Ever been told you’re rude when you’re just trying to be yourself? Being an introvert can sometimes be a bit of a social minefield, as our natural tendencies can be misinterpreted by those who are more extroverted. But fear not, my fellow introverts, your quirks are not personal attacks. Let’s unravel some of those “rude” introvert behaviours that are actually just part of who we are.
1. We need some alone time to recharge.
Don’t take it personally if we decline a party invite or disappear for a bit. It’s not that we don’t like you; we just need some time alone to recharge. After socialising, our batteries run low, and we need solitude to process and recover. It’s like needing a nap after a long day at work, totally normal!
2. We’re not huge fans of small talk.
Sorry, but talking about the weather or the latest celebrity gossip doesn’t really excite us. We prefer deeper, more meaningful conversations. We’d rather talk about your passions, dreams, or what keeps you up at night. It’s not that we’re trying to be snobby; we just crave substance and connection.
3. We might take a while to warm up to new people.
Source: Unsplash Don’t mistake our initial reserve for rudeness or disinterest. We’re just taking our time to get to know you. We observe, listen, and process before we open up. Once we’re comfortable, you’ll see our true colours shine through.
4. We’re not always up for impromptu plans.
Spontaneity isn’t our forte. We like to plan and know what to expect, so last-minute invitations might throw us off balance. It’s not that we don’t want to hang out; we just need a little time to mentally prepare and adjust our schedule.
5. We sometimes cancel plans.
Source: Unsplash Don’t be offended if we cancel plans last minute. Sometimes our social battery just gives out, and we need to prioritise our well-being. It’s not a reflection of how we feel about you; it’s simply about taking care of ourselves and avoiding burnout.
6. We might seem quiet or reserved in social situations.
Source: Unsplash We’re not trying to be rude or standoffish. We’re just more comfortable observing and listening than being the centre of attention. We might not be the loudest voice in the room, but we’re soaking it all in and processing it in our own way.
7. We might prefer texting or emailing over phone calls.
Source: Unsplash For us, texting or emailing can be a less draining way to communicate. We can take our time to formulate our thoughts and avoid the pressure of real-time conversation. It’s not about avoiding you; it’s just finding a communication style that works best for us.
8. We might zone out during conversations.
Source: Unsplash It’s not that we’re not interested in what you’re saying. Sometimes, our minds just wander, especially if we’re feeling overstimulated or tired. We might need a gentle nudge to bring us back to the present moment.
9. We’re not always comfortable with physical affection.
Source: Unsplash Hugs, kisses, or even a pat on the back might not be our go-to ways of showing affection. We might prefer verbal affirmations or acts of service. It’s not that we don’t care; we just express our love differently.
10. We can be forgetful about responding to texts or calls.
Don’t take it personally if we don’t respond right away. We might be busy with our own thoughts or projects, or we might simply forget to check our phones. It doesn’t mean we’re ignoring you or don’t value your friendship.
11. We might seem awkward or shy in new social situations.
Source: Unsplash Meeting new people or being in unfamiliar social situations can be nerve-wracking for us. We might stumble over our words, struggle to make small talk, or appear shy or reserved. It’s not that we’re not interested in connecting with you; we just need a little time to warm up.
12. We might need some time to process emotions before sharing them.
Source: Unsplash When something happens, we might need to take some time to process our feelings before we’re ready to talk about them. We might seem distant or withdrawn, but we’re just trying to make sense of our emotions and figure out how to express them in a way that feels safe and authentic.
13. We might prefer to communicate through writing or other non-verbal means.
Sometimes, we find it easier to express ourselves through writing, art, or music than through spoken words. We might feel more comfortable sharing our thoughts and feelings in a letter, a blog post, or a creative project. This doesn’t mean we don’t value verbal communication; it’s just that we sometimes need a different outlet for our emotions.
