1. Try not to take their need for space personally. it doesn’t mean they don’t love you.
2. Don’t try to fix them. Accept an introvert for who they are and they’ll be loyal to you for life.
3. Introverts don’t let very many people in, so you must be pretty important to them.
4. Introverts hate confrontation. Give them time to process things instead of pressing for immediate answers.
5. If you want an introvert to open up more, truly listen without interrupting when they do talk.
6. Recognize that an introvert’s need for alone time is crucial to their health and happiness.
7. Know that introverts are fiercely loyal when they love someone and they expect the same in return.
Love,
My poetry collection, “How to Love an Introvert” is coming out this month! Great title.
No, don’t try to fix us. We are not broken like a piece of furniture. We don’t argue with you. It doesn’t mean we have no opinion. We are just not assertive. We don’t want to cause conflicts or trouble. We also care a lot about your feelings even though we have been on that receiving end too many times. We are very loyal once we let you in even when you hurt us (friend or lovers). We look at the big picture, but don’t take us for granted. We have our bottom lines, too. When you cross the line, we won’t keep taking the punches. We will leave you behind. There is no going back. Treat us well and we will return the favor double or triple times. – an INFJ
I’m an INTJ…you’re on point.
As a hardline introvert who enjoys a good flame war, I would suggest rephrasing 4
Introverts hate confrontation. Give them time to process things instead of pressing for immediate answers.
to
Introverts struggle with fast responses to new material in a social environment. We are burning energy being with people – we don’t have the energy for deep thought then and there. So give them time
Otherwise – really great summary. Thank you
Enders Shadow, you are spot on!! Excellent!
I hate confrontation an an introvert. Civility and respect is much better or preferred. Introverts want others to respect their decision to not be bother at certain times. I agree with the rest of your comment.
Great summary for me because all 7 points are extremely accurate.
Especially number 4 because I for one hate confrontation and will do almost anything to avoid same, however if pushed to my confrontational limits will reach deeply into my innermost thoughts instantaneously overcoming the need for any “thinking time” and vigorously respond with appropriate argument and language that leaves no doubt about the situation and my thoughts on whatever the topic being confronted.
I am an introvert, but I am also assertive. I just pick my battles.