In a new study, scientists found that the brains of introverts don't pay much attention to human faces, a reason why they prefer to remain alone while their socially outgoing counterparts love the company of others.
It re-energizes them.
While too much socializing is overwhelming, solitude is intrinsic to regaining that spent energy. After being alone, introverts feel strengthened and restored, ready to face the world again (or at least Zoom). No one, regardless of their personality, can bounce around all the time.
These findings go against the stereotype that introverts are happiest when they are alone. The fact of the matter is that meeting and spending time with others is a happier state than being alone. Not only that, but also when introverts act extroverted, they also report being happier as well.
They require low key nights at home to recharge.
Introverts don't just enjoy being alone; they require it. According to Dr. Marti Olsen Laney, author of The Introvert Advantage, the biological component that differentiates introverts from extroverts is their sensitivity to dopamine.
How much alone time does an introvert need? The average amount of alone time needed by an introvert to experience a high sense of well-being is 5-6 hours daily. 68 percent of people( including extroverts) report having gotten (on average) only 3 hours of rest the previous day.
Introverts may enjoy spending time alone in part because of acetylcholine. According to Laney, this chemical may produce a happy feeling for introverts when they do an activity that focuses them inward, such as quietly reflecting or enjoying a hobby like reading, painting, or gaming.
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.
However, introverts don't need a wide circle of friends. They prefer one or two close friends, even though they may know many people and have many acquaintances. Despite this preference, introverts are often criticized for not attempting to make more friends, and are often viewed as lacking social skills.
Most introverts are largely independent and not clingy, and they're generally more inclined to be polite and considerate of the impact of their behavior on others. They tend to think before they speak, whereas extroverts may blurt the first things that come to mind.
While introverts are generally likely to report lower levels of happiness than extroverts, this does not mean that introverts are unhappy. Ultimately, it's important to note the happiness benefits of both introverted and extroverted behavior, no matter where you fall on the spectrum.
You feel really tired or extra anxious.
Since introverts get their energy from being alone, too much time around people is incredibly draining, and over time, it can take a tremendous toll. Social exhaustion might show up as severe fatigue, extreme anxiety, crying more often, or resentment.
Introverts want a mind-to-mind connection where you share your inner world with them including what makes you tick. You also could try asking your partner questions. Many introverts will share their thoughts and feelings in response to questions rather than volunteering information. So, be patient and ask your partner.
Many introverted people do have several close friends, but the fact remains that introverts will always need time to recharge alone. Friends fulfill important social and emotional needs, but interaction can still drain your resources.
Overall findings show introverts are more vulnerable than extraverts to depression and decreased mental well-being. Introverts are more likely to be compliant and have lower self-esteem than extraverts, and also have less social support than extraverts, which can be detrimental when experiencing depression.
According to research, introverts also have more brain activity than most individuals because of their inward personalities. Their quietness helps them balance out the level of stimulation their brains experience, and is the reason why most introvert traits like keen observation needs silence to function.
Introverts are the best listeners.
They pay attention and listen hard — and will remember what you tell them in excruciating detail. They are fully present, and because they listen well, they can quickly get to know the real you, and even give you excellent counsel on problems (because they really get the gist of it).
They are gentle and easy-going.
Are introverts attractive? Yes, and their gentle personality is one of those reasons. Introverts appeal to people because they're easy to be around. Even though it's a common misconception that they're stuck up, their aura is indeed welcoming.
We all need a little space to mentally process life and recharge so we can function at our best and enjoy time with others. It's just that introverts may need more of it. For introverts, time alone is as essential as sleeping or eating. Not getting enough can cause frustration, resentment, and fatigue to set in.
Studies have found that introverts get more easily distracted than their extroverted counterparts. Because of this, they might be annoyed when someone steps into their office for a quick chat. They also get annoyed by interruptions when they speak. Extroverts are often guilty of interrupting others while talking.
As an introvert, you fall closer to one end, but that doesn't mean you avoid people entirely. Most introverts enjoy spending time with friends, particularly those friends who understand their boundaries in social interactions and need for alone time.
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.
Introverts thrive in professions that offer them plenty of space and independence. Most introverts perform better in workplaces with fewer external distractions. Good jobs for introverts include accounting, engineering, and technical writing.
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.