I’ve been a lifelong introvert – not much has changed since my early years. I’ve always liked time to think, create, and enjoy my surroundings without people around. That said, I can also get excited about a concert, party, or gathering if I’m in the mood for being with people. If you can relate to this, you’re likely an introvert, too. How can one thrive confidently as an introvert? Easily, I assure you. ❤ (If you don’t identify as a introvert, that’s cool, too! You might still find this interesting as you’re bound to know a few introverts in your life).

Accept who you are and own it. You are a unique person. Maybe you need a lot of space or you don’t need a lot of friends to be happy. Introverts need time to recharge after having social interactions – we have a “social battery” that depletes after prolonged social contact. Aside from that, we are usually content just doing our own thing or partaking in one-on-one settings with a partner or friend. We want connections like everyone else, but we need less of it than extroverts do. We feel more comfortable when can have some time alone throughout the day. Being like this can have wonderful benefits for those who accept us as we are – we make great listeners, are loyal to those we let into our “circle”, and we’re happy to open up when we’re comfortable with someone. We’re often creative or have some cool hobby we do while the talkative people talk away. ;P

Schedule alone time/ask for space. Living alone makes life easier for introverts, but there are times when you might need to live in a shared space to save money, or if you move in with your significant other. Even when you like/love the person you’re living with, you’re still going to need some space sometimes. Be sure to ask for a little alone time when you need it. Having that space to recharge so we can think/create/unwind is key to our happiness as introverts. Set healthy boundaries with people and tell them why they need to be set.

Space out your social activities. I know people who socialize after work almost every day and I think that’s impressive because I could never. Like everyone, introverts enjoy some social interactions, but they don’t like to be around people all the time. To avoid FOMO and/or feeling guilty for needing time to yourself, it’s a good idea to plan one social thing per week you can look forward to – it could be a group hike, dinner with friends, a date night, road trip, etc.

Say “no” to invites you don’t want to go to

As introverts we need to be selective with what we say “yes” to (Well, okay, everyone does, but particularly for us it’s important not to overload our social calendars with stuff we may not be that excited about attending.). Only say “yes” to the things you really want to go to. We can’t be all things to all people – those who care about you will understand.

Embrace your strengths

There are many benefits to being introverted just as there are benefits to being extroverted. You might be highly creative, a great listener, a nature lover, a loyal friend, a hard worker, etc. Knowing yourself will help you grow into a “quiet confidence” which some people will come to respect.

Distance yourself from those who don’t respect your space

Despite our best efforts, some people don’t respect our need to be alone at times. Maybe they think you need to get out of your shell or they genuinely don’t realize that you’re not shy, just introverted. Sometimes people can’t look beyond their own needs to realize someone doesn’t enjoy the same things they do. Feel free to distance yourself from those who repeatedly cross your boundaries and don’t respect your need for alone time.

I hope you enjoyed my post today! I’m all about that happy introvert life. ❤

(Photo by Throughourlens. 35mm: https://www.pexels.com)