PSYCHOLOGY|CULTURE
Not Many Problems, But Being An Introvert Is One
Considering the majority of people are extroverts, this seems like it will be a lifelong issue
The above photo is me basking in the delight of pure blissful solitude in a private garden all to myself that was right in front of my “boutique” hotel room located along a mountainside near the Italian Alps.
I found an amazing deal for a round-trip flight and hotel stay (they were not a “combo”) during an ideal time and booked the 8-day trip as a reward to myself for completing yet another grueling semester of working 3 days a week as a massage therapist while taking full-time college classes.
For my prior 3 trips to Italy, I planned to go alone, but the first 2 times I allowed a friend from work, 2 different women on 2 different visits, to go join me for half the trip. The third time I visited I stayed the majority of the time with someone I’d met while in Italy the previous time.
This time I was adamant about visiting and exploring Italy alone.
(I will write and publish another story soon with more details about that amazing trip)
Suffice it to say that I was in heaven on earth which tends to be unusual for many others under such circumstances.
Besides being an introvert, I also have sensory processing sensitivity which feels like a blessing and curse, depending on the circumstances.
I was recently reminded of these matters when I spent time with some caring and wonderful people who had quite a hard time comprehending the details that I shared with them about my personality.
They wanted me to spend at least 2 nights at their place on a regular basis and spend a week together with 7 other adults in one large house. The property is gorgeous, but I felt my body initiate a serious stress response at the mere suggestion of it.
Instead of avoiding the matter, I decided to dive headfirst into it and make it clear that what is perfectly normal to them is not the same for me.
Please check out the following two links to help you possibly understand yourself and/or others who might be dealing with these unique issues as well.
13 Highly Sensitive Introvert Problems
Both introverts and extroverts can be highly sensitive, but the majority of HSPs are introverted (about 70 percent). When you’re both an introvert and an HSP, it can feel like a one-two punch. You not only get stressed out by environmental things like bright lights, bustling activity, and loud noises, but you also have a shorter “battery” for socializing and being around people in general.
2. Little sleep = hell
Whether it’s making small talk to the point of feeling drained or just having a busy day at work, life can be exhausting for both introverts and highly sensitive people. It’s not unusual for them to feel quite tired and mentally fatigued at the end of the day, and they may even need more sleep than others.
6. Not socializing the way most people do
For many people, going to a bar or party, or simply hanging out with a large group of people, is just what you do for fun. But for highly sensitive introverts, spending a prolonged amount of time in a noisy, crowded environment making small talk can simply be too much. Especially in your college years or twenties, this can severely limit your options for socializing — and make you feel like the odd one out.
8. Vacations can be anything but relaxing
When your vacation is supposed to be fun and relaxing, but little things, like sleeping in a different bed and being in a new environment, make you wish you were back home.
12. Going out, even though you want to stay in
Highly empathetic and aware of the feelings of others, HSPs don’t want to let anyone down — sometimes even when it comes at a cost to them. They may say yes to going out and socializing even when their “introvert side” is begging them to stay in.
Introverts draw their energy from their internal world of thoughts and emotions. This is why, unlike extroverts, introverts can be easily overstimulated by the external world.
Social experiences can leave them feeling drained.
A less stimulating environment, such as home, help introverts restore their energy.
2. Don’t Be So Concerned About Others Opinion
What you think of yourself and doing the right thing for yourself is more important than other’s opinions.
While nothing is wrong with needing some quality time alone, make sure you don’t end up rudely pushing people away if they’re simply trying to start conversations.
If body language and subtle hints don’t work, you might have to be blunt.
Here are a few stories from 2 fellow writers here on Medium that can be helpful on this topic.
Ticapo — Psychology, sleep, and travel enthusiast. Loves working with refugees and people with dementia. Dreams about making documentaries and living in the jungle.
Natasha Nichole Lake — Lifelong storyteller. Peaceful warrior🧘🏽♀️
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