What extroverts don’t understand about introverts? (A Complete Guide)
By
PsychReel
In this article, we will discuss What extroverts don’t understand about introverts?. We will do that by discussing the differences between extroverts and introverts. We will then add information about what extroverts don’t understand about introverts and what they can do to understand them better.
What extroverts don’t understand about introverts?
Extroverts don’t understand a lot of things about introverts. They need to understand that introverts like their alone time, they dislike chit chat, it is not easy for them to share information about themself, they think before they speak, they dislike crowds and not people, they can act extroverted but only for a short while as it can be draining, they like to be good listeners and they need a longer time to process emotions. If extroverts respect these differences about introverts and adapt accordingly, they will find that introverts can be quite good friends.
Extroverts vs Introverts
Extroverts and introverts are two completely different people. Extroverts are oriented externally to the world and gain energy by socializing with a lot of people. They like to spend their time in big crowds, high-energy, loud noises, etc. They are risk-takers and enjoy having new and different experiences. Extended periods of being alone can be quite hard for an extrovert. This is because a lack of socialization can deplete their energy.
Introverts on the other hand are oriented internally. They gain their energy by spending time alone and reflecting on their thoughts. Being around a lot of people and noise can overwhelm them. In other words, a lot of stimulation can drain their energy. This explains why they need isolation to function. Unlike extroverts, they do not engage in a lot of risky behavior or have many new experiences.
What extroverts need to know about introverts
Since extroverts and introverts are different from each other, it is often easy for them to misunderstand what the other person is about. They need to spend time knowing each other if they want to engage as friends. Extroverts don’t know the following things about introverts:
Introverts prefer alone time.
Since extroverts get drained by being alone without social interaction, it is hard for them to understand why their introverted friend is quiet and sitting alone. They need to understand that their friend is not mad at them, they just need time away from people and socialization, in order to regain their energy. This can only be done by being quiet and reflecting on their thoughts. When they are recharged, they may turn to their friends in order to hang out. However, till they do that, when they need time alone, extroverts should respect that and give them space.
Introverts dislike small talk.
Extroverts are uncomfortable with silence which is why they talk a lot and engage in chit-chat. However, introverts dislike small talk. It puts them off. When they want to talk, they want to talk about deeper topics and actually want to have a deeper connection. They don’t understand the concept of casual conversation.
Introverts like to think before they talk.
Extroverts do not understand that when introverts take pauses while converting, they are actually trying to think through what they want to say. The mistake of extroverts lies in interrupting their thought process by talking. Introverts can actually contribute a lot to the conversation. They just need to be given time to process and word out what they want to say. Extroverts should not rush them and give them time to think about what they want to say.
They take a long time in emotional processing
Extroverts usually process emotions by talking to people and it is easy for them to jump back from negative events. Unlike them, introverts need to fully understand what happened and reflect on their emotions in order to process them. It takes them time to understand how they feel about certain things and decide about how to move forward. An extrovert should understand that and give them time. Even in arguments, introverts need to process things thoroughly before they can decide whether to forgive, apologize, or accept the apology of the other person.
Introverts do not dislike people
It is often misunderstood that introverts dislike people. In fact, introverts like people and find them interesting. They want to engage with them and find out more information about other people. They want extroverts to know that they want to know more about them too and connect with them but they dislike crowds and a lot of noise. These situations can overstimulate them which is why they need alone time. It is not because they hate people.
Introverts can appear extroverted sometimes.
Introverts have the ability to act extroverted in certain situations. They may seem like they have a lot of energy and talk a lot. They also seem to enjoy socialization and being friendly with others. This can be an out of character experience. But there is a high chance that when they go home they will need time in isolation to recharge. These are moments of them being extroverted for a short time but it does not mean that they will stay like that for longer durations.
Introverts are good listeners.
Introverts do not usually contribute to conversations when they don’t have anything important to say. They like listening to others and letting them talk. It helps them understand people and also save their energy while conversing with others. Extroverts need to understand that when introverts are quiet they are actually listening and enjoying the process. They need them to remember that sometimes introverts also want to be heard. So, they should drop in questions as well in order to get them to respond.
Introverts do not easily open up to anyone.
Extroverts need to understand that it is hard for introverts to share information about themselves. They cannot tell anyone anything unless they know that the person can be trusted and is someone with who they would like to connect for a longer time. They assess people and the likelihood of a long term relationship before they decide to open up. Extroverts need to understand that introverts are not trying to be secretive. It is just that they are uncomfortable being themselves around them too soon. So, they should give them space to open up at their own pace rather than rushing or pushing them to disclose information about themself. If they do that, this can actually make the relationship between them quite strained and lower the chances of a friendship developing anytime soon.
FAQs: What extroverts don’t understand about introverts?
What extroverts want introverts to know?
Extroverts want introverts to know that they prefer direct communication, they mean it when they invite them over, they dislike silence and chit chat, they never want to push introverts to be extroverted and appreciate their point of view, they can be shy and need their alone time, they are friendly and not flirtatious when talking to people.
How much alone time do introverts need?
The amount of alone time an introvert requires depends on their needs. At Least 2-3 hours a day can be beneficial for them to regain their energy.
What do introverts hate?
Introverts hate crowds, chit chat and a lot of noise. Being in crowds can overstimulate them. They need time alone to recharge. They do not hate people. Rather, they are actually interested in them.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question, What extroverts don’t understand about introverts?. We found that extroverts don’t understand a lot of things about introverts. They need to understand that introverts like their alone time, they dislike chit chat, it is not easy for them to share information about themself, they think before they speak, they dislike crowds and not people, they can act extroverted but only for a short while as it can be draining, they like to be good listeners and they need a longer time to process emotions. If extroverts respect these differences about introverts and adapt accordingly, they will find that introverts can be quite good friends.
I hope you found this article interesting. If you have any queries or comments, please state them in the comment section 😊
Citations
https://www.wikye.com/what-extroverts-dont-understand-about-introverts/
