Introverts might shut down if they are inundated with too much stimulation without a break to recharge. Oftentimes, social situations such as parties are too much for introverts, who need their own space more often than extroverts. As such, introverts tend to shut down when they are overwhelmed. What is this?
We also may change somewhat over time. If you started out very introverted, you may develop more extraverted traits later in life. Or you may consciously choose to develop your capacity for extraversion.
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.
Introverts can be perfectly happy on their own, or terribly lonely in a crowd. A lot of the time, introverts need solitude and quiet to recharge themselves. This can make it harder for them to create and maintain social connections, and there can be a point where “alone” becomes “lonely”.
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.
Causes of Introversion
Researchers have found that introverts have a higher blood flow to their frontal lobe than extroverts do. This part of the brain helps you remember things, solve problems, and plan ahead. Introvert brains also react differently to dopamine than extrovert brains do.
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.
Introverts get annoyed by small talk. Since conversations require energy, they often prefer conversations that allow them to go deeper in their relationships with other people. Small talk and vapid conversations about the weather and current events can seem tedious, draining, and even annoying.
Social interaction can fuel some people, especially extroverts. To introverts, the same level of social interaction can be draining instead. While introverts can appreciate socializing, they invest a lot of energy trying to navigate socially demanding environments, leading to social exhaustion.
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.
Sometimes an Introvert needs time to open up, even if they're upset about something unrelated to you. If an Introvert is ignoring you (and everyone else) because there's a stressful event happening in their life, the best thing you can do is give them space.
Introverts need time alone to process. Pulling away for a bit means introverts can really sit with their feelings and figure out how to proceed. If an introvert uses alone time as an excuse, then cuts off all communication with you, that's an immature move — and you deserve better.
You can't “turn” into an introvert or extrovert, just like a dog can't turn into a horse. However, you can, as an introvert, learn to manage your energy, develop confidence, and socialize in a way that works for you. Likewise, extroverts can learn the value of solitude and slowing down.
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.
Yes, introverts can have a more difficult time speaking up or perhaps are less likely to feel comfortable in front of people. But being an introvert does not mean that you can't be a strong communicator. Just like fellow extroverts, introverts can also use tools to help them communicate more effectively.
Individuals with an introverted personality type are also often known to be perfectionists and very self-critical. Such characteristics can leave individuals feeling unsatisfied with themselves and with their lives. It can also lead to stress, mental and physical exhaustion, as well as mental health issues.
Most Introverts, and especially Intuitive Introverts, find it really hard to trust people. The main reason is that we have a finite energy for people and need those exhausting interactions to be worth it.
Introverts are generally more attuned to expressing love in nonverbal ways and don't tolerate sentimentality. They also need more time to express their affection, so patience is very important at the beginning of the relationship.
They usually get their energy from being alone and recharge through spending time on their own rather than with other people. Introverts can still enjoy socializing and form deep, lasting relationships with others, but they may have many different needs when it comes to dating and cohabitating.
An introvert hangover includes social fatigue, mental and physical exhaustion, and burnout felt by introverts after they have spent too much time socializing with others. This feeling occurs because introverts are drained by interactions with others and need time alone to recharge.
Sharing thoughts and feelings appropriately with others is a stress-reducing formula for interaction. An introvert typically does not express emotions and feelings freely. In fact, it is draining for them to do so. Self-expression allows others to understand what we are thinking and feeling.
Introverts tend to be more prone to overthinking than extroverts, but it's possible for anyone to fall into this trap. Being an introvert means you have a tendency towards self-reflection that can take its toll if you're not careful.