In today’s world, it can be very hard to be an introvert. Introverts face many struggles, as we navigate extrovert-biased workplaces and social situations. Often, introverts feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the sheer pressure to be more extroverted. 

One challenge we face is that introverts like to have ample alone time to recharge and feel at our best. Unfortunately, not everyone understands this. Introverts may also feel awkward in social gatherings, especially when there’s a lot of small talk involved. In fact, our disdain for small talk may lead us to avoid meeting new people altogether. 

Some might think of this as a ‘weird’ or ‘antisocial’ behavior, but for introverts it is a means of survival. 

If you’re an introvert and you can relate, remember you’re not alone (as much as you’d like to be). There are millions of introverts out there who face several challenges. 

That’s why I’ve put together a list of the top problems introverts will understand.

1.   We Don’t Enjoy Parties

The first common problem we introverts face is we usually don’t enjoy parties. Although we may like going to social events and engaging with new people for short periods of time, we are quickly drained by big parties.

For an introvert, a deep conversation with a loved one or our partner feels more fulfilling than being the life of the party. If you buy a vintage 20th anniversary gift for an introvert partner, they will cherish it like the most valuable present of their life. After all, as quiet types, we appreciate gestures that go beyond words.

2.   We Feel Underestimated

One of the biggest challenges introverts struggle with is not feeling as confident as many extroverts do. We often feel underestimated, because we are hesitant about sharing our thoughts with those around us. 

An introvert could be the most intelligent person around but will find it hard to talk and vocalize our opinion in public. This leads to frustration in many work environments where louder, less competent people are promoted at a faster rate than those who might be more intelligent, but quiet.

3.   We Don’t Like The Phone

Introverts tend to hate talking on the phone. After all, the phone takes away many of the visual cues that make awkward silences less awkward. 

A ringing phone is usually an unwelcome interruption to an introvert who is happily occupied with our own thoughts. If we’re not expecting the call, we may feel tongue-tied since introverts like to prepare ahead for important conversations.

4.   We Don’t Love Teamwork

While an introvert can be a valuable addition to any team, we don’t necessarily like working in groups. 

This is because introverts excel at deep concentration and solitary focus. Working in groups means that our thoughts are overpowered by louder personalities. 

Introverts also feel less comfortable speaking up during group conversations, preferring to listen or daydream. This leads others to think that we’re not as smart and hardworking when the opposite is usually true!

If you struggle with any or all of these introvert problems, don’t feel bad. Introverts have many strengths that help us to shine, such as creativity, intuition, focus, and keen observation skills.

The goal is not to ‘fix’ ourselves and become extroverts. But, rather, to work with our introverted strengths, so that we can share our beautiful gifts with the world.