While introverts may appear to lack social skills or be antisocial, neither is true. Their style of social interaction is simply different from that of extroverts. They tend to listen more than they talk and are excellent listeners.
In other words, introverts can have good social skills, but they may still withdraw from the social activities due to their low social willingness.
One of the biggest struggles for introverts is small talk. Since they are not like an extrovert who thrives on talking and meeting new people, they find it difficult to engage in quick exchanges about the weather or how someone's day is going.
Both introverts and extroverts can be socially anxious
It may sound counterintuitive, but it is true! Introverted and extraverted individuals may both experience social anxiety. While extroverts may enjoy socializing with others and enjoy social interaction, they may still feel anxious around others at times.
There's a common misconception that introverts aren't social. In fact, introverts can be just as social as extroverts. The difference between the two is that introverts lose energy when they're around people and recharge by spending time alone, while extroverts gain energy by spending time with other people.
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.
People are attracted to loyal and devoted people. While introverts may not always realize it, this is a trait most people find attractive in them. Their loyalty isn't just attractive to the recipients of that devotion, but to anyone who observes them.
Introverts Don't Have Low Self Esteem
Another common misconception about introverts is that they are quiet and reserved because they have low self-esteem or lack self-confidence.
They avoid eye contact or don't maintain it for long.
Not all introverts are shy or have social anxiety, but some do. Introverts who truly feel uncomfortable in crowds often have a hard time maintaining eye contact. Plus, they don't want to encourage others to talk to them.
Introverts are looked down upon for lack of good 'communication skills'. Right from an early age, introverts have to compete very hard with peers, who seem to have no problem in public or interpersonal speaking. What seems to be effortless for peers is actually the most difficult task for an introverted child.
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.
If you're an introvert, you struggle with finding quiet time to gather your thoughts, particularly at brainstorming meetings. Find quiet places to think, and take breaks just for a change of scenery and a chance to gather your thoughts. Ask for agendas prior for meetings to help you prepare your key points.
When Introverts become angry, they tend to hold everything inside, hiding their anger from others and even from themselves. Or at least this is what most people think. In fact, this idea is more myth than reality. When Introverts become angry, they may try to repress their feelings.
Describing introverts as bad communicators is an enduring myth of the communication world that needs to be debunked immediately. The shy almost reticent nature of introverts is often misconstrued as poor communication skills, especially when pitted against extroverts' boisterous character.
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.
An introvert, on the other hand, wakes up with a 100 percent social battery. Talking to people drains them. To recharge, they need to spend time alone with their thoughts. That's why introverts generally avoid small talk even if they do love engaging in conversations.
Being an introvert is often considered weak. They aren't quite as good as the extroverts, who just seem to breeze through life. But that's not true, there is nothing wrong with being an introvert. The main problem is with society, which doesn't see it in the same way.
Social Behavior
Introverts tend to be quiet and subdued. They dislike being the center of attention, even if the attention is positive. It's not surprising that introverts don't brag about their achievements or knowledge. In fact, they may know more than they'll admit.
Because someone is introverted it doesn't automatically mean that they lack confidence, they lack self-belief, or that they are shy. Introversion is NOT something that has to be gotten over or grown out of.
And researchers have found 70% of introverts also are highly sensitive people. HSPs for short.
Casual sex is sometimes a no-go.
In other words, according to Dembling, introverts “like to jump into the deep end.” Rather than devoting their time and social energy to someone they're never going to see again, introverts commonly favor being around those they've cultivated an intimate, personal relationship with.
Introverts often define themselves as thoughtful or simply more comfortable in small groups or in solitude. The extrovert's focus on social engagement can sometimes drown out his or her inner voice. Introverts tend to be more comfortable spending time alone, which incubates creativity.