Introverts tend to dread small talk. They worry that it will be boring, awkward, or that they'll run out of things to say. But in today's world, small talk is difficult to avoid. Cocktail parties, networking events, and even the line for coffee at work may require a brief exchange of pleasantries.
Introversion, shyness and anxiety
Introverts can experience a bit of anxiety when they need to speak in social situations. Introducing themselves, talking to a stranger or public speaking are mentally draining for them. These are the examples of a definitely stressful situation out of their comfort zone.
Public speaking is particularly difficult for introverts because it focuses everyone's attention on the person speaking. “Self-promotion appears unseemly and it strikes [introverts] as crass,” Cain says.
This can be hard for introverts, because we tend to dislike talking about ourselves. It puts all the attention on us, and we feel exposed and vulnerable. We usually don't open up until we know someone well and feel comfortable around them. But inevitably, this means we get stuck in cycles of mind-numbing small talk.
As an introvert, you might get exhausted being in loud, overly stimulating environments where you have to socialize a lot. The key is to pay attention to your energy, make choices that respect your preferences (whenever possible) and replenish your energy.
One of the main reasons some introverts don't like texting is because they don't like small talk — and that includes small talk through texting. When I'm talking to someone about a deep topic or something I'm passionate about, then texting doesn't feel like a burden.
Angry Introverts are in a sensitive state, and they can easily become overstimulated by too much social contact. Interestingly, Introverts won't usually respond to their anger by leaving altogether.
Whether it's making small talk to the point of feeling drained or just having a busy day at work, life can be exhausting for both introverts and highly sensitive people. It's not unusual for them to feel quite tired and mentally fatigued at the end of the day, and they may even need more sleep than others.
People who are natural introverts often feel pressure to change. They worry that they are not outgoing enough, and so sometimes they push themselves to socialize in ways that cause them more stress than enjoyment.
Introverts aren't just quiet people. In fact, many introverts are not subtle at all and could even be the most outgoing person you know. Frankly, there are still many misconceptions about an introverted personality type, even though introverts make up about twenty five to forty percent of the population.
Introverts are not the type to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Instead, we often have our guard up, and it can take a lot of one-on-one time for us to finally let down those walls. This can make dating difficult, especially when the other person wants to know more than we're willing to share.
Independence. Unique and fiercely independent, introverts are more inclined to let their own inner resources guide them than follow the crowd. We do our best work — and are our happiest — when we have the freedom to explore ideas, spend time alone, and be self-directed and independent.
Unlike shy people, Introverts are not necessarily bound by fear. If Introverts choose not to speak, it's because they prefer not to rather than because they are afraid. The other side of that coin is that there is nothing basic to their makeup that stops Introverts from talking as much as they like.
Ask questions that are structured and even include examples in the question. Introverts often go blank when asked questions. Offering structure around the question can help them think of something to reply to. Pro Tip: Introverts are often thinkers, so give them a minute to respond.
Introverts prefer quiet, minimally stimulating environments, while extroverts need higher levels of stimulation to feel their best. Stimulation comes in all forms – social stimulation, but also lights, noise, and so on.
Introverts may hide their inner feelings or excitement, but that doesn't mean they can't express themselves creatively.
Unfortunately, introverts don't exactly thrive on talking about themselves, so they often come off as rude upon first meeting them. But the truth is, introverts just get incredibly nervous meeting new people, and don't exactly know what to say at all times.
Are introverts clingy? Introversion isn't a sign of clinginess either way, explains Aaron. An introverted person can be clingy or prefer distance, same as any non-introverted person.
Introversion isn't totally genetic. It gets influenced by your environment at a young age, and our genes allow a certain amount of flexibility in response. This happens through “set points,” which are the upper and lower limits of how much extroversion your brain can handle.
While introverts make up an estimated 25% to 40% of the population, there are still many misconceptions about this personality type. It is also important to note that being an introvert does not mean that you are socially anxious or shy.
Introverts tend to draw energy from going inwards and being on our own whereas as extroverts tend to draw energy from things that are external to their mind. That is why overly stimulating environments can be energy draining for introverts, leaving us feeling tired, lacking in energy and even stressed.