9 Common Problems Introverts Can Relate To

Introverts can find it hard to fit in in a world dominated by extroverts. Introverts are more sensitive, thoughtful, and quiet than their outgoing counterparts.

They have a tendency to think before they speak, which is one of the many aspects that makes them excellent listeners but also prone to overthinking things. Because of this, being an introvert comes with quite a few challenging problems.

Below are nine of the most common problems that any introvert is likely to relate to personally.

Large Groups Of People Are Off Putting

The first thing people notice about introverts is that they don't like being in large groups.

They can be seen as shy or rude when they don't want to participate in social activities or group activities. Some people think of introverts as being anti-social, but this isn't true at all.

In fact, most introverts enjoy deep conversations and spending time with the few friends they do have. The only problem is that it requires a lot of energy for them to be around large groups of people.

Being The Center Of Attention Is Terrifying

Introverts are more of observers than talkers, and when all eyes are on them, it can feel like the end of the world.

For extroverts, being the center of attention is gratifying and fuels them up. For introverts, it simply drains them. For this reason, it is uncommon to see introverts as actors, singers, or any other job role that requires constant attention from other people.

They prefer to remain under the radar with as little attention as possible.

Overstimulation Comes Easy

Loud noises, crowds, and other overstimulating situations can be difficult for introverts to handle. Outside of the home, people are often bombarded with sounds that are hard to filter out. Especially in city-like environments, walking out the front door presents a wide range of stimulants. Because of this, introverts tend to prefer quiet and remote places with little to no people.

Something as simple as entering a coffee shop or crowded restaurant can feel like sensory overload to them. Honestly, sometimes even just walking down the street is too much. Something that can help immensely with this is the use of noise-canceling headphones. This can help reduce stimulation in any environment and can decrease the stress an introvert experiences outside of the home.

Dating Can Be Challenging

The process of dating is another common problem that can deter introverts from immersing themselves in the dating pool. Most dates entail small talk, which can be incredibly uncomfortable for introverts. Additionally, putting themselves out there and risking rejection is another difficult situation to navigate.

The idea of staying home is far more desirable than dressing up for dinner with a stranger, and as a result, dating can often get pushed to the side. Fortunately, there are some actionable tools introverts can use to lighten the stress of modern-day dating.

For example, getting much of the time consuming small talk out of the way online before meeting in person is just one example of an introvert-friendly capability.

Talking On The Phone Is Stressful

For most introverts, the telephone is the enemy. Being trapped in a conversation without the ability to read facial expressions or accomplish any other tasks can feel like being imprisoned.

Talking on the phone is just plain stressful as it zaps an introvert’s battery quicker than an in person conversation. The reasoning behind this is that the phone feels intrusive. Because introverts are such deep thinkers, the likelihood that their ringing phone is going to interrupt them in the middle of thought is quite high. This disturbance feels unwelcome and can be frustrating.

Another layer to this is an introvert's need to observe the person they are talking to in order to process the conversation. Not being able to see the other person's facial expressions or body language can add an additional layer of stress to the entire interaction. For this reason, introverts tend to find talking on the phone stressful and unenjoyable.

Making Plans Doesn’t Come Easy

Committing to plans with others is another problem that is common for introverts. Locking into plans that another person is relying on them for can feel heavy or burdensome.

It is far easier to make plans last minute when there is little to no time to back out. Because introverts are such deep thinkers, they can easily find excuses to back out at the last minute.

The ability to rationalize why they should not go comes naturally. At the end of the day, most introverts will choose alone time over any other form of social interaction, so this is a common struggle for them.

Small Talk Is Uncomfortable

One of the biggest struggles for introverts is small talk. Since they are not like an extrovert who thrives on talking and meeting new people, they find it difficult to engage in quick exchanges about the weather or how someone’s day is going.

For introverts, idle conversation can be uncomfortable because there isn't much depth to these interactions with other people.

On top of that, when they do make small talk, it can be hard not to feel like a fraud or a fake in order to have pleasant conversations with others.

Chatting about topics that are not of value, as with most small talk, can feel phony and pointless. They would rather get straight down to business than waste time talking about things that don't really matter.

Opening Up To Others Is Unappealing

Introverts far prefer listening to others opening up and as such, being vulnerable can feel either difficult or entirely unappealing. Letting others into the deep thoughts of their mind is undesirable for many.

One reason for this is that it feels intrusive to share their thoughts on personal matters. Introverts are most commonly empaths that are highly sensitive to the needs of others and prefer to stay out of the limelight.

When sharing personal stories or feelings, the attention is centered on them. This is simply not the goal when an introvert is conversing with another person.

People Make Assumptions Regarding Introversion

Many people lump the term shy in with introversion, which is incorrect in most cases. Though there are plenty of introverts that are also shy, they are not one and the same.

This can be a frustrating problem for introverted people as they feel quickly judged or put in a box. In fact, being referred to as shy can be offensive to some.

Extroverts are rarely referred to as shy because of their ability to hold conversations with almost anyone, but the reality is that they are capable of being shy as well.

The assumptions that some people can make regarding introversion is a common problem experienced by those that find social interactions draining.

Conclusion

Introverts tend to experience these common problems on a regular basis, and although this can be a challenge, it is comforting to know that they are not alone.

Remembering to focus on the positives of introversion, like their ability to listen and support others, can help offset the negativity that often comes with these problems.