Lucas Graham
Introverts march to the beat of a different drum, and there are certain things they find incredibly tedious.
Speaking from personal experience, as an introvert, I can tell you that some social expectations can be draining.
While we may come across as reserved or even aloof, it’s not that we don’t like people. We just interact with the world differently.
Psychology has a lot to say about this. It helps explain why certain things can feel like a chore to us introverts.
So here are nine things we find particularly tedious to deal with – according to psychology. You’ll probably recognize a few if you’re an introvert too.
1) Small talk
As an introvert, there’s one thing that proves especially exhausting: small talk.
Small talk may be a common way to break the ice or fill a silence for many, but for introverts, it can feel like an uphill battle.
Why is this?
Well, psychology offers some insights. Introverts tend to prefer deep, meaningful conversations over surface-level chatter.
To us, small talk feels superficial and pointless. We long for connections that go beyond the weather or what’s for lunch.
So, when we’re thrust into social situations that require a lot of small talk, it can rapidly drain our energy.
We’re not being rude or standoffish. We’re simply wired differently.
It’s important to remember this when communicating with an introvert – dive into the deep end of conversation topics, and you’ll see us thrive.
2) Networking events
Networking events are another thing that can send an introvert into overdrive.
Take me, for example. I remember the first time I attended a professional networking event.
The room was abuzz with people, all eager to make connections and promote their work. I, on the other hand, felt like a fish out of water.
I’m not one to strike up a conversation with strangers easily.
I prefer to listen, observe, and take my time before speaking up. This doesn’t exactly mesh well with the fast-paced, extroverted nature of networking events.
Consider this, if you see us hanging back at such events or stepping out for frequent breathers, know that we’re just dealing with it in our own way.
It’s not that we’re antisocial or not interested – we just find these settings incredibly tedious.
3) Constant connectivity
In our digital age, we’re expected to be connected and responsive 24/7. For introverts, this can be a major source of stress.
Psychology tells us that introverts need time alone to recharge. They value solitude and personal space, and constant connectivity infringes on that.
Did you know that the human attention span is now shorter than that of a goldfish?
Think about it.
With the advent of smartphones and social media, our ability to focus has dwindled drastically.
Introverts, who are often more sensitive to external stimuli, can find this constant bombardment of information overwhelming.
In essence, turning off notifications or setting ‘do not disturb’ periods can be a lifesaver for maintaining our mental energy levels.
4) Open office spaces
If you’re an introvert like me, you might find working in an open office space to be a daily struggle.
Open office spaces, while intended to foster collaboration and transparency, can be a nightmare for introverts.
The constant buzz of activity, the lack of personal space, and the expectation of constant interaction are all aspects that can leave introverts feeling drained and overwhelmed.
According to psychology, introverts often prefer quieter environments where they can concentrate without interruptions.
In other words, they tend to get more done when they’re able to work in solitude or a controlled environment.
5) Group projects
Group projects, be it in school or at work, can be a major source of stress for introverts.
The nature of group projects often requires:
- A lot of interaction
- Brainstorming sessions
- Coordination
For introverts, who prefer to reflect and work independently, this can be a daunting prospect.
Psychology explains that introverts tend to process information internally.
They prefer to think things through before sharing their ideas. In a fast-paced group setting, where quick responses and active participation are expected, introverts may feel pressured and misunderstood.
That’s not to say introverts can’t function in groups – we absolutely can. We just need some time to process information and formulate our thoughts.
My advice?
A little understanding and patience can go a long way in making group projects less tedious for us.
6) Being misunderstood
One of the most tedious things for an introvert is constantly being misunderstood.
As an introvert, it’s disheartening to be labeled as shy, aloof, or antisocial when that’s far from the truth.
Psychology tells us that introverts are inwardly oriented.
We draw energy from our inner world of thoughts, feelings, and ideas. This doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy social interactions – we just need them in smaller doses.
In the end, we simply long to be understood and appreciated for who we are, instead of being pushed to conform to extroverted norms.
7) Impromptu public speaking
Ask me to speak publicly without prior notice, and you’ll see a visible shift in my demeanor.
- My mind will race
- My palms will sweat
- My heart will pound in my chest
Impromptu public speaking can be a nightmare for introverts.
This doesn’t necessarily mean we’re bad at public speaking. In fact, many introverts make excellent speakers when given time to prepare. It’s the surprise element that throws us off.
Psychology explains that introverts prefer planning and preparation over spontaneity. We like to gather our thoughts and structure our ideas before presenting them.
So if you ever ask an introvert to speak on the spot, don’t mistake their hesitation for incompetence. It’s just our preference for preparation kicking in.
8) Overstimulation
Overstimulation can be incredibly tedious for introverts to handle.
Here’s the deal:
Loud noises, crowded places, or even a day packed with activities can be overwhelming for us. We are often more sensitive to environmental stimuli and need periods of quiet to recharge.
You see, introverts’ brains seem to be wired to process information deeply. This means that we can easily get overstimulated when there’s too much happening around us.
Folks like us seek out quiet corners, preferring silent spaces, or craving time alone after a busy day to regain balance and energy.
9) Pressure to conform
The biggest challenge for many introverts is the societal pressure to conform to extrovert norms.
Living in a world that often values extroverted traits like assertiveness, sociability, and outspokenness can be tough for us introverts.
We might feel pressure to act out of character, to talk more, or to be more outgoing.
Psychology acknowledges that introversion is not a flaw or something to be fixed. It’s simply a different way of interacting with the world.
We introverts have our own strengths, such as:
- Deep thinking
- Empathy
- Keen observation skills
In essence, it’s crucial to understand that introverts don’t need to become extroverts. We just need the space to be ourselves. And once we have that, we can truly shine.
Final thoughts
The journey of understanding introversion is a complex and fascinating one, and psychology provides invaluable insights.
Perhaps the most crucial thing to remember is that introverts are not ‘broken’ extroverts. They do not need to be ‘fixed’ or ‘changed’.
They simply interact with the world differently.
Introverts may have a different flame from extroverts, but it doesn’t make it any less bright or beautiful. They find strength in solitude, joy in quiet moments, and energy in their inner world.
Understanding this can make a world of difference in how we interact with the introverts in our lives. It can lead to more compassionate relationships, workplaces, and societies.
After all, the beauty of humanity lies in our diversity – in our different ways of thinking, feeling, and being.
And by embracing these differences, we create a more understanding and inclusive world.
