Jelena Dincic
Do you often feel like you don’t quite fit in with the crowd?
Are you afraid that something’s wrong with you because you find socializing draining and enjoy spending time alone?
Don’t be! This is perfectly normal behavior for an introvert.
That’s right, I think you might just be more introverted than you think.
In this article, we’re gonna take a look at 10 habits of an introvert.
Let’s jump right in:
1. You’re happiest in small groups
When it comes to socializing, you’re happiest when you can have one-on-one conversations or when you can meet with a small group of friends.
So, when someone invites you to go to a party or out clubbing, you’ll probably come up with some excuse and suggest coffee the next day instead.
And guess what – that’s the first habit that reveals you’re more introverted than you think.
Here’s the thing about us introverts, we tend to get overwhelmed when it comes to large groups or big social events.
I guess it’s all just too stimulating for us – all those conversations going on at once, the music, the lights, the lack of air…
2. You need time alone to recharge after socializing
Ever notice that socializing drains you?
Take me for example, if I have family or friends staying with me for a week, I’ll do my very best to show them a good time and be a good hostess, but after they leave?
I’m gonna need a few days of minimal human interactions!
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, it’s just that I can’t function without alone time.
Simply put: Introverts need alone time to recharge their batteries, process their thoughts and emotions, or engage in solitary activities like reading, going on a hike, or journaling.
3. You’re a thinker
Do you often find yourself lost in thought?
Are you big on daydreaming?
Do you like to spend some time at the end of each day thinking about everything that took place and what it means?
Can you guess what I’m about to say?
Yup, it’s another sign that you’re more introverted than you think.
Turns out that introverts tend to be more introspective and reflective than extroverts.
They spend a lot of time reflecting on their thoughts and ideas and love exploring complex concepts and ideas.
4. You’re picky about your friends
It’s true, we introverts can be selective about who we’re friends with. Does that sound familiar?
If you’re like me and you’re picky about who you spend time with, that’s because of your introverted nature.
Think about it:
You have no problem with solitude, in fact, you enjoy it.
So, if you’re going to spend time in someone’s company, you want it to be meaningful.
You’re not going to spend time with someone because you’re lonely.
You’re going to spend time with someone because you enjoy being in their company and because their friendship makes your life richer. Right?
That’s why if someone is boring or superficial, I don’t waste my time on them. I’m much happier reading my book or watching a good movie.
5. You have a rich inner world
Do you consider yourself to be a “creative” person?
Let me explain why I asked. You see, a lot of the time, we introverts have a rich inner world. I mean, our imagination runs wild.
So, naturally, we need a way to express ourselves and that’s why we often end up pursuing things like writing, painting, and music.
Basically, we need a way to express our emotions and because we’re not exactly “people” people, well, we look for creative outlets. Personally, apart from writing, I enjoy photography, painting, and pottery!
6. You prefer texts to phone calls
I used to drive people insane because I would do anything to avoid a phone conversation. Emails and texts are the way to go if you’re an introvert! Am I right?
If you find yourself procrastinating when you have to make a phone call, or you find that you get all sweaty and your heart starts to beat fast, I totally get you.
But you’re not alone, most introverts are more comfortable expressing themselves in writing than speaking.
And while it may be an easy and quick thing for an extrovert to make inquiries over the phone, we’d rather fill out a form and wait a few days for the reply.
7. You love to read
If you’ve found books to be a form of escape for as long as you can remember, then take it from me, you’re definitely more introverted than you think.
Reading is a solitary activity that involves escaping into your imagination – there’s nothing more introverted if you think about it!
It provides a feeling of comfort, doesn’t it? And when you feel overwhelmed by the world, it’s a great way to get back in touch with yourself and recharge your batteries.
8. You avoid shopping malls and similar venues
“Do you want to go to the mall?”
“Of course not, are you crazy?”
Introverts don’t understand why extroverts love to go to loud and crowded places to shop and have milkshakes…
We prefer spending time in quieter, more peaceful environments such as cafés and parks.
And of course, when it comes to Christmas shopping, we do it online!
If you’re an introvert, what I just wrote will make complete sense to you.
9. You feel at peace in nature
Introverts can never have “too much” nature.
We really enjoy spending time outdoors. Everything from the plants to the animals to the lack of manmade sounds resonates with us.
When we spend time in nature we get to recharge and reconnect with our inner selves and with the earth.
And when our lives get complicated, when we’re overwhelmed and feel at a loss, the best thing we can do to get centered again is to go for a walk in a forest, to hike a trail, or swim in a lake.
10. You hate conflict
Finally, I have to mention how much most introverts hate conflict!
I cannot tell you everything I did to avoid conflict – from ending friendships to quitting jobs! With years and experience, I’ve become better at dealing with it, but it’s never easy, is it?
Well, it can be for extroverts. In fact, I’m pretty sure that some of them enjoy conflict and even seek it out.
But introverts, we prefer to find a peaceful resolution than to engage in any kind of confrontation – it just takes so much energy and mind power – it’s simply overwhelming.
