5 Problems Only Introverts Understand (series #1)
Being an introvert comes with many struggles. But introverts often internalize their problems, mainly because they don’t want to be misunderstood more than they already are. We want you to know that you’re not suffering alone. Psych2Go shares with you 5 problems only introverts understand:
1. When you really need to be alone for a while, but you’re afraid to tell your friends to leave you alone, because you don’t want to hurt their feelings.
Even if you phrase it in a friendly manner, how do you know they won’t feel offended? It’s always a hit-or-miss situation, especially if you have highly extroverted friends that always want to hang out. Although they can be understanding and supportive, they may go home feeling stifled, bored, and low key rejected. You enjoy their company and always have a blast when you get together, but you can’t help the fact that your battery drains quicker than theirs. As a result, you’re constantly torn between taking care of yourself versus keeping your friends happy.
2. When someone you don’t know tries to engage in small talk, and your answers are simple and to the point.
You’re already cringing because it’s small talk, but hearing yourself present simple answers that don’t add any flair to the conversation makes you feel even worse. It’s a sinking ship, unless you quickly do something about it. As a result, you’re often torn between taking action or letting the conversation fade until the person gets the hint. Either way, it adds pressure on you to make the decision, which is incredibly frustrating.
3. You’ve been invited to multiple parties and now you actually have to go because you’ve given too many excuses.
You’ve already used the flu, house chores, family death, and your “other plans” as excuses. But, how many more times can you use them until they lose their credibility? So, now you feel obligated to attend because you don’t want to come off rude or insensitive to your friends’ invitations. You try to relax and have fun, but after a while, things start to get overwhelming. Halfway through the night, you try to come up with excuses to leave early. Sometimes, you wonder if you should’ve enlisted yourself in acting school. You’d do anything to experience the relief of curling up in your bed just to get away from it all again.
4. Presentations.
‘Nuff said. Although introverts can be some of the best motivational speakers and move people with their words, sometimes getting up in front of a large crowd can be highly intimidating, especially for those who identify as anxious introverts. Doing presentations often feels out of their element because they don’t enjoy being the center of attention. So, when they find themselves smack dab in the spotlight, their worst nightmares are breathed into life. Generally, introverts prefer making things happens behind the scenes and would rather observe on the sidelines instead of actively participating. Although it may seem like they aren’t doing much on the surface, they actually have rich inner lives that are usually more fulfilling than everyday life.
5. People you just met think you’re self-absorbed or stuck up because you don’t talk or share your life story right away.
You’re not used to revealing so much about yourself right from the start. You’re not trying to be mysterious or play hard-to-get on purpose; it’s just not your cup of tea to be so readily transparent. It takes time for you to warm up to others. You want to make connections and belong just like anyone else, but it’s a slow gradual process. As a result, others may consider you aloof or stuck up, but you’re actually just waiting for the right moment to open up.
What do you think?
Do any of these problems resonate with you? Psych2Go would love to hear your thoughts! Please be sure to leave a comment down below!
Want to say hello or send a personal message? You can reach the author at catherine@psych2go.net. ♥
If you enjoyed this article, then you may also like 6 Ways to Survive Parties as an Introvert or 5 Signs an Introvert is Jealous.
Looking for more reading supplies? Please check out our e-book: An Introvert’s Survival Guide! Get your copy today!
Love our content and want to continue supporting us? Visit our Patreon!
References:
Introvert Problems. (2018). Retrieved May 9, 2018, from http://introvertedproblems.tumblr.com/
Hello, I want to know how to recognize the boundaries between introversion and Highly Functional Depression disorder. I remember when I was a child I was more an ambivert, but with a lot of negative life experiences, poor coping mechanisms and a hurt little child inside of me (parents have a lot to do with that stuff, but is not their fault: they did their best!), now I’m a big introvert and I have suffered many depressive episodes, but most of time, I’m like a highly functional depressive person. I work, and do my best at work but have no energy for anything else, just watch TV series. And I see how my life is running off, without really living it.
I have asked for help to 4 psychologists but all them dropped me off, saying I’m a narcissist and there is nothing they can do for me. I have read a lot about narcissism (there are two kinds of narcissistic person, I’m not the grandiose type, but the other one), also about Highly Sensitive Persons (I did the test, and I am a HSP), and the MBTI test (I am an INFJ), at the end, I’m tired of labels and just want to be in peace with myself, even if I am a depressed person or a narcissist one. I just want to make more of my life (I have the feeling I have spent my all life) and I don’t want to spread negativity all around (as some people have told me).
My few friends always tell me I am very intelligent (intellectually), I am single, at the middle of my 40’s, I am a MD, with two master degrees and with a low pay-part time-employment at a university in my country…
I live in a undeveloped country, so please, can you advice me with some readings or web sites, that could help to improve myself, please? Thank you.
You wouldn’t believe what i’ve learned about myself since i follow you. It’s hard to feel “so lonely” when you’re sorounded by people. Thank you so much for letting me know that i’m not the only one. It gives me hope that someday i’ll find people like me. I don’t usually make comments but this time i thought: “I really have to say this.”.
Thank you for existing. You really make a diference!