Introverts may not find every person draining to be around. For instance, an introvert might feel comfortable in 1-on-1 conversations, but might feel drained talking to 5 or more people. [2] X Expert Source Tara BradfordLife & Mindset Coach Expert Interview. 16 September 2020.
Extroverts tend to recharge by interacting with others, being social and participating in social gatherings, events, etc. The social stimulation energizes the extrovert. Introverts tend to recharge by withdrawing from social occasions and other people, sitting in solitude or maybe talking to only one other trusted person. This is because the extra stimulation from spending time around people, noise and constant comings and goings drains the energy of an introvert. Without this ability to withdraw, an introvert soon becomes edgy, tense, irritable and ill-at-ease. Understand that alone time is a need for introverts. If you push an introvert too far they may have a meltdown.
Sensitive people aren’t trying to be difficult. Sensitive people really do feel things more strongly. Understand that sensory overload isn’t them just being “difficult”. HSPs are highly in-tune to their senses meaning they may notice sensations others miss. They may also be very empathetic to others.
Expression of the extent of introversion or extroversion is situationally dependent. Some people are at the extremes of either introversion or extroversion. Life can be a lot harder for these people than those who have a more “balanced” leaning towards either tendency. That doesn’t mean they are not “normal”, it does mean they are more likely to experience problems in social contexts where people carry certain expectations of “typical” behavior and interaction. With age, people tend to become more introverted. [6] X Research source The terms ambivert or omnivert are used for persons who display fairly equal amounts of both introversion and extroversion. However, this may just be that the person is either one or the other but is moderate in the expression of the more dominant trait, yet feels comfortable with expressing both.
Just because a person is considered an introvert doesn’t mean that that person cannot be in charge, powerful, in the spotlight, etc. There are plenty of renowned introverts who are known as great leaders, inspirations and change-makers. Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi and Rosa Parks are all introverted leaders. An extrovert will sometimes make use of taking time to reflect, to think things through and to be at peace in solitude, when needed; it just isn’t as pressing or important to the extroverted personality to spend extended periods of time in such modes. However, just as an introvert should not be labeled as “all or nothing”, neither should the extrovert be so labeled.
Both extroverts and introverts are equally capable of learning and applying social skills, just as the opposite is true and both can be socially inept; skills are a separate issue from personality traits. Social anxiety (shyness) is not the same as introversion. Extroverts and introverts can have social anxiety. Many introverts are employed in careers that involve a lot of interaction with different people; what you will discover is that they have carefully managed systems in place to be able to cope with the constancy of interaction. For example, they may schedule only a few daily appointments; they may decline any after-work functions that are not a good investment of their time for the expected return. An introvert is less likely to indulge in social events as a form of escapism or habit but thinks through the benefits before wading in.
Realize that although people’s personalities do change, changes usually happen gradually with time.
With introverts, a lot of information is processed after the interaction or event. This is why downtime and being away from other people is so important. This is the time of forming clarity, depth of understanding and processing of all that has been learned. An introvert finds instant processing of information during a social interaction nigh on impossible and hence can end up feeling highly distressed or needing to “shut down” if pressed to make a decision on the spot or give an opinion there and then. Respect the need for the introverted person to take more time than you. Even if you feel ready to go ahead with something, to decide something or to do something, you may need to wait a little longer before your introverted friend, colleague or customer comes around to your way of thinking. Do not perceive their quietness and unwillingness to hop on board immediately as a sign of rejection or exclusion; it is not the case. Instead, by accepting that the introvert needs space and time to process, you will be able to see that it’s their need, not an insult to or rejection of you.
Being cautious, risk averse and reflective. Writing articulately. Thinking analytically. Staying calm during a crisis (unless overwhelmed); reflecting inner calm and peace. Conscientious and good at concentrating on tasks requiring focus. A great listener, a careful adviser. Being independent. Being tenacious and determined, willing to take the longer-term view. Empathic, diplomatic and willing to compromise.
Encourage them to spend time with energizing people. [16] X Expert Source Tara BradfordLife & Mindset Coach Expert Interview. 16 September 2020. If they have to spend time around energy-draining people, help them figure out ways to protect their energy. [17] X Expert Source Tara BradfordLife & Mindset Coach Expert Interview. 16 September 2020.
If you are living in an environment where space is a problem, consider making a schedule to get all of the extroverts out of the house once a day, to allow the introvert to have complete peace.
If you both are too alike, there is a risk of being overly dependent on one another. Be alert to this potential and be sure to widen your social circle and spend time doing some things apart. While it is a source of comfort to be so similar, do not make it into a crutch. Enjoy the fact that both of you are of one mind while making an effort to keep challenging one another to live life as fully as possible.
