Joe is a woman in her mid-twenties. She loves her own company. Also, she likes spending time with her close friends. On days, she feels drained out, and on other days, she is like a social butterfly shining bright at an event. Joe is a social introvert.
Are you like Joe? Human psychology is complex, and there is no way you can divide it into binary sections of introverts and extroverts. Social introverts are introverts in their hearts. However, they enjoy the company of friends and social interactions a lot.
This aspect of social introversion makes us wrongly label some people as extroverts. Unlike extroverts, these people enjoy social interactions for a certain span only, and they will only feel like spending time with the ones they are comfortable with.
Does it sound a little confusing? Here’s a detailed guide on the personality traits of social introversion. The guide also highlights tips that will help social introverts manage their day and life better.
How To Identify A Social Introvert?
You may call a social introvert a strategic introvert. They will never hang out with random people. They will choose people to be with based on how they feel around them. The best thing about social introverts is how they make great listeners. Active listening is one of the main reasons why these strategic or intentional introverts develop deeper bonds with people.
Are you curious to know the other traits of a social introvert? Let’s begin.
You Love To Make Deep Connections
To avoid introvert social exhaustion, a social introvert will always choose a handful of people for interaction. In other words, you only talk to or interact with people with whom you can have in-depth discussions. You hate small talk. So, your topic of discussion will not be about the current weather or about other people.
This ability to have in-depth conversations on substantial topics helps you to make deep connections.
You Prefer Observing People
A socially introverted person is not an anti social introvert. You very much enjoy the company of people. However, you may not always take part in conversations. On the contrary, you prefer observing other people in a gathering.
This observation helps you to have better insight into the people you are hanging out with.
You Love To Know What People Have To Say
Social introverts love to know about the opinions of other people. They listen to your words minutely and devote enough time to understand. They often come up with multiple questions to clear doubts.
So, when they are in a setup, you feel like connecting to these people. You feel valued thanks to their eagerness to focus on what you have to say.
Do you conduct yourself similarly when you are in a setup? You are a social introvert.
You Like To Study People
As a socially introverted person, you may have an interest in studying different people and their personality types.
Out of this eagerness to study people, you love observing people and listening to them, as mentioned in the previous two points.
You Have Good Communication Skills
You must have heard the term “introvert social anxiety.” An introvert is always shy about communicating with others. They face inhibitions about voicing their opinions.
However, social introversion does not interfere with your communication skills. In fact, as you are an attentive listener and a keen observer of people, you can always come up with in-depth ideas. You are also confident about sharing your opinions with others.
You Have Brilliant Networking Skills
As you are good at making in-depth communication and a good listener, you excel at networking skills. Also, networking does not always mean attending big business events.
You can even meet a person on a one-on-one basis over a cup of tea or coffee to discuss important business or professional affairs.
In addition, you feel comfortable in an intimate setup. So, your confidence and positive body language shine through.
You Can Plan Get-Togethers Well
Do you love to see people around you happy and accomplished? A person with social introversion loves to plan get-togethers with the people they are comfortable with.
They, in fact, need these regular social get-togethers to revive their energy. Also, the idea of bringing people closer motivates them.
You Sometimes Prefer To Stay Alone
Despite your love and need to meet with friends and known people, you prefer to spend a considerable part of your day alone. This alone time allows you to think and connect to your true self.
Also, this is the time when you learn to improve your creative skills and explore new hobbies.
You Need Some Time To Rejuvenate After Every Social Gathering
Social introversion does not allow partying or outdoor activities involving a lot of people frequently. Yes, you enjoy your time with friends and acquaintances at the parties. However, you may feel drained out after those gatherings.
So, you need some time to rejuvenate after attending a party or spending long hours at a social gathering.
You Love To Have Individual Friends
A strategically introverted person seldom makes large groups of friends. On the contrary, they love to make deep bonds with selected individuals. They put sincere efforts into making the friendship with those individuals work.
They also make individual friends so that they do not need to attend a lot of parties on a regular basis. Moreover, they always appreciate value-based relationships rather than having many casual acquaintances.
You Conduct Yourself Well In A Group
As you understand the requirements and point-of-view of different people in your core group, you always conduct yourself well in a group.
In fact, people love sharing their thoughts and problems with you, knowing you will handle them with empathy.
People Often Mistake You For An Extrovert
A strategic introvert is never the typical shy person whom you have known to be an introvert for the longest time. They will speak well and gell well at social gatherings; however, they will do so from a distance!
So, often, many people mistake such persons as extroverts. There is no harm in confusing others a little, though! ????
You Are Not Comfortable Being The Center Of Attention
Are you never after stealing the limelight? Do you believe in doing your part in private? This is another major symbol of social introversion.
You are very much present in a setup or never shy away from taking responsibility. However, you feel uncomfortable when all the focus is on you.
You Get Along With Different Personality Types
As you are observant of people and try to understand their words and actions from an empathetic point of view, you can get along with people with various personalities.
So, you have an inclusive mindset, which is great for your survival and growth in professional spaces as well.
You Have FOMO
You love to know all the minor details about the people around you. So, even if you say no to certain invitations or social gatherings, you will face the fear of missing out (FOMO).
Because of FOMO, you feel the urge to be present in all the events that come across you. However, choose the event you actually want to attend to preserve and boost your energy.
You Prefer Intimate Setups
Are you the social butterfly of your group? Do you prefer to remain reserved while meeting new people or when you are in a crowd?
You are a social introvert, my friend. Being with known people and in a space where you have been before gives an amazing boost to your confidence level.
Sometimes, I face a similar problem. I feel uncomfortable while talking to the receptionist or the counter guy at a new hotel or restaurant. However, when I have been there once or twice, I can manage things pretty well on my own.
You Love To Meet New People
Unlike introverts, you don’t have social anxiety or introvert inhibitions. You love meeting new people. Exploring connections with new people helps you to make and identify your core group of people.
Tips To Manage Your Days And Life As A Social Introvert
If you identify yourself as a social or intentional introvert, you may look for ways to improve your social presence. There are also some special tricks to make the most of the relationships you have.
I have discussed some points here to help you navigate through your daily life easily.
Be Mindful In Choosing The People Around You
Despite being an empathetic person, you will not feel comfortable with everyone around you. You will always need people with whom you can connect deeply or who share the same areas of interest. You don’t believe in small talk or casual conversations.
So, always be mindful of the people you are interacting with. You must not feel drained out after interacting with them.
It’s Okay If You Do Not Have Too Many Friends
As a social introvert, you will not have many friends. It’s absolutely okay! Keep people closer who will make you feel valued and who will match your energy.
Also, you need to understand that more contacts or more friends do not mean a fulfilling life. On the contrary, having a handful of friends is better to preserve your energy level.
Observe How Your Mind And Body Feel After Different Interactions
It’s very crucial to check how your mind or body feels after every interaction. If you feel content and rejuvenated, that’s a good company for you. If you feel drained after a particular interaction, you must introspect what went wrong.
It’s a great practice to limit the interactions and events you will attend. There is no harm in avoiding spaces or interactions that make you feel less valued.
Don’t Compromise Your Alone Time
An introvert person always needs some alone time to regain energy and be more productive. You should not compromise your alone time as it’s a necessity for you.
Let me explain! During weekdays, you need to show up at your workplace, and you have some unavoidable social interactions. Weekend or the off-duty days are the time when you should rejuvenate. It’s not necessary to hop parties every weekend. On some occasions, you can spend your time cooped in the house and watching your favorite movie or reading the books you love.
If You Are Uncomfortable, It’s Okay To Leave An Event Early
If you are at an event and you are not feeling comfortable there, you can make a smart exit from there. You can always say that you have some priorities or some emergencies that have occurred.
This trick holds true for having a conversation as well. If you don’t want to answer certain questions or feel uncomfortable about it, you can smartly say that you will think about it later and escape the awkward situation.
Don’t Forget To Set Your Boundaries
I know you love attending social gatherings and events. However, once you are aware of your personality traits, you must know the kind of company and spaces you enjoy. Saying yes to every event or always being engaged in social activities will make you feel drained.
So, choose your social interactions. Also, never compromise on time to rejuvenate. Being selective is not anti-social behavior. It’s about setting a clear boundary.
Grow And Rekindle Hobbies That Do Not Need Social Component
As an intentional-introvert person, you may not always enjoy social gatherings or events. So, you must grow some hobbies that do not need other people to join. Also, if you have neglected to do some activities you loved as a child or teenager, you can start those again.
Here are some of the hobbies most suitable for people who are socially introvert.
- Gardening
- Writing journals
- Reading books
- Painting
- Nature photography
- Traveling
Final Words
A social introvert is not a person who will keep their thoughts and words cocooned to themselves. They are great speakers and listeners. Also, they love making deep bonds, and they are empathetic people.
Do you identify with the traits I have discussed here? What do you think is the best way to deal with friends, family, relationships, and professional life as a social or intentional introvert? Don’t forget to share!
