Introverts Usually Look Forward To Doing 6 Things Extroverts Try To Avoid
KOTOIMAGES | Shutterstock As an extrovert, I sometimes find myself stunned by how happy introverts are with their own company. While I love a night out, they would much rather enjoy the comforts of home and their cozy hobbies.
There is a myth that introverts are lonely and dislike socializing, but that's simply not true. They often have lots of friends and enjoy spending time with them. They just prefer intimate conversations and are aware that their battery can run out quickly if they don't give themselves time to recharge.
Things introverts look forward to doing that extroverts avoid at all costs:
1. Canceling plans so they can stay home
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I can’t lie, I try my best not to cancel plans so I don’t seem rude. However, I know a lot of my friends who actually look forward to it. They feel a sense of relief when somebody cancels, because they don’t want to be the one to do it. They will text and say they're looking forward to going out, when, secretly, they hope a good excuse comes up so they can cancel.
According to psychologist Abigail Fagan, PhD, introverts produce less dopamine when around strangers than extroverts do. It's not just a personal preference for liking to spend time alone. It's a biological response.
2. Having a weekend with no plans or to-do lists
Extroverts love to have their calendar booked to the minute, but introverts thrive when they have nothing planned. Their ideal weekend is spending time either alone or with select loved ones. Better yet, they have no plans and no chores or errands to run.
They love solo hobbies, like reading and puzzles, and as Fagan explained, they are very content with their lives, and they don’t need other people to make them feel any different.
3. Planning intimate get-togethers with a small group of friends
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Author and psychologist Laurie Helgoe, PhD, explained that introverts love a get-together if it's small and allows space to disengage if necessary.
If an introvert has to go to a party, they would much rather it be a small gathering than a huge crowd where they don’t know who to talk to, or they feel overwhelmed by too much external stimuli. Doesn't mean they don't know how to have fun, though!
4. Engaging in group texts rather than phone calls
Phone etiquette has changed quite a bit over the years. Older generations may find it perfectly normal to just call somebody when you need something. Younger people would much rather text and only call if they absolutely need to.
This is especially true for introverts. Making a call demands a lot of energy and presence, and there is pressure to think of the right response. Extroverts get a thrill out of this, while introverts find it stressful.
5. Working alone
According to the BBC, many people don’t like working from home because it can lead to loneliness. It's hard to imagine, but it's true. An office environment offers many opportunities for socialization for people who thrive on that kind of community engagement.
Introverts are not those people. They would much rather seek out remote jobs. They prefer to work from home. It’s less pressure, and they can focus on work instead of chatting at the water cooler.
6. Having deep conversations rather than small talk
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Extroverts love small talk. It's how you meet new people and make new friends. Introverts, however, find it pointless.
They would much rather skip the shallow stuff and get right to the deep conversations. For example, one of my best friends is an introvert. At every party, she will be in the corner talking to one person the whole time, rather than having super short and shallow conversations with strangers.
Sophie Bagheri is a writer with a bachelor’s degree in English and theatre who covers lifestyle topics.
