It goes without saying that introverts have different needs than extroverts. So today, we’re going to look at ten things introverts need to be happy.
Maybe you’re an introvert looking to add a little more happiness to your life or some solidarity.
Or maybe you’re an extrovert with an introvert in your life you’re interested in helping and supporting.
Here are ten things that are almost guaranteed to improve an introvert’s quality of life.
Time alone
This is number one for a reason! Introverts absolutely need time alone to recharge.
Like we talked about in Introvert 101, being an introvert means we get our energy from time alone and lose energy when we’re with others.
We can absolutely go out, socialize, and enjoy other people. But we need enough time before and after events to recharge our batteries.
How much time each introvert needs will vary from introvert to introvert and event to event.
Some introverts naturally need more time to recharge than others. You may also need more time if an event is bigger or if you’ve been busier than average.
An opt-out
If you’re inviting an introvert somewhere, give them an out and don’t make them feel guilty for taking it!
Now sure, some events are more important than others. As introverts, we’ve learned when (and how) to suck it up and be there for our friends and family. So if we consider you a friend, know we will do our best to show up for you.
But as introverts, we only have so much energy to give. If you give us an out to a non-essential event, we will love an appreciate you all the more.
And if you’re an introvert, don’t be afraid to take that opt-out. You also should feel free to create one for yourself if you need to.
This may seem selfish at first, but I can assure you it’s not. It’s a form of taking care of yourself. You’re also no good to anyone once you hit zero.
Saying no or cutting an event short is always an option. For more on this, check out how to say no and how to get out of social events you don’t want to go to.
Understanding and support
The world is genuinely louder, brighter, and more draining for introverts to exist in. When things in our world get extra hectic, we feel it tenfold.
Most of the time, after a busy day at work, we don’t want to go out. We just want to go home and crash on the couch.
And sometimes on the weekends, we don’t want to make plans or go anywhere.
When we’re feeling rundown, we so so appreciate it when the people in our life understand and support our needs–even if they don’t share our needs and even if these needs are inconvenient.
An introvert sanctuary
The first thing on this list was time alone. This time can be made even more enjoyable if you have an introvert sanctuary to retreat to.
Having a space that’s your own and designed to your own introverted comforts will make it so much easier for you to hole up and recharge.
This will not only increase your own happiness but likely the happiness of those you interact with as a result.
For more on how to create an introvert sanctuary, check out this post.
A mode of self-expression
Introverts have a rich inner world.
And while that world can be deep and vibrant, and lead to tons of complex thoughts and ideas, it can sometimes be hard for an introvert to express these things.
As a result, it’s a good idea for introverts to find a way to express themselves and get those thoughts and ideas into the world.
Maybe it’s through art, or writing, or long deep conversations. Whatever your preferred method of expression is, you will undoubtedly be happier if you take the time to figure it out and put it into practice.
An introvert friend
Every introvert needs another introvert to relate to. Since the majority of people in the world are extroverts, it can be easy to feel like you’re “wrong” or “abnormal” for wanting to stay home.
It can also feel be frustrating when an extroverted world pushes its expectations and social constructs on you.
Having an introverted friend you can vent to and strategize with can be both validating and grounding.
It’s also nice to know you can hang out with your introverted friend, have a wonderful time and know there will always be an end in sight. Because after a few hours, you will both want to go home.
An (understanding) extrovert friend
Extroverted friends can absolutely make you happier too! We talk a lot on this blog about managing extroverts and extroverted expectations, but that doesn’t mean extroverts aren’t awesome!
As much as we need more time to recharge as introverts, it’s not good for us to stay in all the time. Extroverted friends are amazing at reaching out and getting you out of your head and out of your house.
However, it’s important that your extroverted friend understands and respects your introverted needs, while honoring their own needs and desires to socialize and spend time with you.
A manageable social schedule
Like we touched on in the point above, introverts may need a lot of time to recharge, but socializing is important too!
This can be done in small groups, in low-key settings, or with the occasional bigger, brighter outing.
The key is to know your limits and make sure you build in plenty of recharge time around your work and social activities.
For more on this, check out this post on how to create a manageable social life.
A solo hobby to recharge with
Sometimes, when you’re really run down, recharging may mean laying on the couch and binge-watching a show. But other times, it may be more restorative to have an activity.
Maybe it’s something active like hiking, biking, or yoga (see why yoga is good for introverts here). Or maybe it’s more low-key like reading, writing, or gardening.
Whatever the activity, give yourself something to look forward to that calms your introverted sensibilities and that you can do completely on your own.
Looking for more in-depth tips on how to build your best, happiest introvert life?
If you want to dig a little deeper into this topic, check out the Introvert Life Guide!
This guide was designed to help you build the introvert life of your dreams.
It will also help you embrace your introverted nature and build a life to help you thrive!
For more introvert life tips, check out the other introvert posts!
Sound off: What do you need to be happy in your introvert life? Tell us about it in the comments!
Wow, I read all of these, and I am now even more certain that I am an introvert. In a society where not all of these things are a priority, it’s nice to have a reminder for us introverts, what we really need to feel fulfilled and happy.
I’m so glad this post could help! I think we all need that reminder from time to time. 🙂
I am finding it very difficult surviving having a very loud abusive boss and just when all I want is everyone to be quiet and calm. Now days though, you can’t afford to lose a job! How to cope????
That sounds rough! Maybe one of these posts can help. How to Make Your Work Place More Introvert Friendly and An Introvert’s Guide to Open Workspaces. Good luck!
I am a introvert. I like regular pot lucks. I can sit and not talk most of the time. Also like a social lounge. Again, can sit and not talk most of the time. We need more pot lucks, social lounges, city squares, community gardens, etc.
We need social events that’s easy on introvert where we can just observe if we want to and not feel pressured to talk.