Roselle Umlas
Do you have a special someone in your life who is an introvert? Maybe you’re interested in someone who is an introvert, but you’re not quite sure how to approach them.
As someone married to an introvert, I know all about what makes an introvert’s heart flutter. Let me assure you, you’re in the right place!
In this article, I’ll talk about ten ways to love an introvert, so you can show them you care in a way that resonates with them.
Let’s jump in!
1) Give them space
Let me preface this by saying the road to an introvert’s heart is not easy. If you’re someone who loves getting all lovey-dovey and clingy all the time, sorry, but you’ve got an uphill battle ahead of you.
You see, if there’s one thing introverts value most, it’s space. They need time to recharge their batteries after social interactions, and they tend to prefer solitude over noisy and crowded environments.
I don’t mean you should stop communicating altogether, but just be mindful of this need. Step back when they ask for it or when you sense them getting irritable or low-energy. Otherwise, they’ll feel suffocated and pressured.
2) Don’t mistake their quietness for shyness
One of the biggest misconceptions about introverts is that they are shy or unfriendly. But that’s not always the case.
Introverts can be reserved, true, but they’re not necessarily shy. It’s important to avoid making assumptions based on their quietness.
I find it necessary to stress this because, more often than not, labeling an introvert as “shy” can land you in the doghouse. All right, that might be a mild exaggeration. But still, an introvert will feel miffed or dismissed if you assume they’re shy.
That’s exactly what happened to me in my early days with my then-boyfriend-now-husband. I constantly referred to him as “the shy guy,” not realizing that it annoyed him. When he’d had enough of it, he told me that introversion simply meant that he draws his energy from being alone, but it didn’t mean he was shy.
3) Listen to them
Having said that, I must now tell you, most introverts actually like talking to people. And one of their biggest strengths is that they know how to listen!
Unfortunately, that makes people think that they don’t have much to say.
But really, they do – they have a delightfully rich inner world (more on that later!) that makes them fun to talk to. And as much as they love listening, they also need someone to listen to them.
So, make sure you give them the space to talk as well. When an introvert speaks, it’s usually something insightful and important, so pay attention and show them that you value their opinions and ideas.
4) Be patient
Here’s where most people get frustrated when dealing with an introvert – they can take a while to open up and share their feelings.
If you’re looking for a partner who’s going to be upfront about how they feel right away, you might be disappointed.
The thing is, introverts feel deeply, but they may not feel comfortable sharing everything at once. So it’s important to be patient and let them take their time. Don’t push them to talk about things they’re not ready to discuss.
Instead, show them that you’re willing to wait and that you’ll be there for them whenever they’re ready to open up.
As someone whose love language is words, this is an area where I really struggled. My introverted guy wasn’t as responsive as I wanted him to be, so there were times when I really felt unloved.
I needed some extra support to keep going at it. Fortunately, I got some really helpful advice from my coach at Relationship Hero, a site where highly trained relationship coaches help people through complicated and difficult love situations.
If you’re at your wits’ end trying to make things work with an introvert, you might want to try it out yourself. Click here to get started.
5) Respect their boundaries
One of the first things I learned from my relationship coach was the importance of respecting boundaries.
Aside from recognizing when he needs space to recharge, I also learned to respect his boundaries around personal space and physical touch.
Remember, introverts can be sensitive to external stimuli. What’s okay with you might not be okay with them. Everyone is different, so it’s important that they feel safe enough with you to express what they’re comfortable with and not.
6) Plan low-key activities
The first time I planned a date for me and my SO, I thought it would be a good idea to bring him to a club to dance the night away.
Well, that was a fail. To his credit, he did appreciate my effort and tried to get into the rave-like atmosphere at first.
But it wasn’t long before I noticed his energy flagging down, lower and lower, until he was happy to just sit down at a table and toss back some drinks.
What did I learn from that? Introverts like low-key activities better than high-energy ones.
So, I would suggest the following ideas for dating an introvert:
- A cozy night in with a movie
- A quiet dinner at a restaurant
- Cooking together at home
- A fun picnic at a scenic place
- Board game night
- A nature walk or hike
- A visit to an art gallery or museum
See the difference? These types of activities allow for more intimate conversation, which introverts tend to enjoy.
Personally, my husband and I love cooking together at home and then watching a movie on the couch. It’s simple but incredibly enjoyable for us both.
7) Appreciate their depth
I guess those low-key activities point to introverts’ preference for intimate and meaningful experiences.
Remember when I said they have rich inner worlds? That comes into play here.
Introverts often think deeply about things. Small talk might not be their strong suit, but they excel at meaningful conversations. And that’s something you should appreciate!
In fact, if you’re looking for someone who will take the time to really understand you and with whom you can have fascinating conversations, you’re better off with an introvert.
It’s a trait that often goes unnoticed or otherwise mocked, so it can make them feel misunderstood or isolated.
But if you want to show love to an introvert, appreciate their depth and show them that you value their thoughts, emotions, and insights. Ask them questions and encourage them to share their unique perspectives.
8) Be present with them
Do you tend to multi-task when talking to people? I mean, doing things like checking your phone or not paying enough attention?
You need to ditch that bad habit if you want to win an introvert’s heart.
Here’s the deal: when an introvert is with you, they will give you their full attention.
So, it’s only natural that they would like this courtesy in return.
It’s a common scenario that people talk over introverts or take their presence for granted, simply because they can be so quiet. This can make introverts feel neglected.
If you want to show them you care, put away your phone or other distractions and give them your full attention. That will make them feel special, and they’ll be willing to build a deeper connection with you.
9) Show them that you understand
As I mentioned above, introverts can feel misunderstood or out of place in social situations. So it’s important to show them that you understand them.
If they cancel plans or seem distant, don’t take it personally because it likely has nothing to do with their feelings for you. In most cases, it’s just a cue that they need some alone time to recharge.
Instead, try to understand and respect their need for alone time and self-care. If you’re concerned about the frequency of cancellations, communicate with them and see if there’s a way to find a balance that works for both of you.
Remember, introverts value deep connections and meaningful interactions, and canceling plans can sometimes be necessary to protect those relationships.
10) Love them for who they are
Finally, the most important way to love an introvert is to accept them for who they are. Accept introversion as a positive trait!
Introverts may not always fit into society’s extroverted mold, but that doesn’t make them any less valuable or lovable. Embrace their unique qualities and appreciate the depth and richness they bring to your life.
When you love an introvert for who they are, they will feel valued and appreciated, and your relationship will thrive.
Final thoughts
As someone with many introverts in her circle, I’ve come to appreciate their deep thoughts and the way they process the world around them.
They have a unique perspective that I find incredibly valuable and insightful. I’ve learned to listen to them more, and not interrupt or dismiss their ideas.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to love them for who they are. And in return, they‘ve shown me a deep level of love and commitment that I cherish every day.
Loving an introvert isn’t always easy, but I assure you, it’s definitely worth it. When you take the time to understand and appreciate them for who they are, you’ll build a strong and healthy relationship that will last a lifetime.
