While browsing the app "iFunny" the other day, I stumbled upon this infographic. It lists some ways of how to care for introverts (like myself). Before I go on, I want to make it clear that being introverted does not mean "anti-social"; it simply means that we dwell within our own minds and engage in self-reflection. This is why people see us as quiet; we don't speak up as much, but trust me, we have a lot going on in our heads. We just don't prefer to speak our minds and tend to listen and reflect more than extroverts. So with that being said, I wanted to expound upon what was listed in the infographic and give some explanation as to why people should care for introverts in that manner. If you have anyone in your life that you are close to, whether it's a friend, significant other, or family member, here are the ways you can care for them and why.
1. Respect their need for privacy.
Introverts do a lot of reflection, and social situations can drain their energy. So if they need some time alone, respect their privacy and give them some space. They'll be okay and they'll come back to the group when they're ready.
2. Never embarrass them in public.
Introverts aren't as outgoing as others and aren't comfortable putting themselves out there. So when we are embarrassed in public, we feel ashamed, uncomfortable, and don't really know how to handle it. So try to avoid embarrassing us, or we might never want to be around you again.
3. Let them observe first in new situations.
We introverts like to take in our surroundings and dwell on the situation when we are in a new setting. Give us time to just watch and observe, and our minds will kick into gear with many new thoughts and ideas.
4. Give them time to think; don't demand instant answers.
As I mentioned before, introverts like to take their time reflecting on ideas and thoughts. If you ask for an instant answer, they won't be able to give you one and will become frustrated. Give them the time they need to reflect and they will come up with a well thought out answer.
5. Don't interrupt them.
While we are contemplating and reflecting, we develop a lot of ideas and thoughts. We usually don't speak up much, so when we do, give us the chance to speak. You may be surprised with what we come up with and add to the conversation.
6. Give them advance notice of expected changes in their lives.
Introverts are known for good planning skills; we like to keep things organized and in order. We are not as spontaneous as our extrovert counterparts; so if things change for us unexpectedly, it can throw us for a loop and make us freak out. If something is going to change in our lives, give us a forewarning so we can be prepared and plan accordingly.
7. Give them 15 minute warnings to finish whatever they are doing.
As I mentioned above, introverts like to be organized and take our time with tasks. We need plenty of warning to finish whatever we are doing so we can and move on to the next project efficiently and without feeling rushed.
8. Reprimand them privately.
As I discussed in point 2, we don't like to be publicly ridiculed due to our introverted nature. We would rather be corrected in private than in public. So if we do something wrong, let us know privately and try not to make an example of us where others can see and judge us. We just don't handle it well and it makes us very uncomfortable.
9. Teach them new skills privately.
Introverts value privacy and intimate settings rather than loud, crowded ones. We best learn when we are in a quiet environment with a smaller ratio of students/workers to teacher/trainer.
10. Enable them to find one best friend who has similar interests & abilities.
Being introverts, we tend to be quiet and don't really put ourselves out there like extroverts do. Sometimes we need some help finding friends who share similar interests and abilities. Help your introverted friend find someone like them, and it will give them someone to talk to and confide in. They can empathize with each other and help each other out with problems that others may not understand.
11. Don't push them to make lots of friends.
Introverts get overwhelmed with too many people around. Don't worry if they don't make a large number of friends. Some introverts just a need a few good friends that they can depend on and value the same things that they do.
12. Respect their introversion. Don't try to make them into extroverts.
This is the most crucial piece of advice everyone should know. Let introverts be introverts; it's part of who they are. You can't control them, you can only control yourself. If they don't want to go out and would rather stay in, let them. They will go out, be social, and interact when they are ready. And when they want to leave from a social gathering, don't force them to stay. We get drained and need time to regroup and recover before we're ready to go again. Knowing these twelve pieces of advice will help people take good care of their introverted friends and make them feel comfortable.
