Lachlan Brown
I’ve spent years researching psychology, self-improvement, and mindfulness. And as an introvert myself, I’ve noticed that we introverts often find joy in things that fly right over other people’s heads.
Here are eight of those underrated delights, backed by psychology and a little personal experience.
1) Quiet Time to Recharge
I’ll be honest: Some Saturday nights, I skip the party invites and curl up with a good book instead. Introverts naturally recharge their energy in solitude.
Carl Jung, the legendary psychologist who popularized the terms “introvert” and “extrovert,” believed that introverts draw energy from their own internal world rather than the outside hustle.
For me, that means an hour with my journal or reading quietly is pure bliss—no FOMO here.
2) Deep, One-on-One Conversations
Most of my close friends know I’d rather grab coffee with one of them than go to a huge group dinner.
Introverts tend to dislike small talk because it feels shallow. Instead, they thrive on meaningful one-on-one chats about life, dreams, and even weird theories about the universe.
As Susan Cain (author of Quiet) famously said, “There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.” Amen to that!
3) Time to Observe and Reflect
One thing I’ve noticed about myself is that I love just sitting back and watching the world go by.
Whether it’s people-watching at a café or quietly absorbing the energy at an event, introverts enjoy that reflective pause.
Carl Rogers, a pioneer in humanistic psychology, stressed the importance of “active listening” and empathy. Introverts excel here—not by jumping into the action, but by understanding the situation before engaging.
4) Small Social Gatherings (Over Big Parties)
Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy good company just as much as the next person. But when it’s a giant crowd, I tend to slip off to the corner and find another introvert to chat with about something interesting.
Abraham Maslow believed that feeling connected is a vital human need, but for introverts, genuine connection often works best in smaller circles.
A dinner with a few close pals is my idea of social heaven.
5) Solo Creative Pursuits
I’ve been blogging and creating content for years, and honestly, a big part of the process happens in my own little bubble.
Creativity flourishes when you give it the space and silence it needs. According to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (the psychologist who studied “flow”), people often enter that flow state in quieter, uninterrupted moments.
Whether it’s writing, painting, coding, or tinkering with a business idea, solitude can spark serious creativity.
6) Being Alone Without Feeling Lonely
There’s a world of difference between being alone and feeling lonely. For introverts, alone time can be incredibly soothing.
As the psychoanalyst Erich Fromm once noted, “Love is union with somebody, or something, outside oneself, under the condition of retaining the separateness and integrity of one’s own self.”
In other words, solitude isn’t about isolation—it’s about returning to your center and preserving who you are, so you can connect with others in a more genuine way later.
7) Listening More Than Talking
People sometimes think I’m shy because I don’t dominate the conversation. In reality, I’m just soaking everything in.
Rollo May, an influential American existential psychologist, emphasized that genuine communication involves not only speaking but truly hearing the other person.
Introverts tend to be masters at active listening—and sometimes, that’s way more powerful than talking up a storm.
8) Close-Knit Circles of Friends
While extroverts might maintain a large network of casual friends, introverts usually have a tight-knit group they trust wholeheartedly.
I have a few close buddies who’ve been with me through thick and thin.
Dr. Elaine N. Aron, who studied the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), found that introverted or sensitive individuals often prioritize authentic, meaningful relationships over surface-level ones.
That’s definitely been my experience—quality over quantity, every time.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to mistake an introvert’s calm nature for shyness or aloofness, but in reality, many of us simply prefer a quieter way of connecting with the world. If you’re an introvert, take pride in these lesser-known joys. And if you’re an extrovert, maybe this list helps you appreciate the quiet ones in your life just a little bit more.
Thanks for reading! As someone who’s spent years diving into psychology, mindfulness, and personal growth (and building Hack Spirit and Small Business Bonfire along the way), I’ve learned that understanding each other’s quirks can really level up our relationships—and that includes understanding the power of quiet.
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