How To Be The Best Social Introvert

How to be the best social introvert!

When I was suggested to write about this topic, I immediately identified with it. I myself am TOTALLY a social introvert.

What is a social introvert, you ask?

There is no hard definition but I’d say it’s someone that is socially competent and comfortable being around other people. At the same time, they still exhibit qualities of an introvert, such as wanting time alone and not talking when it’s not necessary. And rather than being energized by social interactions, introverts actually feel drained when being social. Hence the need to go away and not wanting to talk to other people for a good period after socializing. A true introvert. 🙂

We often categorize people into either introverts or extroverts. But it’s a lot more nuanced than that, in my opinion. People can be shy extroverts, while also being social introverts (like I am).

So how do you go about balancing being a social butterfly with also staying within your introverted limits? That’s what I’ll be talking about today!

In this post, I’ll go over how to be the best social introvert and the things you should know. It’s all about balancing your social life while prioritizing your mental health as an introvert. Not all introverts are shy or socially awkward. You can be socially healthy while getting your quiet time alone. I’ll show you how.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Friends are very important, no matter how introverted you are.

I want to start this article by saying that being around your friends is essential, whether you’re an introvert or not. There are so many benefits to having friends you can socialize and share your thoughts with (click here to see what makes a good friendship).

I’m sure extroverts already know these things. But as an introvert, you tend to forget about friends a lot, because you want to be alone. I myself tend to fall into this bad habit. I don’t mind being alone and sometimes forget to spend time with friends. But it’s important to socialize and keep in touch with them. Even as an introvert, you need to socialize to stay mentally healthy (in my opinion). I definitely notice when I haven’t been with friends for a while; it feels so refreshing and happy when you socialize. As an introvert, you need it as well.

So my point is, don’t neglect your social life. It’s an easy thing to do when you’re an introvert, because you truly don’t mind being away from people. But if you’re like me and tend to put social events and seeing your friends on the backburner, then you need to remind yourself to get out there and be social!

It’s okay to have quiet time to yourself.

On the contrary, I want to point out that as an introvert, it’s okay to ask for your alone time. We’re not like extroverts where they get mental energy from hanging around people. Not at all. In fact, we’re the opposite; we get drained when we socialize too much. I know for me, I want to get away from everyone if I’ve been out all day socializing with people. Like a cave man retreating back to his cave!

So if your friends and family are demanding that you always hangout with them, you can politely decline sometimes. Especially in your 30s when your time is likely more limited, you want to have some breathing room in terms of having time to yourself. I think it’s important to allocate the time you want to do solitary things such as going for a walk or playing video games. You may be socially competent, but that doesn’t mean you to be a social butterfly or spend every night out with friends or family.

Which leads me to my next point…

You can have both.

What do I mean when I say, you can have both? I mean that you can be social and be an introvert at the same time! That is certainly what I do, on many occasions. Again, I feel the terms introvert and extrovert have made it that you have to be one or the other. But that’s not the case at all. You can be both!

Here are some examples of where you can a social introvert:

• When you’re out with friends or family, you can ask to wander off on your own for a brief period. I do this all the time when I’m traveling. When I’m traveling with friends, there are times during the trip where I go alone and do my own thing, because I’m introverted like that. Just know that it’s totally fine to do this!
• You don’t have to be the most social or charismatic at an event. You can be the person who talks to whomever is interested in talking to you. But that doesn’t mean you have to talk to everyone. At a party or gathering, you can be mellow and talk only when you feel like it.
• You can be a listener and a talker at the same time. If you’ve read this blog for a while, you know how much I emphasize the importance of being a good listener (click here to read why being a good listener is important). As an introvert, you can be the person who can socialize when you want or need to. And you can also be the person to not say much and be listening to others. The perfect definition of a social introvert. 🙂

Conclusion

To conclude, a social introvert doesn’t have to be an oxymoron. I myself am living proof of that. I am able to socialize and be talkative when the time calls for it. At the same time, I appreciate my introverted ways such as wanting to be alone and needing to be solitary when I’m drained from social interactions. I find it’s a great balance, and maybe you will feel it’s the same way for you.

I hope you found this post helpful and useful! If you have any questions or feedback, leave them in the comments below!