Are you dating an introvert?
Did you know that introverts make up 16-50% of the population?
If you don’t identify as an introvert yourself, you likely know at least one person who leans more toward introversion. Introverts are easily misunderstood, and often feel that they just can’t fit in with others due to their intense need to recharge in solitude after social situations. Dating an introvert can seem a bit baffling and overwhelming at times because they approach life much differently, but as long as you go into it with an open mind and know what to expect, a relationship with an introvert can be very rewarding.
# Don’t be overly suspicious
A characteristic that introverts display is being quiet most of the time. This doesn’t mean they’re shying away from you or planning an evil scheme. It just means they enjoy being thoughtful to themselves and live in their own world. They examine the environment and reflect on their inner thoughts.
# Introverts aren’t afraid to speakBeing in a relationship with an introvert, you learn that introverts can talk quite a lot. They have a lot to say because they want to share what they’ve learned or read about. They like to ask weird, but interesting questions. They want to discuss the long range of questions that’s in their head. The other night, Michael had asked a question about which superpower would make life easiest.
# Introverts aren’t anti-socialWhile it’s true an introvert won’t choose to go out to social events every day of the week, it doesn’t mean they’re necessarily anti-social. When you’re in a relationship with an introvert, you need to learn how to balance their socialising time with their quiet time. You need to plan in advance to get their alone time recharged before taking them out to parties or social events.
# Learn to respect what they call “alone time”Introverts are not necessarily shy around big groups of people, but there comes a point where they cannot be in the constant company all the time. Solitude in a quiet, peaceful place is an opportunity to thrive. It gets their creative juices flowing and provides ample ambience to unwind.
# Phone calls and text messages can be annoying
Lovey-dovey calls and endless texting is a huge drain on the introvert. So much so that they might just ending up breaking it off with you. Face to face conversation is appreciated more in a comfortable and relaxed environment.
# Learn to take things slowly
Introverts love to savour the moment and naturally, they don’t like rushing through things. When it comes to taking steps in your relationship, give the introvert the privilege of analysing how they feel about you. They might not be on the same page and they may turn down taking that next big step.
# They do not expect you to become introvertedIntroverts love extroverts. In fact, that’s what keeps them going sometimes. If you think coming down to their level and cutting off your sociability is the secret to winning their affection, you’re wrong. If they sense their partner is on the fence ready to hit the clubs, they never stop them even if they plan on staying indoors.
# Don’t be judgmentalIf you think being introverted is a negative characteristic and express your disappointment and frustration, you are only jeopardising your own relationship. You are hurting someone who is sensitive by stamping on their insecurities, the same way society has done for so long.