Let’s talk Introverts! If you are an extrovert, this is your guide to helping you better understand introverted people.
I never realized I was an introvert until I heard the definition of introvert. If you are an extrovert, this is your guide to understanding introverts.
Lets Talk Introverts
Our goal is that this will be a helpful guide if you are an introvert or if you an extrovert wanting to better communicate with introverts.
First, let’s look at the definition of introvert.
in·tro·vert
tr.v. in·tro·vert·ed, in·tro·vert·ing, in·tro·verts
1. To turn or direct inward.2. Psychology To concentrate (one’s interests) upon oneself.source: freedictionary.com
After reading this, it all made sense. Why yes, I like talking to people and socializing to an extent, there’s a line that I draw when it comes to being social. Some people get it, some people don’t.
Last week I was with a mix of mom friends. In the group, we have about half introverts and half extroverts. As we talked about connection and friendships, it was fascinating to hear how extroverts thought of introverts and like-wise. I found this graphic and thought to myself that this NAILED IT.
What is Introversion?
Introverted people live in a human sized hamster ball. Not really, but you know what I mean.
The major trait of a true introvert, as opposed to someone who is withdrawn is how they gain their energy.
Extroverted people gather their energy from their surroundings.
They absorb the “good vibes” of the people around them and thus need a lot of social interaction.
Introverted people make their own energy and rather than taking it from others, give it on social contact. This means that they naturally find most interactions exhausting and need time to recharge.
Because this energy is a limited resource, they tend to see extroverts as obvious predators out to steal their sweet energy juices. That’s why they have the hamster ball of personal space.
If you are curious about introverts – don’t fret, we aren’t all goth and lonely. We just like things a certain way. Yes, I would say we are weird – or at least I am, but hey that’s who God made me.
How to Interact with Introverts
Just because someone is introverted doesn’t mean they don’t like company. Interaction is just expensive and they don’t want to spend it on something annoying (wasteful.) Here’s what you do to interact with introverts.
Say hello, be polite and relaxed. Show that you recognize and approve of their presence. It is important for introverts to feel welcome – they won’t spend their precious energy on someone who doesn’t want them around. If you have interesting and important news to mention, mention it. Just don’t press for gossip.
Then go back to whatever you were doing. Now the introverts know that you are friendly and open to interaction but will not push them into spending energy they do not need to! Tah-Dah! That’s it!
5 Introvert Tips to Remember
- Respect personal space.
- Energy is limited.
- Don’t demand to have energy spent on you when it’s not particularly needed.
- Don’t take silence as an insult, it isn’t.
- Introverts get lonely, too!
For anyone who wants to understand introverts, enjoy this. This is a simplified explanation of introverted vs extroverted. If you are introvert – share this and pass along to others so that they can maybe understand a little bit better why we don’t always like to be “on”.
If you are a parent who is an extrovert, read 12 tips for parenting introverts.