Introverts and extroverts experience life in many different ways, and extroverts often find their quiet, reclusive counterparts quite confusing. Here are 12 common introvert habits that high-energy, social folks will never understand.
1. Feeling immense relief when plans are canceled.
Extraverts generally get super-excited about get-togethers and events, and hype themselves up as the event date approaches. As such, they’re devastated when plans get canceled or rescheduled. Meanwhile, introverts often feel relief when plans fall through because they won’t have to struggle through unwanted social interactions and uncomfortable sensory overstimulation.
2. Avoiding people they know when they run into them.
If an extravert sees a colleague at the grocery store, they’ll go over to say hello. An introvert, however, will avoid them or leave the store entirely. Some extreme introverts will even memorize their neighbors’ routines in order to carefully plan schedules so they never have to speak to them.
3. Getting anxious when dealing with unfamiliar circumstances.
A lot of introverts get seriously anxious if they have to deal with unexpected events. They plan everything in advance, order food online, and may panic when the phone or doorbell rings unexpectedly. Extraverts who go with the flow and adapt to anything that arises usually can’t relate to this experience.
4. Taking a long time to make decisions about everything.
Most extroverts are “quick on the draw” when it comes to decision-making. In contrast, introverts (who are prone to overthinking) take a while to weigh options and consider every approach before making a decision. This can infuriate extroverts who simply want to make a choice and get on with things.
5. Preferring to communicate via text rather than speaking.
Communicating via text allows introverts to gather their thoughts and obsess over every possible interpretation before expressing what it is they think or feel. They generally do this to avoid any awkwardness or miscommunication. Extraverts will simply blurt out whatever’s on their mind and then redirect the conversation however it flows from there.
6. Thinking about all possible outcomes and repercussions before taking any action.
Whereas extroverts are known for acting before thinking—and often regretting hasty actions—introverts will consider the long-term repercussions of everything they do before taking any action about it. This often prevents them from making poor decisions, but it can also prevent them from experiencing some of the spectacular adventures that extroverts enjoy.
7. Focusing on potential rather than pursuing their wants.
For example, if an extrovert has a crush on someone, they’ll act on it in the hope of cultivating a relationship with that person. Meanwhile, an introvert often keeps their yearning in the realm of imagined possibility, rather than risk potential rejection, or having their daydreams crushed by harsh reality.
8. Needing time to adapt and get comfortable in new situations and circumstances.
An extravert can move into a new apartment in an unfamiliar city, sleep like a baby, and make friends at the cafe across the road within days. An introvert will need significantly more time to adjust to the new scents and sounds of the place, and take weeks to scope out their surroundings.
9. Feeling uncomfortable with casual physical touch or affection.
While extroverts may greet each other (and strangers) with hugs and/or cheek kisses, many introverts balk at physical touch with those they don’t know well. They might even position themselves across tables from those who touch others during conversations, and will only hug those with whom they’re comfortable. In time.
10. Revisiting favorite media repeatedly.
Many introverts will happily revisit their favorite films, TV series, and books over and over again because they appreciate the cozy, comfortable familiarity of doing so. This will boggle most extroverts’ minds, as they get bored easily and need entirely new stimuli to keep getting thrilling highs from dopamine spikes.
11. Lying to get out of social obligations.
Extraverts who don’t want to attend an event or get-together will generally say exactly that and offer to reschedule when things are more convenient. In contrast, many introverts are so conflict-avoidant that they’ll come up with excuses for why they can’t attend, like a major health issue or family emergency.
12. Spending extended periods of time without any social interaction.
Extroverts thrive on other people’s energy and company so much that it’s inconceivable to them that others can remain alone for long periods of time without getting lonely. Since introverts are so comfortable in their own company, they can spend almost indefinite time alone and rarely yearn for other humans’ companionship.
