Silence. Most groups include some people who are timid about sharing their opinions. They may feel unvalued, unsure of themselves or unfamiliar with the topic or process. Alternatively, they may just need time to listen, think, and formulate their thoughts.
Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations, such as with classmates at school or to relatives they do not see very often. It usually starts during childhood and, if left untreated, can persist into adulthood.
It's not rare for people to be quiet occasionally, especially around a new group. For some traits it's hard to erase the first impression they create, but coming off as quiet isn't one of them. People instinctively understand that some of us are bit slow to warm up to new company.
Introversion
They're focused on themselves most of the time and have a rich inner life. Introverts are thinkers and sometimes over-thinkers. Because there's so much going on in their minds, introverts have little bandwidth left for social interactions. Hence, they tend to be quiet people.
Actively seek and beseech the input of quiet people with open hands and eye contact. With virtual meetings gently use their name only if you have previously agreed that they can say 'pass' when they feel 'put on the spot. ' Let quiet people know in advance that you understand their meek nature.
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.
Silence in a group does not mean "nothing is going on." Quite the contrary, silence by the group may convey support for a mem- ber who is having difficulty expressing his or her feelings or ideas. Such a silence is permeated with encouragement that the member seems to feel as well as sense.
Being an introvert doesn't necessarily mean you're socially awkward, but the two do sometimes overlap. Certainly, as in my case, the fear of feeling anxious and awkward in social settings can cause us to lean into our introversion.
Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations, such as with classmates at school or to relatives they do not see very often. It usually starts during childhood and, if left untreated, can persist into adulthood.
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.
They're Great Listeners
Because they are naturally very observant and thoughtful, introverts are also excellent listeners. Great leaders don't just talk, they listen intently — to their employees, consumers, and anyone else around them. They're vocal about their ideas but are also open to feedback and change.
This trait doesn't make you shy or mean you dislike people — both common misconceptions about introversion. As a matter of fact, introverts tend to form strong relationships. If you truly want to find more friends, it's entirely possible to do so. But it's important to make these connections for the right reasons.
Introverts are very loyal friends.
Once they form close relationships, they are unlikely to give up on those friendships in the face of conflict. Since introverts have to use energy for social interactions, they see the time they've spent on a friendship as a serious investment of their time and emotional energy.
Introverts are happiest when they are talking just on a one-to-one level or with two people they know well. Many introverts feel uncomfortable in group conversations, finding that they don't know what to say. Introverts tend to be passive in group situations, which means that they don't assert their needs.
In the context of psychoanalysis, the patient's feeling that they have nothing to say is often an indication of transference feelings. Sometimes the feeling that you have nothing to say is a defense against something you do not want to say. Feeling you have nothing to say is sometimes a sign of projection.
An introvert is a person with qualities of a personality type known as introversion, which means that they feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what's happening externally. They enjoy spending time with just one or two people, rather than large groups or crowds.
Quiet people tend to be the best observers. They keep to themselves. They tend to look, listen, and wait. They know how to observe and catch the smallest details of things, meaning if anything changes around them, quiet people will be the first to notice it.
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.
Most psychologists indicate that it depends on the situation. When silence, or, rather, the refusal to engage in a conversation, is used as a control tactic to exert power in a relationship, then it becomes "the silent treatment," which is toxic, unhealthy, and abusive.
Essentially, the point of the silent treatment is to make the victim feel confused, stressed, guilty, ashamed, not good enough, or unstable enough so that they would do what the manipulator wants.