Hey everyone, and welcome to TopThink. Today, we are going to learn about 10 things
only introverts understand. Now, let’s begin. 1. Peaceful Isolation
Extroverts draw energy from the people around them. They enjoy loud, busy places, surrounded by
crowds and life, thriving in these energetic environments, but introverts can’t say the
same. Unlike extroverts, introverts spend most of
their time alone… and they like it that way. If you’re an introvert, you know that solitude
is essential to your comfort, stability, and happiness. Because you feel like yourself when no one
else is around. The things you love are solitary activities,
like artistic passions and quiet, intellectual hobbies. Now, this doesn’t mean introverts like you
don’t like other people. Many introverts have strong friendships and
relationships, which we’ll talk about later. Regardless of how many friends you have, the
only time you truly feel at peace… is when you’re alone. 2. Solitary Freedom
How do you like to spend your free time? What does your perfect weekend look like? For an extrovert, free time is a chance to
socialize, explore, and connect with others. Extroverts search for new and exciting opportunities,
which allow them to mingle with fun, energetic people. But introverts spend their free time a little
differently. You might, for example, spend your perfect
weekend in the privacy of your own home. To an extrovert, this might sound ridiculous. Why spend time at home when there’s so much
to do out in the world? But introverts don’t enjoy the same rousing
activities. In fact, many introverts find them exhausting,
jumping from place to place, meeting all kinds of new people. Instead, introverts use their free time to
engage with their inner selves. During the week, you’re bogged down by personal
and professional obligations, but, in your spare time, you have the freedom to be yourself,
by yourself. Extroverts may call you boring or anti-social,
but introverts have their own definition of fun. 3. Natural Relief
Do you find a sense of fulfillment in nature? Do you disappear into the wilderness for days
on end? Many introverts adore exploring nature by
themselves. For an introvert, solitary hikes or a few
quiet hours reading by the water make for a perfect afternoon. Because the city can be overwhelming for an
introvert, especially if you work in a busy, corporate environment. You’re constantly engaging with other people. Your environment is also changing, filled
with motion and overwhelming stimuli. The longer you’re immersed in this busy
space, the more you disconnect with yourself. Your motivation suffers. You lose track of your hobbies, and you struggle
to find passion and inspiration. At the end of the week, many introverts are
tired of city-life and crave a quiet, relaxing trip into nature. In the forest or the mountains, you take a
much-needed sigh of relief. You breathe the fresh air and find a sense
of clarity as you reconnect with your inner self. Many introverts take solitary excursions on
a regular basis, because they rely on those natural escapes to stabilize and re-center. Other people might ask you, “what do you
do out there?” “Aren’t you bored spending so much time
alone in the middle of nowhere?” But introverts rarely feel bored or isolated
on their adventures into nature. Instead, they feel a sense of joy and relief
that only introverts can understand. 4. The Power of Listening
Introverts are great listeners. Most of the time, they like to listen more
than they like to talk. Why? Because introverts know the power and value
of listening. Unfortunately, many people do not feel heard
in their daily lives. They have a hard time expressing themselves,
because they don’t feel like anyone really cares. But introverts are active and careful listeners. They want you to pour your heart out, so they
can be the sounding board you need. Because feeling heard can change your life. It can relieve stress, tension, and frustration,
especially when no one else in your life is willing to listen. In those moments you need someone to hear
you… and introverts do exactly that. While introverts aren’t the most talkative
people on the planet, they can be incredible listeners. And, because they listen closely, they often
give fantastic advice. They try to empathize with your problems,
consider your personality, and help you resolve your problem. Active, quiet listeners can often fly under
the radar; but introverts know just how powerful a good listener can be. 5. Conflicting Desires
Many introverts experience two conflicting desires. You crave meaningful, lasting relationships. You want to connect with people on a deeper
level and discuss meaningful, personal subjects. Introverts want to get to know people below
the surface… but they also crave independence. You want to escape from everyone and everything. You want to run away from the rest of the
world and simply enjoy the peace and quiet. So how do you strike the right balance between
deep relationships and that constant craving for independence? For many introverts, this is a lifelong struggle. Your two conflicting impulses pull you in
opposite directions, day after day. To an extrovert, this conflict might seem
like an easy one to solve. But introverts are almost always torn in two
separate directions. Do you want to connect with your loved ones? Or do you want to escape from all of your
commitments? If you’re an introvert, you probably want
both. 6. Happy to Cancel
Do you get excited before a party or big event? Or do you secretly hope your plans will fall
through? Many introverts find themselves wishing for
rainy days and cancelled plans. While other people get excited before an outing,
you’re crossing your fingers, hoping it gets postponed. Why? Because parties and events are draining for
introverts. While many introverts like to be social, there’s
a limit to how much socializing you can stand. When you’ve hit your limit, all you want
to do is resign to the comfort of your own space. You don’t want to talk to people. You don’t want to worry what people think. You don’t want to get dressed up or put
on a show. If your plans get cancelled, the weight of
any social event falls off your shoulders. For an introvert, that’s a huge relief. 7. Dinner for One
Do you take yourself out to eat? There’s a stigma attached to dining alone. Extroverts might think it’s lonely or sad. If they see someone dining alone, they assume
they don’t have any friends to eat with them. But introverts know there’s nothing wrong
with eating by yourself. In fact… it can be more fun than eating
with others. First of all, eating alone gives you a chance
to enjoy your food. You develop a greater, finer appreciation
for the food you’re eating when you can focus solely on what’s on the plate. When you’re eating with others, your attention
is divided between the food and conversation. Oftentimes, your meal fades into the background,
because you’re too busy thinking about what to say. But, if you dine alone, you don’t have to
work or think, because conversation is not on the menu. Instead, you can carefully enjoy your food. Or, like many introverts, you can observe
the environment around you. You can watch other people, appreciate the
atmosphere, and get in touch with yourself. Extroverts might not understand the advantages
of eating alone. But, for an introvert, there’s no better
way to enjoy a meal. 8. Careful Pacing
On average, extroverts are more spontaneous than introverts. They’re more likely to take confident risks
or throw themselves into the unknown. In general, they value their ability to think
on their feet, and they practice by chasing new experiences. But introverts are slower by nature. They’re careful and deliberate. Whether it’s personal, professional, or
anything in between, introverts., introverts want to move at their own pace. This can be frustrating for an extrovert. They might get angry at how slowly you move. They might get impatient and push you into
situations you’re not ready for. To an extrovert, it feels like you are dragging
your feet. But you’re doing more heavy lifting than
they realize. Instead of acting spontaneously, you’re
carefully thinking through your decisions. You’re reflecting on your choices and getting
in touch with your deeper desires. Introverts need plenty of time to ask these
hard questions before they can jump into something new. But that’s something only introverts truly
understand. 9. Quietly Confident
Have people ever called you shy or socially anxious? Many extroverts think introverted people like
you are naturally shy. You’re not as talkative as the average person,
so others assume you’re afraid to speak. But not all introverts are shy. In fact, many of the most confident people
are consistently introverted. You choose to keep your mouth shut. You’re reserved, not because you are afraid,
but because you only speak when you have something to say. You may not seek out conversations with strangers. You may ignore small talk or rest in a quiet
corner of the room. But you know a quiet person and a shy person
are very different. Extroverts might not know the difference,
but introverts do. 10. The Silent Majority
Introversion isn’t an uncommon personality type. Society frames extroverts as the social norm,
but there are just as many introverts as there are extroverts—if not more! The problem is… extroverts are a whole lot
louder. Say you’re at a party. You see loud, excitable extroverts standing
in the center of the room. You see these extroverts and assume you’re
the only introvert here… but you’re not. Introverts tend to fade into the background. Because they avoid the spotlight and keep
to themselves, they become a silent majority, while extroverts dominate most social spaces. In other words, there’s nothing weird about
being an introvert. You may feel like you’re the odd man out. Society may stigmatize your reserved, solitary
habits; however introverts are anything but unusual. Thank you for watching TopThink, and be sure
to subscribe, because more incredible content is on the way.
