When speaking to introverts, you may hear them use some common phrases. Here are four of those phrases or answers and the meaning behind them:
- When you ask an introvert a question: The introvert responds,“let me think about it” or “give me some time to think about that”. Some people use these phrases as an excuse, but introverts really do need to think about things! What may seem like a simple answer to you, may not be so simple for the introvert, who prefers to think through things before giving an answer.
- You ask an introvert how they are doing or what is going on with them: The introvert responds with, “fine” or “all’s good” or “nothing much.” Introverts hate small talk, and most are not good at small talk. When you ask an introvert general small talk questions, they are going to give you short, general answers.
- You invite the introvert to go out. The introvert responds, “I need to recharge/I need some time alone.”When an introvert tells you this, believe them. Don’t assume they are wanting to get away from you, they don’t like you or are getting tired of you. More than likely, it is the external stimulation that is exhausting them! Even introverts who are in happy and committed relationships enjoy their time alone.
- You ask the introvert if something is wrong because of their facial expression. The introvert responds, “nothing is wrong!” Many introverts have a ‘thinking face’ expression, which others assume that something is wrong. Do introverts ever get mad or unhappy? Yes! However, it is better to not assume they are mad or unhappy only because of their facial expression.
