It can be hard for introverts to complete things that others classify as everyday actions. This may be because they don’t enjoy being part of social events or because they feel they have to do things outside of their comfort zones. Here are 20 “simple” things introverts find difficult.
Small Talk
Small talk can be hard for most people, and even more so for introverts. This is supported by All About Introverts, which writes, “Engaging in small talk, which often revolves around trivial topics like weather, weekend plans, or recent news, feels incredibly unfulfilling to them.” Conversations that don’t have any depth can drain introverts.
Group Projects
Introverts can face certain levels of discomfort when they have to contribute to group projects. They’d much rather work on their own and may even feel like their work will be of a higher standard. They hate having to speak out on group projects and prefer independent work.
Loud Environments
Noisy settings can be overwhelming for introverts, especially if they also suffer from anxiety. Busy settings can be draining for them both mentally and physically and sometimes they need to recover by themselves. They’d much rather be in a quiet environment where they aren’t overstimulated.
Constant Socializing
An introvert’s social battery will run out much quicker than an extrovert’s, and they’ll need time to recover after. If they have events scheduled one after another, then it’s going to be exhausting for them as they won’t have enough time to recharge their batteries.
Making Quick Decisions
Goldgrab Leadership writes, “Introverts enjoy processing new information before they share their views, and they can often stay quiet for far longer than may be useful.” This also means they struggle to make quick decisions. They want to think things through to ensure they make the right choice.
Initiating Conversations
Initiating conversations can be an anxious time for introverts. It can be an ordeal that they’d much rather avoid if they could. They may rehearse what they need to say before approaching anyone and keep their distance from a person in case they hesitate over approaching them.
Making Phone Calls
Making a phone call is a stressful time for an introvert, and they’ll only do it if it’s absolutely necessary. If they need to contact a company, then they’ll look at alternative methods first, such as email or live chat. If they need to call anyone, they’ll rehearse it in their heads first.
Receiving Criticism
Introverts hate receiving criticism. They can find it hard to separate it from their personal feelings and see it as a reflection of themselves as a person, even if it’s constructive. They need longer than extroverts to reflect on the feedback and see it as something to help them in the future.
Attending Parties
Large gatherings can be overwhelming for introverts so they’ll only attend the ones that are important to them. Sometimes they may even leave early, which the host may misunderstand for rudeness, but it’ll be because they’ve drained their social battery. You’ll never find an introvert hosting a large party.
Expressing Feelings
Now & Me says that expressing feelings can be incredibly difficult for introverts, and you can’t expect everyone to be outspoken. They find it difficult to verbalize their feelings, as they often need to mull things over and work out how they want to say what is needed. Sometimes, they may prefer to write down their feelings instead.
Networking Events
Introverts hate networking events because they mean lots of small talk and having to initiate conversations. It can be stressful for them to interact with new people in professional settings and they may feel they have to really push themselves to approach a person.
Being Center of Attention
Putting the spotlight on an introvert can create a lot of stress for them. They find public speaking uncomfortable and would rather sit on the sidelines. They may have anxieties about being judged and hate the thought of having all eyes on them.
Meeting New People
Meeting new people can be an anxious time for introverts, as they may feel they’ll be misunderstood or fear creating a bad first impression. They much prefer slow and gradual interactions with new people, especially in professional settings where they may have started a new job.
Conflict Situations
Introverts will avoid any form of conflict at all costs. They would much prefer to sit down and calmly discuss any miscommunications with people or even express their personal views through texts or emails. Disputes can be a very uncomfortable situation for them.
Unexpected Guests
Unexpected guests can create a sense of uncertainty and introverts hate that. For example, Introvert, Dear writes that introverts thrive on routines, and if a last-minute plan is imposed, it can leave them feeling uneasy. Introverts need mental preparation when it comes to hosting and if they don’t get that, it can create discomfort.
Balancing Alone Time and Social Obligations
Introverts would much rather have more alone time than go to social obligations, but sometimes this isn’t always possible. They can feel guilt about needing personal space, and this may cause them to attend more events than they can handle. They don’t want to face judgment from others about their social preferences.
Public Transportation
Public transportation can mean your personal space is invaded, and introverts hate this, especially if a stranger tries to create a conversation with them. They can become overwhelmed by busy environments and will usually put on their headphones and hope someone doesn’t sit in the seat next to them.
Overthinking
According to Psychology Today, introverts overthink because their brains are more active than an extrovert’s, due to higher levels of electrical activity. It’s common for introverts to ruminate over conversations and have anxiety over any social interactions that they think have gone wrong.
Maintaining Personal Boundaries
Even though an introvert may want to set personal boundaries, they can find it difficult, especially when it comes to blurring the lines between professional and personal relationships. They don’t want to let people down and may feel uncomfortable expressing their views on this type of situation.
Spontaneous Outings
Introverts need time to prepare for any outings and struggle when they’re suddenly imposed on them. They may not feel ready to suddenly head out and they hate the thought of having no prior warning to socialize. Social outings are something they need to mentally prepare for.
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