Society is not very attentive to the needs of the quiet ones: they notice the bright and loud ones. But this is not a reason to pretend to be an extrovert: your strength is in something else. Below you will find some typical problems of introverts and tips on how to solve them in order to remain yourself.
Pressure from society
Introverts often feel pressure from society and worry about how others treat them. They may also think that there is something wrong with them or that they do not meet social standards because of their introversion in public. Psychologists advise living the life that you have seen for yourself and realizing that you are seen and heard in any case. What you definitely should not do is try to be someone you are not.
Fatigue from communication
Everyone needs to be alone with themselves, their thoughts and feelings from time to time. However, for introverts, it is especially important to “recharge” in solitude. Problems arise when there is no physical opportunity to be alone, and loved ones may not even suspect how important it is for you. In such a case, it is still necessary to find the right words so as not to offend loved ones, but at the same time provide yourself with space to recover. In extreme cases, use the bathroom.
Irritability due to overexcitement
Continuing with the previous point, we will add that when it is not possible to recharge oneself with energy before the next round of communication, introverts can become irritable, even if they themselves are not fully aware of the reason for the changes in their own behavior. Experts advise developing awareness and preparing in advance techniques in the “anchoring” technique that can normalize the state at a critical moment. If emotions still take over, you need to take responsibility and move on.
Problems on the romantic front
Romantic relationships are often difficult for introverts. Social interactions quickly exhaust them, which reduces the overall number of contacts with strangers, and without them, it is almost impossible to find a soulmate. In addition, unsuccessful attempts can be perceived more acutely than if the same thing happened to an extrovert. Numerous dates can really seem overwhelming, so online dating can be a way out. The main thing is not to rush to transfer them to reality – meet when you have become comfortable enough to communicate online.
Boundaries in relationships with loved ones
Introverts aren’t alone in having trouble setting boundaries, but they may have a particularly hard time standing up for themselves and stating their needs. Recognizing the problem is half the battle. First, you need to understand that your request won’t hurt the extrovert just because you had a hard time voicing it. Second, setting boundaries can be trained. Start with the simple: speak up when someone makes a mistake that’s not in your favor. The truth is on your side!
Managing communication with friends
On the one hand, introverts may suffer from communication difficulties. On the other hand, they themselves sometimes ignore messages and calls and cannot do anything about it. One way to solve the problem may be to simply inform: explain in a confidential conversation that a delay in response should not be considered a personal insult. But it is still more effective to make an effort and not put off responses for a long time. Most often, it is enough to answer that you received the message and answer within a few days – this way you will be able to avoid misunderstandings and offense.