You can stay home on most nights, but you can also go out on some nights. You can diversify your night offs and you’ll never feel like you’re stuck in a loop. Rather than being down on myself and self-critical about my skills, I try to leave more room for self-compassion and awareness. I may have a different style or way of being, but there’s just as much room for me in the world as there is for more extroverted types. Here’s what I’ve learned about being an introvert that has helped me embrace, value, and honor myself.

But the reality is that even though introverts come in all varieties and with varying degrees of each of the distinguishing traits, most struggle with forming easy, comfortable relationships. And as a result, learning how to make friends as an introvert is usually high on the list of priorities for an introvert at some time in their lives. But how introverts make friends depends on finding others who are just as confident and comfortable in a small group or with one on one interactions. Or if you are dealing with an introvert friend, how can you help?

This approach can foster a more authentic and satisfying conversation. Engaging in deep conversations strengthens friendships with introverts. Finding a routine or schedule that works for you and includes social activities can help introverts meet new people and make friends. Joining a club or group that meets regularly can provide a sense of structure and community.

• In reality, introverts value deep connections but need more personal space and quiet time to recharge.
• Rather than being down on myself and self-critical about my skills, I try to leave more room for self-compassion and awareness.
• Interestingly, there isn’t actually a universally accepted definition for introversion, with experts from different fields having unique opinions.
• So, if you’re my friend, please make sure that I get an opportunity to talk, too.

What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Introverts In Friendships?

Thankfully, learning how to make friends as an introvert doesn’t always mean becoming a social butterfly, sometimes it’s more about a change of perspective. Consider all the passing relationships you already have through school, work or family, some may make great friends. For students specifically, check out our detailed guide on how to make friends in college for campus-specific strategies. The one thing all introverts have in common is that big group activities, such as parties, suck the energy right out of them — even if they aren’t a particularly shy introvert. It is a truth universally acknowledged that introverts like their alone time.

Encourage them to tell you what they want and do things their way. Introverts tend to thrive when plans and communication are straightforward. Be clear, concise, and reliable in your messaging to reduce misunderstandings. So start developing authenticity with these 20 ways to be a more authentic person so you can attract other authentic types. Some of the best leaders in the world were and are introverts. Think of Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, and Barack Obama.

On the other hand, you as an introvert are prone to staring at the ground all the time. You most likely tend to lay your head too low for far too long. An extroverted friend can help you get out that bubble every once in a while and have you hold your head up high. When navigating social situations, opt for quieter venues, keep outings short, and allow breaks for him http://www.easternhoneys.org/ to recharge.

Any healthy relationship involves compromise on a number of different aspects, and in terms of an introvert-extrovert relationship, that may include what activities you both decide to do. I rack my brain for things to say, anything that might sound mildly interesting or enthusiastic, but I often come up short. I feel the awkward silences stretch for what feels like an eternity, and then I look for an escape. The escape might be a literal escape — a door or an elevator. Or it might be my phone, which I’ll pick up and pretend to have an intense amount of interest in. (I’m just trying to hide behind it.) Even though the phone is generally not an introvert’s friend, it is in this case.

It’s easier to bridge the gap between strangers when you already have something in common. Nerd Culture turns the challenge of making friends into an easy, interest-driven process.

Aim For Quality Over Quantity

Ask yourself whether you really want more friends or merely believe you should have them. As you probably know, introversion simply refers to the way you get your energy. This trait doesn’t make you shy or mean you dislike people — both common misconceptions about introversion. If you don’t have many — or any — close friends, you might wonder whether you do, in fact, spend too much time alone.

They provide a listening ear, empathy, and emotional intimacy to those they let into their world. If an introvert just went to a social event yesterday, they might want to space out the time before they go to their next social activity. (The “introvert hangover” is real!) This could be another reason why introverts might take a raincheck on your request to go out, as multiple social engagements can be social overload. This is because we often feel exhausted or overstimulated when we’re around people for an extended period of time.

Say you’re into trading card games, if you’re comfortable starting chats, you can  challenge players at a game store to a battle, or find new players on a site like Nerd Culture. This quickstart guide will help you overcome your feelings of self-doubt to become a confident introvert. Despite the many differences between introverts and extroverts, there are some important qualities that can be learned from both perspectives.

What Are Key Tips For Navigating Social Situations With An Introverted Man?

Even as you weigh the pros and cons of expanding your social circle, you may feel unsure where to start. Some actors, for example, are known to be introverted and love solitude and introspection in their private lives but on stage exude an extroverted persona comfortably. So it is important that introverted teens who struggle to make friends understand that their own awkwardness will eventually go away once they spend time with others and let others get to know them. Not only will you have time to plan ahead for an event or activity, but you will also feel less anxiety about mingling with others when you can anticipate your participation.

Your patience and support will not only strengthen your connection but also help him feel valued and understood. With a little effort and empathy you can build a lasting love that celebrates both of your personalities. Opt for relaxed settings where he feels comfortable, like a quiet café or during a peaceful walk.

Making friends as an adult introvert is absolutely achievable! Because introverts and extroverts tend to have different interests, it’s not uncommon for friends to struggle with what they should do when they hang out. In order for a friendship like this to work, all parties involved need to learn the art of compromising. Many people mistakenly believe that introverts are shy or anti-social. In reality, introverts value deep connections but need more personal space and quiet time to recharge. They are often great listeners and prefer meaningful conversations over small talk.

So, going forward, I’m saying yes to last-minute plans and offers to meet up instead of shying away from every spontaneous social opportunity. With a little effort and empathy you can foster a friendship that’s both fulfilling and enjoyable for both of you. So go ahead and take those small steps to connect with the introverts in your life. You might just discover a wonderful bond that enriches your world.