare for upcoming conversations. That doesn’t make us inauthentic or rehearsed, we just want to feel comfortable and confident. By considering possible conversation paths, we can reduce anxiety and engage more fully in the actual chat.
15. We sometimes struggle to remember names but recall details.
While introverts might not immediately remember names, we usually remember specific details about people and conversations. That’s because we have a tendency to listen deeply and process information thoroughly, even if we’re not immediately demonstrative in our reactions.
16. We sometimes have sudden bursts of sociability.
Introverts can sometimes surprise people with periods of what appears to be extreme extroversion. These moments often occur when we’re in comfortable environments or discussing topics we’re passionate about. It’s a reminder that introversion isn’t about disliking social interaction, but about how energy is gained and spent.
17. We prefer written expression to verbal.
Source: Unsplash Just like we prefer texts to phone calls, we’d prefer to send an email than have a face-to-face meeting. Many introverts find we can express ourselves more clearly and comfortably in writing because we can organise our thoughts and get complex ideas across without the pressure of remembering it all then and there.
18. We always look for quiet spaces in public places.
In busy public areas, introverts often gravitate towards quieter spots. This helps us manage sensory input and maintain our energy levels. By finding a calm corner in a bustling environment, we can enjoy being out without becoming overwhelmed. Make sense now?
