Being an introvert in a world that often caters to extroverts can be challenging. Whether you want to support your introverted friends better or gain insight into your own introverted nature, this list is for you. Here are 18 things that introverts typically dislike doing – so never make them.
Engaging in Small Talk
There aren’t many introverts out there who enjoy small talk. According to All About Introverts, they typically prefer deep, meaningful conversations with a select few people rather than superficial chats with many different acquaintances. As such, it’s best not to make them feel forced to engage in these kinds of interactions.
Unscheduled Phone Calls
While many extroverts have no issue with impromptu phone calls, they can be a nightmare for introverts. Introverts usually prefer to know about calls in advance so they have time to mentally prepare themselves for social interaction. They also tend to prefer texts and emails over phone calls when given the choice.
Constantly Changing Plans
Most introverts value predictability and stability, as last-minute plans and changes can feel stressful and overwhelming. This can cause them to become anxious and upset that they weren’t informed of the plans ahead of time.
Attending Large Parties
Busy social events like parties can be extremely overwhelming and exhausting for introverts. Therefore, you shouldn’t make them feel guilty or bad for not wanting to attend. Introverted individuals will usually prefer quieter events with close friends and family.
Being the Center of Attention
Introverted people often become uncomfortable and anxious when they’re required to be in the spotlight. This commonly occurs during situations such as birthday parties and public speaking events. The introverts in your life will greatly appreciate it if you don’t force them into the spotlight and support them when they do need to be the center of attention.
Making Quick Decisions
While there are benefits to quick decision-making, many introverts work best by taking their time to reflect and thoroughly think things through before deciding. Because of this, it’s best not to make introverts feel rushed into anything, allowing them to use all the time and space they need before giving you an answer.
Participating in Group Work
Group work is another thing that can be especially challenging for introverts, who usually prefer to work by themselves. It can be challenging for them to keep up with the tempo and intensity of the conversation, making it hard for them to have their voices heard.
Networking Events
Networking events can be useful for progressing in your personal and professional lives. But for introverts, they can feel forced, inauthentic, and draining. Instead, introverts usually prefer building relationships slowly and naturally over time.
Being Forced into Social Interactions
It’s never a good idea to force an introvert into a social event or interaction. Introverted individuals value their alone time for recharging and reflecting, and interrupting them with surprise social interactions can feel jarring and disrespectful.
Loud and Busy Environments
Healthy HSP states that introverts are often more sensitive to stimuli than extroverts. As such, they are more likely to be overwhelmed by loud and busy environments with too many different sounds, sights, or people. They usually prefer quiet, calm spaces where they can focus more on the task at hand or the people around them.
Open Office Spaces
Open office spaces can create a significant lack of privacy and personal space, making them difficult places to work in for introverts. Distractions such as background noises and social interactions can also cause them to become less focused and productive.
Impromptu Public Speaking
As stated by Introvert, Dear, introverts absolutely can make great public speakers. However, there aren’t many situations in which it would be a good idea to spring an impromptu public speaking invitation on an introvert. They tend to dislike being put on the spot and find spontaneous social interactions and events scary and stressful.
Receiving Over-the-Top Praise
Introverts are likely to feel embarrassed and uncomfortable when given too much praise, especially in public settings. Instead, they typically prefer private moments of recognition and praise that are thoughtful and sincere without being over the top.
Multi-Tasking in Social Settings
Most introverts dislike situations in which they must focus on many different people or tasks at the same time. They find it difficult to divide their attention between too many different things and prefer to speak to just one person at a time when possible.
Competitive Team Sports
Competitive team sports can feel overwhelming and stressful for many introverts, as they typically involve many different people and create an intensely competitive atmosphere. They usually prefer individual sports where they can play with close friends and not be forced into the limelight.
Frequent Team Meetings
Even extroverts can find meetings stressful and tedious at times. But for introverts, they can be especially overwhelming, draining, and stressful. This is especially true when they are required to have many consecutive meetings in a short period of time.
Spontaneous Social Outings
Spontaneous social outings may seem like a fun idea for some people; however, for introverts, they can be highly stressful, as they prefer to mentally prepare themselves for social interactions and events. Therefore, it is usually a better idea to plan ahead and let an introvert know about your social plans in advance.
Sharing Personal Details with Acquaintances
Introverts are often more private and slower to open up than extroverts. Therefore, they will not usually appreciate it if you share their personal details with new acquaintances or strangers. Instead, you should ask them before sharing their contact details or other personal information with anyone else to respect their privacy and boundaries.
