6 ‘weird’ things introverts do that are actually completely normal

I get it. As an introvert, you often feel like you’re on the outside looking in.

You do things that others may consider ‘weird,’ but to you, they’re completely normal.

You prefer solitude over socializing, and sometimes, you’d rather read a book than attend a party. But guess what? That’s okay.

You’re not alone in this. Many introverts feel the same way, misunderstood and misjudged.

But here’s a little secret: those ‘weird’ things you do? They’re not weird at all. They’re perfectly normal, especially for introverts.

Now, I’m not here to tell you that you should change your personality to fit in with the crowd. In fact, I’m here to reassure you that it’s perfectly fine to be yourself.

In this article, we will explore six ‘weird’ things introverts do that are actually completely normal.

Some of you might already know these things.

…are you ready to find out?

1) Enjoying alone time

I remember the first time I turned down a party invitation to stay home and read.

My friends looked at me like I had sprouted a second head. They couldn’t understand why I would prefer to spend my Friday night curled up with a good book instead of going out. But for me, it was a no-brainer.

I relish moments of solitude. It’s when I recharge, think deeply, and unwind.

Not all of us gain energy from social situations; some of us gain energy from being alone. And that’s completely normal.

While we introverts cherish our alone time, it’s often because social interactions can be quite draining for us. This isn’t unusual; it’s a normal part of how we recharge and maintain our energy…

2) Getting drained by social interactions

Here’s another story. After attending a networking event for work, I found myself completely exhausted the next day – mentally and physically.

It wasn’t that the event was physically demanding or that I didn’t enjoy it; it was just the continuous interaction and small talk that left me feeling drained.

This is something many introverts experience.

Social interactions, while enjoyable, can be incredibly draining for us. And needing time to recharge after socializing? Completely normal.

This draining feeling after socializing leads us to, perhaps quite paradoxically, prefer deep conversations. It’s not that we dislike talking; we just find more value in meaningful discussions than in small talk.

3) Preferring deep conversations over small talk

Did you know that introverts tend to prefer deep, meaningful conversations over casual small talk? This is because introverts process information deeply and they tend to think introspectively.

Small talk can often feel superficial and draining, while in-depth discussions about life, ideas, and experiences can be incredibly stimulating and rewarding.

So if you’re an introvert who dreads small talk and longs for deeper connections, rest assured, it’s completely normal.

Our preference for deeper conversations also explains why crowded places can feel overwhelming. It’s not the people, but the superficial nature of interactions in these settings that can be too much for us.

4) Feeling overwhelmed in crowded places

Crowded places can feel incredibly overwhelming for introverts. The noise, the people, the energy – it can all be too much.

It’s like standing in the middle of a bustling city street, cars whizzing by, people rushing past, and all you want to do is find a quiet corner to retreat to.

This isn’t about being antisocial or shy; it’s about sensory overload. It’s about needing a little bit of peace in a world that’s constantly on the go.

If you’re an introvert who feels this way, remember: it’s completely normal.

Our tendency for the sensory overload in crowded spaces surprisingly reflects why we need time to think before we speak. We introverts process our surroundings and thoughts deeply, thus valuing thoughtful responses over hasty reactions.

5) Needing time to think before speaking

I can’t count the number of times I’ve been in a meeting or a group discussion, and while I had plenty to contribute, I found myself staying quiet.

Why?

Because as an introvert, I need time to process my thoughts before I voice them out loud. I’m not one to think on my feet; I prefer to mull over my ideas, refine my thoughts, and then share them.

Sure, it can be frustrating at times, especially when quick responses are expected.

But this tendency to think before speaking? It’s a sign of being thoughtful and considerate, and it’s completely normal for introverts like me.

This thoughtful nature also influences our social choices. We tend to prefer a few deep connections over a wide circle of acquaintances, valuing quality in our relationships.

6) Choosing a few close friends over a large social circle

As an introvert, I’ve always preferred having a small circle of close friends rather than a large network of acquaintances.

Some might find this ‘weird’, but for me, it’s all about quality over quantity. I value deep, meaningful relationships where I can truly connect with the other person on a personal level.

It’s not that I don’t enjoy meeting new people; it’s just that I find it more rewarding to invest my time and energy into fewer, more significant relationships.

This preference for a smaller social circle is completely normal for introverts.

Conclusion

There you have it – six ‘weird’ things that introverts do which are, in fact, completely normal.

Each of these points, from valuing solitude to selecting close friends, highlights the typical introvert’s journey. 

If you’ve recognized yourself in any of these points, remember: there’s nothing ‘weird’ about being an introvert.

We all have our own unique ways of interacting with the world around us, and that’s something to be celebrated, not criticized.

So next time you’re feeling ‘weird’, remember: it’s just your introverted superpowers showing!