Behind closed doors: The 5 daily struggles of introverts
Introverts are people who tend to be more inward-focused and prefer to either do solo activities or operate in small group settings over large gatherings. They are quieter and feel stronger in less stimulating environments, enjoy their personal space and enjoy their time in deep thoughts.
They have weak social batteries- meaning they spend a lot less time with people and often retreat to recharge themselves. They do not like small talk and often take their time before making decisions- majority often preferring to not having to make a decision in the first place.
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These are all outward characteristics of introverts, and can mostly be seen when they are interacting with other people. But behind closed doors, they have a whole other set of struggles they deal with daily. Nairobi News explores how their personality traits impacts various parts of their lives and how they privately struggle with them:
- Introverts often find solace in spending extended periods at home, engaging in activities that recharge their energy. This recharging can be via spending long times in bed or on the couch either sleeping, reading or watching movies. Their biggest struggle here is dealing with the premature wear and tear of the seat cushions and the bed mattress- furniture they tend to use more frequently than others. And they don’t come cheap for easy replacing!
- For introverts, friendships hold significant value because they are built on meaningful connections. They do not befriend just anyone. Due to their preferences for solitude, it is easier for introverts to lose some friendships because of the energy it takes to maintain communication and physical contact. This struggle is often internalized as introverts may not readily share their feelings or seek support from others, preferring to process these emotions in solitude. It then becomes more challenging for them to initiate new friendships.
- Introverts often face challenges in networking and socializing for extended periods, which can lead to missed opportunities. Unlike extroverts who thrive in social settings, introverts may find large gatherings and networking events draining. Their preference for meaningful one-on-one interactions over superficial small talk can hinder their ability to make connections in certain professional or social situations. As a result, introverts may miss out on opportunities that require extensive networking or frequent social engagement.
- Introverts would rather spend time along than be outside socializing with other people. They prefer and prioritize their comfort and personal needs. To achieve this, they tend to invest in things that bring them solace and these can be books, movies, solo trips or comfort foods among other things. These activities can come at a hefty cost and introverts may struggle financially to afford them, especially when they prefer to avoid social situations that could offer more affordable forms of entertainment. One would then wonder, what do introverts do when they lack the finances to cater for their comfort and personal needs?
- Introverts often struggle with their need for deep, meaningful connections and their tendency to avoid large social gatherings. Privately, they may struggle with tumultuous love lives whereby they have to love in a world that celebrates relationships with extroverted qualities. They may find it challenging to express their emotions openly or publicly- and this may not go down well with their partner who enjoys public displays of affection. Additionally, since they find it difficult to participate in the popular casual dating culture, preferring instead to seek genuine, intimate connections, it is not easy for them to find lovers. As not everyone will be a fit for them, just like the princess, one would have to kiss many frogs to find their prince charming. In this time, they may endure prolonged feelings of loneliness and frustration, and some spending nights crying into their pillows for companionship.