Does the thought of socializing make you feel more tired than excited?

This is a common trait of introversion. But just because you relate to one aspect of this personality type doesn’t mean you are a full-blown introvert.

Other than social events, there are many things that introverts find exhausting that extraverts don’t.

In fact, according to psychology, if you find the following eight situations tiring, you may be of an introvert than you thought.

1) Small talk

As an introvert, there’s something about small talk that can be incredibly draining.

It’s not that we don’t enjoy a good chat, but the superficiality of small talk can feel like a chore.

Psychology tells us that introverts tend to prefer deeper, more meaningful conversations. The idea of discussing the weather or what someone did over the weekend can feel inauthentic and forced.

It’s not that we don’t care about these things, it’s just that we prefer conversations with substance. Small talk can be a necessary part of social interaction, but for introverts, it’s often an exhausting part.

2) Networking events

Networking events can be a nightmare for introverts like me. The idea of making small talk with a room full of strangers is enough to make my stomach churn.

I remember once going to a networking event for my job.

As soon as I walked into the room, I was hit with a wave of anxiety. The loud chatter, the groups of people laughing and talking, the pressure to make a good impression – it was all overwhelming.

By the end of the night, I was mentally exhausted.

I had spent hours trying to navigate conversations, remember names, and make connections. And while others seemed to thrive on the energy, I found it draining.

Psychology tells us that introverts tend to find socializing in large groups tiring because they have a shorter social battery than extraverts.

So if you’re an introvert like me, know that it’s perfectly okay to feel drained after these types of events.

3) Open-plan offices

Open-plan offices are the norm in many workplaces these days. They’re designed to encourage collaboration and open communication.

But for introverts, they can be the equivalent of running a marathon.

Introverts often prefer quiet, private spaces to work in. They tend to be more sensitive to their environments and can find the noise and constant interaction of an open-plan office distracting and draining.

In fact, a study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that employees in open-plan offices often reported lower levels of concentration, productivity, and job satisfaction.

This is especially true for introverts, who may find it hard to focus amidst the hustle and bustle.

So while open-plan offices may seem like a great idea on paper, they can be a significant energy drain for introverts.

4) Constant socialization

Introverts value their alone time – it’s when we recharge and collect our thoughts. But in a world that seems to constantly demand social interaction, this can be exhausting.

Whether it’s a barrage of messages on our phones, impromptu meetings at work, or social events that fill up our weekends, the expectation to always be ‘on’ can leave many introverts feeling drained.

It’s not that we don’t enjoy being around others, but having the time to retreat and recharge is crucial for our wellbeing. Without it, it can feel like we’re running on empty.

So if you’re an introvert feeling overwhelmed by constant social demands, remember it’s okay to take some time out for yourself.

5) Misunderstanding of introversion

One of the most exhausting aspects for introverts is often the misunderstanding of what it means to be an introvert.

Being labelled as ‘shy’, ‘antisocial’, or ‘unfriendly’ simply because we prefer quiet contemplation over constant social interaction can be disheartening.

The truth is, introversion isn’t about being antisocial – it’s about where we draw our energy from.

When our character is misunderstood or judged, it can feel like a constant uphill battle to prove that our need for solitude isn’t a negative trait.

It can become emotionally draining to constantly explain ourselves, and sometimes, it feels easier to just let people think what they want.

6) Pressure to conform

In a society that often values extroverted traits like assertiveness and outgoingness, being an introvert can sometimes feel like swimming against the current.

I remember in school, I was always the quiet one.

While others were eager to participate and voice their thoughts, I preferred to listen and take everything in.

But this often led to comments like “you’re so quiet” or “why don’t you talk more?”.

Over time, this can take a toll. The constant pressure to fit into an extroverted mold can be exhausting and can even lead to feelings of inadequacy.

But it’s important to remember that being introverted is not something that needs to be changed or ‘fixed’. It’s simply a different way of interacting with the world, and it comes with its own unique strengths.

7) Loud and crowded places

Loud and crowded places can be a sensory overload for introverts. Concerts, busy malls, crowded restaurants – these environments can be incredibly draining.

The noise, the people, the constant stimuli – it can all become too much, leaving us feeling mentally and physically exhausted.

This is because, as studies show, introverts are more easily distracted by noise than extraverts, and thus, experience more noise annoyance.

Because of this sensitivity, loud environments requires a lot of energy and can leave us needing some serious downtime afterwards.

8) Having to ‘perform’ extroversion

Perhaps the most exhausting thing for introverts is having to ‘perform’ extroversion.

Whether it’s at work, in social situations, or even at home, there can be a pressure to appear more outgoing and sociable than we naturally are.

This doesn’t mean putting on a false persona, but rather stepping outside of our comfort zones to meet the expectations of others. This constant performance can leave us feeling drained and inauthentic.

Embrace your introversion

How many of these situations do you find exhausting?

If you were nodding along to most of them, there’s a good chance you’re an introvert.

While these situations can pose challenges for us, remember that being an introvert comes with many strengths.

We excel in deep thinking, problem-solving, and building strong relationships. Our reflective nature makes us great listeners and empathetic friends.

By embracing these strengths, we can turn perceived challenges into powerful assets, allowing us to truly thrive in life.