Why do introverts love being alone? Why do introverts respond differently? Why do introverts avoid social gatherings? Oh, I’m sure your head is exploding with questions right now.
Extroverts’ brains especially can’t understand this sometimes. Of course, we have a hard time understanding each other in general as well.
But people who enjoy crowds and can’t imagine their Saturdays without parties, just can’t figure this one out. Who would choose alone time over a party and why?
Why do introverts enjoy these kinds of things? Ladies and gentlemen, you’ve come to the right place.
In today’s article, we will focus on important questions such as; why introverts love being alone, what is the cause of their will for alone time rather than hanging out, and of course, is it always like that?
Who Are Introverted People?
In psychology, an introverted person is partially defined as a person who prefers his own thoughts and surroundings to external ones.
If you know a person or you are that person who chooses the comfort of your home on days when everyone goes out, you are probably an introvert.
Introverts can’t wait to finish 7-8 hours of work and come home to enjoy “alone time” with their pets or with one or two friends they are close to and understand.
Introverts’ brains work in such a way that they experience greater happiness in smaller groups of people or alone than with a bunch of people at a party or somewhere similar.
We won’t lie, they are often misunderstood in society and forced to various events under the “pretext” that they will be fine after all.
Tip: don’t force people to do anything, ever. If someone wants to avoid a party, a meeting with a bunch of people, or some extra team building, let them be. We don’t all like the same things and the same things don’t make us happy!
5 Reasons Why Do Introverts Love Being Alone?
So let’s finally look into the pandora’s box of today’s topic. What is the cause of the desire for solitude?
When and why do introverts need to be alone? We will give you answers to these and similar questions below. This part is what we’re here for, so let’s get started, I know you’re very impatient.
1. Introverted Individuals Function Better When Alone Or With Two Friends
Have you ever noticed that some people in your company suddenly withdraw into themselves? They weren’t like that 15 minutes ago.
But then another person joined the group, then two more, then one more…And your friend became completely silent.
You never heard a word from him again. Introverts will withdraw in larger groups of people, especially when strangers join them.
Extroverts and even semi-extroverts will react differently to new people. They will want to make new acquaintances, start conversations, and even initiate them.
But for an introvert, it’s more anxiety than pleasure. If you have an introverted friend, don’t ambush them with new people when you’re out. Be considerate and announce it or just don’t do it at all.
2. Slightly Different Brain Pathway Chooses Acetylcholine Over Dopamine
This paragraph builds on the above. Extroverts in groups of people secrete dopamine, a happy neurotransmitter that tells your brain that you feel contentment, pleasure, and somewhat happiness. But introverts don’t release dopamine in groups of people.
They feel acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter of the neuromuscular synapse, which in an overdose leads to depression.
Now that you know how your ambushed friend feels when you invite 5 other people to your table unannounced, I hope you won’t do it again.
3. They Think Of Meetings, Parties, And Crowd As The Emotional Exhaustion
6-7-8 hours of work, team building for an hour, going to get groceries, going to some treatment, etc.
Already some 10-11 hours of constant and continuous contact with people is a lot and too much for introverts.
After this, they want to go home, take a shower, turn on their favorite series and be alone with their thoughts.
It is too much emotional stress and exhaustion for introverts to be surrounded by people for that amount of time.
If a friend has turned you down for a “date” tonight, be considerate and understand her/him. They simply need alone time now.
4. From Emotional Exhaustion To Physical Symptoms When In Crowds
Oh yes, believe it or not, this happens too. Once, not knowing that my colleague from work was an introvert, I invited strangers to our table. We were out that night because it was Saturday and the deal was just the two of us.
After 4 more people came to our table, she became quiet. After a few minutes, I saw that something was wrong with her face.
When I took her hand and came closer to ask her what was wrong, her hand was very sweaty and shaking.
My recklessness caused a colleague’s panic attack. For some people, it also results in breathing difficulties, sensitivity to light, etc.
Once again, mention that you will invite more people. Ask and be kind. I still cramp my stomach when I remember this unfortunate situation.
5. Introverts Are Less Interested In The Social Rewards Around Them
When I say social rewards, I think of social status, money, relationships, friends, important work, reputation, etc.
Introverts also want to fall in love, make friends, find an interesting hobby, etc. But they will not rule like extroverts.
They will not try their best to get it as soon as possible. Extroverts will go to places where they can achieve this continuously. They will go where they can potentially meet someone for them and meet new people.
Introverts will leave it more to fate. They would rather text with someone on social media than go to a party and approach a girl or a guy.
Do Introverts Always Want To Be Alone?
If you have a friend or have dated/dating an introverted person, you know that it is not always the case that they will stay home only with you, or alone.
Introverts want connections with people and to have friends and relationships, but they won’t try as hard to get them as extroverts.
I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Have you ever texted through a platform with a boy or a girl who was very chatty and fun?
Then you met them in person and the person simply retreated into themselves. I’m 80% sure they were introverts.
You have to give such people space and some time to relax, to see that you are not judging them for their difficulty in opening up to you as easily as you do to them. When you do this, you will find interesting, dear, considerate, and reliable friends or partners in introverts.
Do Introverts Prefer To Live Alone?
Most of the time, an introvert will want to live alone. In the past, I knew many people in college who lived alone and 80% of them were introverts. These others had some trivial reasons like, I can’t stand someone’s snoring.
But of course, introverts will one day marry or date someone, and you’ll probably live together. It all boils down to that key moment when that person becomes comfortable with you.
When this happens, you are no longer part of the crowd that is normally avoided. You are now someone close to that person and he has a different approach toward you.
Do Introverts Get Energy From Being Alone?
Introverts see alone time as a time to recharge. Introverts view large groups of people as energy vampires. Constant talk and the need for communication tire them.
Because of this, they will see their own time alone as a reward and a time to finally recharge their batteries.
Introverts are exhausted by crowds, a lot of communication in one day, large family gatherings, frequent questioning, etc.
The End
Now that we unlocked the truth of why introverts love being alone, how do you feel? Spending time alone doesn’t sound so bad now right? Choosing your mental health, “energy saving” and simply you and what you prefer is much more important than social status.
If you feel a bit of an introvert hangover right now, don’t worry, it’s just the article. If you found yourself in the first question, yep, you are the one.
But if you’re thinking about it, but not really feeling it, you’re definitely going out to party tonight. Your active dopamine reward system truly is slightly different.
Since you have surely introverts in your friends circle, we hope you understand them better now. We hope you’ll be more considerate of their personality traits next time as well. Too much dopamine simply isn’t for everyone.
