Introverts – they’re not just shy people who like to stay home. They have unique ways of interacting with the world, and some daily tasks are just not their cup of tea. If you’re an introvert or know someone who is, you’ll totally get this list. Here are 17 daily tasks that introverts prefer to avoid, and you might be surprised by a few.
Unwanted Phone Calls
Unexpected and unwanted phone calls can be a pain for even the most extroverted of us. But for introverts, unscheduled calls can be especially disruptive, startling, and anxiety-inducing. According to All About Introverts, this is often because phone calls are interruptions that involve a lot of small talk. Introverts often prefer texts or emails over calls and like to get into the right mental space for social interactions.
Speaking Up in Meetings
Being naturally more reserved in social settings, it can be extra challenging for introverts to speak up in meetings. They often prefer to slowly think through their ideas before expressing them to others, which can be hard in fast-paced work environments.
Noise Sensitivity
Nobody likes annoying background noise or loud, noisy environments. However, a ScienceDirect study found that introverts are especially prone to becoming drained and disrupted by unwanted sounds around them, leaving them feeling exhausted and in need of a quiet rest.
Balancing Work and Personal Life
We’ve all heard about the importance of striking the ideal work-life balance. While introverts would certainly like to find their own work-life sweet spot, their need for alone time can make this significantly more difficult. They can feel as though work and the social interaction that comes with it take up too much of their social energy, leaving them with less drive to spend time with friends or family.
Group Projects and Team Activities
Many jobs and hobbies make use of team-based activities, which can be great for improving one’s interpersonal skills. However, group projects can be exhausting for introverts, leaving them with a need to recharge in quiet solitude.
Open Office Distractions
Open offices can be extremely overwhelming places for those of us who need our alone time. The constant noise, social stimulus, and distractions can disrupt introverts’ focus and productivity and leave them feeling drained and vulnerable.
Managing Spontaneous Social Invitations
For extroverts, giving and receiving spontaneous social invitations is usually no big deal. But for introverts, this can be a much more anxiety-inducing experience. Introverts would often prefer to stay home on their own or with a small group of friends, but it can be challenging to say no to others in the moment.
Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is never an easy feat. But an introvert’s comfort zone often feels especially… comfy. Introverts value their quiet, safe bubble very highly, as it’s essential that they make use of their alone time to recharge and be at their best. This can make it more challenging to find the drive to put themselves out there.
Dealing with Self-Consciousness
According to The Psychology Group, introverts are more prone to social anxiety than their extroverted counterparts. This can make them more self-conscious and insecure in social settings, which exacerbates the exhaustion they feel after such scenarios.
Feeling Lonely
Despite what some may think, introverts can struggle with loneliness just as much as extroverts. While they do need their alone time, they also have social and emotional needs, just like everyone else. Sometimes their need for solitude can give people the wrong idea that they don’t want to talk, leading them to become more isolated and lonely.
Facing Rejection
Nobody likes to be rejected, but introverts are often especially hard on themselves after facing rejection. Because of this, they have a tendency to avoid drawing too much attention or putting themselves out there.
Time Management and Energy
Introverts’ need for extra alone time can make it difficult for them to effectively manage their time and social engagements. If they spend too much time on tasks and interactions with others, they will quickly become drained and stop performing at their best. As such, it’s important for them to make enough time to spend in their own company.
Finding Safe Spaces
Quiet, comfortable, and safe spaces are extremely important for introverts, who need somewhere where they can relax and recharge by themselves. When at work or out and about, it can be very difficult to find such places, which can lead to heightened states of anxiety or stress.
Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries is an exceptionally important skill for introverts to learn, as they will often need to say no to others to protect their own energy and comfort levels. However, this is not always easy, as they often worry about others perceiving them as rude, unsociable, or not enjoying the presence of others.
Being Called Shy or Quiet
Most introverts will be all too familiar with the experience of being called shy or quiet. This isn’t always a negative thing in the right context, but it’s a common misconception that all introverts are shy or socially anxious. It can also be frustrating and disheartening when others imply that your quietness is a negative trait.
Being Seen as Rude
Unfortunately, introverts’ quiet presence and need for alone time can sometimes be mistaken by others for rudeness or coldness. This can be a sad and isolating experience for introverts who simply want to be understood and appreciated for who they are.
Time for Deep Thought
It’s important for most introverts to find time to engage in deep, uninterrupted thought. This helps them process their experiences and think through their decisions. But in our social, fast-paced world, it can be challenging for introverts to find enough time and space to do so.
