Introverts have our own way of seeing things, and sometimes the rest of the world can seem a bit bonkers (which, let’s be real, it kind of is).
There are some things that just don’t make sense to us and the way we operate, no matter how hard we try to comprehend it. Here are some of the more baffling aspects of modern life that I’m sure many of my fellow introverts will relate to.
1. Small talk is apparently a necessary evil.
Why do people insist on chatting about the weather or what they had for lunch? It’s like there’s an unwritten rule that silence is forbidden. For introverts, surface-level conversations like this can feel draining and pointless. We’d much rather dive into deep, meaningful topics or just enjoy comfortable silence. The energy spent on small talk could be used for so much more interesting conversation.
2. Open-plan offices are considered a good idea.
Who thought it was smart to put everyone in one big room with no privacy? It’s like a nightmare designed by an extrovert who feeds off constant interaction. For introverts, the lack of personal space and constant noise can be overwhelming. We need our quiet corners to think and work effectively. It’s not that we don’t like our colleagues, we just need some breathing room to function at our best.
3. Networking events are supposed to be fun.
Ah yes, nothing says “good time” like a room full of strangers making awkward conversation over lukewarm canapés. For introverts, these events can feel like a special kind of torture. We’d rather connect with people one-on-one or in small groups where we can have meaningful interactions. The idea of having to “sell” ourselves to a room full of strangers is exhausting just to think about.
4. Talking on the phone is still a thing.
Source: Unsplash Given the ease of text and emails, why do people still insist on unexpected phone calls? It’s like a verbal ambush. For introverts, a surprise phone call can feel intrusive and anxiety-inducing. We prefer to have time to gather our thoughts and respond at our own pace. Plus, the lack of visual cues in phone conversations can make them feel more draining than face-to-face chats.
5. Parties are the default celebration for everything.
Got a promotion? Let’s have a party. It’s your birthday? Party time! While we appreciate the sentiment, the idea of being surrounded by a crowd of people for hours on end isn’t exactly our idea of a reward. For introverts, a quiet dinner with close friends or a day of solitude might be a much more appealing way to celebrate. We’re not party poopers, we just have a different idea of what constitutes a good time.
6. Being called “quiet” is somehow an insult.
Why is being quiet often seen as a negative trait? It’s as if constant chatter is the gold standard of human interaction. For introverts, our quiet nature is just part of who we are. We’re often observing, thinking, or just enjoying the moment. Our silence doesn’t mean we’re unhappy, bored, or antisocial. We’re just processing the world in our own way, and that’s perfectly okay.
7. Team-building exercises are considered motivational.
Forced fun with colleagues? No, thanks. These activities often involve group games or public speaking, which can be an introvert’s nightmare. We’d much rather bond with our teammates through meaningful conversations or collaborative work. The idea that we need to play silly games to work well together just doesn’t compute. Real teamwork happens in day-to-day interactions, not in contrived scenarios.
8. Spontaneous plans are seen as exciting.
Last-minute invitations might be thrilling for some, but for introverts, they can be panic-inducing. We like to mentally prepare for social interactions and often need time to recharge between them. Spontaneous plans disrupt our carefully balanced energy levels. It’s not that we don’t want to hang out, we just prefer to have some notice so we can be in the right headspace to fully enjoy the experience.
9. There’s an assumption that everyone wants to be a leader.
Society often pushes the idea that leadership roles are the ultimate goal. But for many introverts, the idea of being in the spotlight and managing a team is far from appealing. We often prefer to work independently or in small groups where we can focus deeply on tasks. Our strengths might lie in areas that don’t involve traditional leadership, and that’s perfectly valid. Not everyone needs to be the captain of the ship.
10. The idea that being alone is sad or lonely is pretty pervasive.
People often equate solitude with loneliness, but for introverts, alone time is essential and enjoyable. We recharge by spending time with ourselves, pursuing our interests or simply relaxing in peace. The assumption that we must be sad or in need of company when we’re alone is baffling. In fact, we’re often at our happiest and most content when we have some quality time to ourselves.
11. There’s an expectation to share everything on social media.
The pressure to constantly update the world on our lives is confusing. Why does everyone need to know what we’re eating, where we’re going, or what we’re thinking 24/7? For introverts, the idea of broadcasting our lives to a wide audience can feel uncomfortable and unnecessary. We tend to value our privacy and prefer to share personal information selectively with those closest to us.
12. Multitasking is a thing to glorify.
Society seems to celebrate the ability to juggle multiple tasks at once, but for many introverts, this goes against our nature. We tend to prefer to focus deeply on one task at a time, giving it our full attention. The idea that we should be constantly switching between different activities or responding to multiple stimuli simultaneously is exhausting just to think about. Quality often trumps quantity in our book.
13. There’s a widespread assumption that we’re shy or antisocial.
Just because we’re not the life of the party doesn’t mean we’re shy or don’t like people. Introverts can be confident and enjoy social interactions; we just prefer them in smaller doses or more intimate settings. The misconception that we’re antisocial often leads to people trying to “draw us out of our shell,” when in reality, we’re quite comfortable as we are. We’re selective about our social interactions, not afraid of them.
14. A lot of people feel that silence in conversations is awkward.
Why do people feel the need to fill every moment with chatter? For introverts, comfortable silences are, well, comfortable. We don’t see the need to talk just for the sake of making noise. In fact, we often appreciate moments of quiet reflection in conversations. It gives us time to process thoughts and form meaningful responses. Silence isn’t awkward; it’s often a sign of comfort and understanding between people.
15. There’s an expectation to always be “on”.
The modern world seems to demand that we’re always available, always sociable, always ready to engage. For introverts, this constant “on” state is draining and unrealistic. We need time to retreat, reflect, and recharge. The pressure to always be peppy and sociable, especially in work environments, can be overwhelming. We have our own rhythms of energy and engagement that don’t always align with this always-on expectation.
16. There’s a belief that bigger is always better.
Whether it’s parties, weddings, or other celebrations, there’s often an assumption that bigger equals better. But for introverts, intimate gatherings are often more enjoyable and meaningful. We’d rather have deep conversations with a few close friends than make small talk in a crowd of acquaintances. The idea that an event’s success is measured by its size or loudness just doesn’t resonate with us. Sometimes, less really is more.
