11 Things That Instantly Annoy Extroverts But Introverts Love
Extroverts just can't understand how introverts live this way.
Ekateryna Zubal | Shutterstock If you love to socialize, have high energy that can't be tamed, and find a boost in morale by spending time with others, it's likely that you're an extrovert. Extroverts aren't afraid to be friendly, can talk to just about anyone, and thrive in a crowded room, as opposed to introverts, who tend to favor quieter activities that allow them to recharge their social battery. But these are just some of the things that instantly annoy extroverts but introverts love.
For extroverts, their battery is full after socializing. Extroverts crave interaction with others, but that's not always something introverts can participate in. Things like quiet time, low-key hobbies, and lack of socialization instantly annoy extroverts, while introverts thrive in those settings. Outgoing, energized people can't stand some of these things these quiet, less sociable individuals do.
Here are 11 things that instantly annoy extroverts but introverts love
1. Prolonged quiet time
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Extroverts love to socialize. They'd much prefer a long conversation with friends or even acquaintances than spend time doing quiet hobbies. Because of this, a long period of quiet time is one of the things that instantly annoy extroverts but introverts love.
They love to talk and be talked to, while introverts feel drained from social interaction. But it can be difficult for them to focus on tasks like reading, writing, or coloring because they crave social interaction. Prolonged quiet time can be extremely annoying to extroverts, while introverts can't get enough of it.
2. Not being the center of attention
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According to research by Cornell University, extroverts crave the spotlight. They have a different response to social rewards than introverts, which come from spending time with others. Extroverts have a hard time understanding why introverts would want to blend into the background instead of remain in the spotlight.
But introverts do not get much out of social rewards, so they are happy to take a step back from center stage. For extroverts, they recharge from situations where they are the center of attention, and it can annoy extroverts when introverts struggle to understand why they prefer to be in the spotlight.
3. Ignoring small talk
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It's no secret that extroverts love to chat. They are capable of picking up a conversation with anyone, even if it's simple small talk about the weather or their job. But they become irritated when introverts shut down these interactions.
As a study from the Journal of Experimental Psychology pointed out, acting extroverted and having casual conversations might boost the overall well-being of an individual, which is great news for outgoing people. However, if extroverts happen to have a conversation with an extrovert, they don't ever feel like they are getting their social needs met.
4. Keeping personal information to themselves
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One of the big things that instantly annoy extroverts but introverts love is having to not talk about themselves. Because socializing comes easy to extroverts, they can be an open book. They like to connect on a personal level with each person they meet, but that can be difficult with an introvert.
Extroverts are motivated by forming meaningful connections with the people they meet, as a study published in Psychological Science determined. When introverts won't open up to them, extroverts become annoyed because they feel it's a missed opportunity to connect and form a powerful friendship.
5. Empty rooms
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The fuller and louder the room, the better for extroverts. They love a chance to socialize with as many people as possible, so an empty room is a pretty scary thing for them.
For introverts, they much prefer a quieter space with less people. Unfortunately, extroverts really don't enjoy spending quiet time with a handful of people, as they much prefer a crowded and loud environment.
6. Predictable routines
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According to a study from Cognitive Neuroscience, extroverts are more likely to thrive in chaotic and unpredictable social settings. It explains why they really enjoy a loud, bustling environment, whereas this is a living nightmare for introverts.
Introverts need to stick to a predictable routine in order to preserve their social battery, whereas extroverts can be ready for any situation. Whether it's asking to attend a random party or taking on new tasks at work, extroverts are up for the challenge. But introverts would rather keep to their normal routines, which is incredibly annoying to extroverts who are always ready for something new.
7. Working alone
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Introverts are more comfortable working on projects by themselves. Back in school, they were the people who dreaded having to do a group project, and as adults they choose to work alone instead of collaborating in the workplace.
This annoys extroverts because they thrive in situations that require collaboration. According to executive coach Rita Cincotta, outgoing people will often take on leadership roles and excel, whereas introverts take a backseat or work quietly with themselves.
8. Staying home instead of going out
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Every extrovert has at least one introverted friend; in fact, introverts and extroverts attract each other. They make great friends or romantic partners, but that doesn't mean there aren't certain things that instantly annoy extroverts but introverts love, especially when it involves socializing.
Extroverts want to spend time with their introverted friends and other people. They enjoy social scenes where there are a lot of people, like a party or event. For some introverts, however, a party is not their idea of a good time. And when they turn down social invites, it can cause extroverts to become irritated with them.
9. Avoiding eye contact
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Research has found that some view a lack of eye contact as disrespectful, particularly in non-Western cultures. But since extroverts are comfortable with long-term eye contact, they truly don't understand why introverts struggle to do the same.
Extroverts want to form deep connections with people and they believe eye contact can be key to that process. Introverts struggle with keeping eye contact, and it can bother extroverts when they are trying to have conversations with them.
10. Empty schedules
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According to introvert expert Tyler Tervooren, introverts struggle to maintain a heavy social calendar. They value their alone time, and having to commit time to activities that drain their social battery can feel impossible.
Extroverts are the complete opposite. They want to do as much as possible with as many people they can. They jam-pack their schedules and feel great at the end of the day, but are very put off by people who choose not to follow their lead.
11. A lack of leadership
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Extroverts love to take on leadership positions. According to a study by the University of Toronto Scarborough, extroverts do have an edge when it comes to landing jobs that require strong leadership skills.
It's not that introverts don't make good leaders, because they do. However, extroverts are great at taking control of situations, while introverts may fade into the background due to the overwhelming social responsibility of taking charge.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master's degree in Humanities living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
