Introverts don’t need a wide circle of friends. They prefer one or two close friends, even though they may know many people and have many acquaintances. Despite this preference, introverts are often criticized for not attempting to make more friends, and are viewed as lacking social skills.
Social Preferences
Introverts need a lot of personal space. They like being in a room alone with the door closed.
- They don’t enjoy large parties and if they have to attend one, they prefer to spend their time with just one or two others, talking about what they all know a lot about.
Preferred Activities
Introverts enjoy activities they can do alone or with just a few others
- They also tend to prefer activities that allow for creative expression, like creative writing, music, and art
- When presented with an opportunity to take part in a group activity or game, introverts prefer to hang back and watch before joining in
Emotions and Emotional Responses
Introverts become emotionally drained after spending time with others, particularly strangers.
- They don’t like crowded places and introverted children can even become grouchy and irritable if they’ve been around too many people for too long.
Social Behavior
Introverts tend to be quiet and subdued
- They don’t brag about their achievements or knowledge
- When introverts are tired, in a large group, or if too much is going on, they may show little animation, with little facial expression or body movement
Other Traits and Preferences
Introverts can concentrate intensely on a book or project for a long time if they find it interesting and like to explore subjects deeply and thoroughly
- They are acutely aware of their inner world of perceptions, thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and feelings
- However, they are not quick to discuss their thoughts or observations
Social Interaction
While introverts may appear to lack social skills or be antisocial, neither is true. Their style of social interaction is simply different from that of extroverts.
- They tend to listen more than they talk and are excellent listeners.
- Introverts say what they mean and may look away from the person they are talking to.
Verbal Expression
Introverts prefer to express their ideas in writing rather than speaking
