Communication can be a challenge for many introverts who tend to overthink serious conversations. We want to avoid conflict and this may cause some misunderstandings with others.
It’s not that we don’t want to communicate, but we want to do it on our terms. If you discuss something with us, especially something that may embarrass us, like health problems, a little compassion will go a long way. Below are some more ideas to try when speaking to your introvert partner about their health issues:
1. Leave Subtle Notes Or Information
Most introverts are usually curious about the world around them, so leaving something lying around the home where we can find it will undoubtedly pique our interest. Any items not in their regular place will immediately attract attention, and a note or some information like a pamphlet to learn about tea tree treatment we can read through will have us thinking in no time.
Alternative treatments like tea tree oil and others are probably a good suggestion because many introverts would prefer to try home remedies first before interacting with medical staff.
2. Write It In A Letter
Like any other human being, an introvert wants to know that others care for us and also wish the best for our health situation; we just don’t like discussing it. What bothers us most is that we feel put on the spot when a conversation comes out of the blue.
After reading the letter and reflecting on its content, we can prepare the conversation in our heads and already think of possible responses for our partners. One of the traits that causes us the most stress is that we are people who overthink and we need to organize our thoughts before responding.
3. Don’t Add Any Pressure
Once we discuss intimate issues with a partner, allow us to react when ready. Pressuring us to choose will only make us withdraw or cause a row. Although it may not seem like we are giving the subject any thought, please know that we are mulling it over in our heads and will take all your input to heart.
Respectfully asking us for feedback will be the best option instead of becoming antagonistic about the fact that we haven’t come to a conclusion or found a solution yet. Addressing the actual elephant in the room may be a sensitive topic to tackle, so doing it with empathy and encouragement is probably the best way of coaxing an answer out of us.
4. Give Us Time And Space
Being an introvert entails deep thinking, especially about something as serious as health issues. We can be very sensitive and feel very deeply, making us want to protect our hearts and energy. Becoming overwhelmed with information and emotion is common; thus, we can withdraw from the discussion to think about it first.
Don’t think that the conversation is over; we will enter into a discussion about it again once we have recharged our energy sufficiently. Remember not to take it personally; we aren’t avoiding you or the subject. It’s just part of our personality.
5. Long Discussions Won’t Work
There’s no need for long-winded discussions about any topic for an introvert, no matter the seriousness of the subject. When discussing something important, please keep the conversations short and to the point without being blunt.
It may be difficult for others to understand, but introverts want to know the facts and add their color to the story instead of hearing everyone else’s versions. Even if this may sound selfish to some, this is how an introvert loves to communicate.
6. Be Ready To Compromise
Since introverts are selective about how and with whom we interact, we aren’t as open to suggestions as some others may be. We often have our own opinions and will appreciate a partner that gives us the space to express ourselves, even more so because we find it difficult to talk about ourselves.
Just because we are soft spoken and won’t always stand up for ourselves and what we believe in doesn’t mean that we don’t want things done differently. Please be patient and give us some leeway to discuss all the options.
The Conclusion
Introverts are naturally very sensitive and seek intelligent conversations that contain the facts, and have lots of room to think about things before making a decision. Pressuring us into doing or saying anything may only make us withdraw, causing more frustration and sometimes hurt feelings for both partners.
Although we may seem aloof and uninterested, it’s undoubtedly not the case. We tend to be overly considerate towards others, and this is why we would sometimes expect the same in return. Please know that we place a lot of value on our health and our relationships.
