Our world is not built for introverts. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t great strength in being one.

I don’t know about you, but some of the wisest and most observant people I know tend to be quite reserved.

People think introverts are just shy or lack the social skills to be more socially involved. 

But the truth is that introverts simply tend to be the listeners rather than the speakers. 

This allows them to take in everything happening around them, allowing them to arrive at insights that other people may not.

Below, I’ll list the typical traits and behaviors of these highly intuitive introverts. Because people who are naturally introverted but highly intuitive usually display these 12 behaviors.

There’s really a lot to learn from them!

1) They’re attentive

Most people see introverts as passive, laid-back people. In parties or social gatherings, they typically keep to themselves, only speaking from time to time.

Then, they’re confused when introverts say that they’re tired after the party.

How are you tired? You barely spoke!

But here’s what people don’t understand: introverts spend a lot of energy paying attention.

Yes, listening—listening well, at least—requires its fair share of energy. 

Introverts pay attention to every word spoken, every change in a person’s tone of voice, and every shift in body language. Then, it’s their tendency to think about these things. 

They interpret it, analyze it, and understand it through their own thinking. It’s what makes them such great listeners! 

2) They’re great writers

Introverts may not speak much, but boy are they expressive, brilliant writers. 

Drawing from the insights they’ve gained from being observant and perceptive, these people are able to make their writings unique and engaging. 

One of the reasons why they write so well is because writing provides them an avenue for precise and careful expression. It’s where they can think about what they’ll say and be introspective in the process.

On the other hand, speech typically requires spontaneity, which just isn’t their strong suit. After all, many introverts are afraid of saying the wrong thing or not saying it in the exact way they want to.

3) They’re incredibly imaginative

You can’t be a good writer without being imaginative, can you?

But it goes deeper than that. 

Many people forget this or fail to realize this, but being imaginative helps in

• Fostering empathy;
• Being open-minded;
• Being curious;
• Noticing details.
• Making your mind more active.

And these traits help people be more observant and intuitive.

If you’re not keen on details or are curious about them, then you simply won’t seek them out.

4) They’re deeply empathetic

They may not always express it out loud, but introverts are highly empathetic people. 

Because they listen so attentively, they’re able to understand (at least, as best they can) what other people are going through.

Their intuition and perceptiveness allow them to understand the nuances of what another person is saying. They’re able to “read between the lines,” as they say it.

Again, it’s why people feel incredibly comfortable opening up to them. They feel understood and empathized with.

They’re open-minded and, therefore, not judgemental. This is how intuitive introverts are charming in their own right, even if they may not initiate conversations often.

5) They avoid small talk

Introverts prefer to listen because talking demands more energy from them. Party because, as discussed above, they feel the need to think about each and everything they’ll say before saying it.

But small talk is particularly draining. It’s one of the reasons they dread going to parties—they know that small talk is unavoidable, at least to a certain extent.

If they have to talk, they prefer to keep small talk to a minimum. 

They know some small talk is necessary during introductions. You just can’t talk about life and death the very first time you meet someone.

But boy, do they hope to move on quickly to more interesting, more important, or more meaningful topics.

Trust me, if you keep asking them basic questions like:

• What do you do for a living?
• How many siblings do you have?
• Where are you from?

…they’ll just get quieter and quieter.

6) They can read the room

Many people make the mistake of thinking introverts are socially inept. However, many of them are actually highly adept at reading the room. 

They’re incredibly perceptive of people’s body language and tone of voice. They can sense a shift in the room’s mood or energy from these very subtle changes.

They can also easily understand a group’s dynamics. It’s why I personally never worry about bringing an introverted friend into another friend group’s gathering. 

I’m confident that, while they may not talk much, they know how to fit in either way. 

I remember one time I actually did just that. I brought my introverted best friend from high school on a short day trip with my college buddies.

After the trip, she told me that two of my friends liked each other.

What? No way. How could you tell? I told her.

She told me she just sensed it. I didn’t see any signs of attraction between them. Lo and behold, just two days later, those two friends were dating.

7) They love nature

Nature often reflects the serene, quiet, and peaceful nature of introverts. It’s why they’re drawn to it so intensely.

Contrary to popular belief, a lot of introverts like outdoor activities or have jobs that involve nature, like:

• Being zookeepers;
• Being nature tour guides;
• Going on hikes;
• Or going to the beach.

It’s one of the main ways they recharge. Instead of being with other people, they enjoy their solitude in nature.

It’s actually proven that spending a lot of time with nature helps people reduce stress. No wonder these people are so calm and collected! 

8) They think about their interactions and conversations

Introverts will spend a lot of time replaying the conversations and experiences they had in their head. It’s how they process their thoughts and feelings, but it’s also how they recharge after spending energy socializing.

However, doing this also helps them develop social insights. 

This is where they develop an even deeper understanding of the people they just met. It enriches their empathy for them as well.

From the fellow introverts I’ve talked to, they say that this is wildly fascinating for them. They get to analyze the social behaviors they didn’t pick up on and get to “socialize” without actually socializing.

9) They live a slower life

The modern world is defined by its neck-breaking speed. Every day is filled with hustle and bustle.

It’s one of the main reasons why introverts aren’t set up for success. 

Just as how they prefer expressing themselves through writing over speaking because it lets them take their time, introverts want to live a slower, more deliberate life in general.

And this translates directly into their perceptiveness. They don’t rush to conclusions or listen just to respond to people. They take their time to take in every detail of what’s happening around them.

10) You cherish simple activities

Introverts don’t take anything for granted. It’s why they pay attention to every single detail around them.

In the same vein, they take great pleasure in the simple joys in life, like:

• Reading a book on a lazy afternoon;
• Enjoying walking around the city;
• Gardening;
• Enjoying the sunrise or sunset;
• Cuddling with their pets.

And a whole host of other seemingly mundane things. 

Introverts tend to do these things more than demanding, high-energy activities. Or, if they do engage in these more energetic activities, they need their sweet, sweet, alone time doing these “simpler” things afterward.

11) They notice the little things

Intuitive introverts are defined by their high situational awareness.

They notice—and even look for—details around them that other people may be dismissing or don’t notice.

It’s why introverts often have the most random (yet fascinating) things to share when they tell stories of their past experiences.

12) They can read people’s personalities

Intuitive introverts may be reserved, but don’t be mistaken: many of them are highly skilled when it comes to socializing.

Why?

It’s because they can read people. 

Their open-minded, perceptive nature allows them to make accurate guesses based on their observations. 

Based on a person’s…

• Tone of voice;
• Word choice;
• Body language;
• And facial expressions;

…they can assess the best way to approach or interact with them, regardless if it’s in a professional or casual situation.

So, while they may not interact with people often when they do, they definitely make it count.

How to spot highly perceptive people

The thing with these highly intuitive introverts is that they’re hard to spot.

Most of them don’t seem necessarily “smart” upon first impressions. 

You’ll never guess just how much their mind is whirring, taking in the world, reading it, analyzing it on a beautifully profound level.

And you won’t realize this until you talk to them.

But since they’re introverts, that’s a whole other job in itself.

Conclusion: the power of silent observation

For these introverted watchers, their ability may not always be apparent or expressed. 

So the challenge for both introverts and the people dealing with them is to foster an environment where their rich insights can be used.

For example, if you’re with an introvert, don’t be afraid to ask them questions—and if you’re an introvert, don’t be afraid to speak up!

You can also minimize small talk or unnecessary stimuli that may overwhelm an introvert. 

There is so much potential in being observant. All we need to do is to know how to tap into this power better.