The dating scene today is challenging, particularly for introverts. It’s no wonder most introverts wonder: Will I be single forever? Was I destined to have a life partner?
If you’re an introvert, you know firsthand how going on dates can leave you drained and exhausted. You’d rather curl up on your sofa, wearing sweatpants while reading a book.
However, like everyone else, you desire to love and be loved and to connect, which you can find by going out and meeting new people. This means you’ll have to step outside your comfort zone.
Fortunately, we have created this article to serve as a guide to introvert dating by addressing introvert dating struggles and providing tips for dating as an introvert.
Who is an introvert?
Interesting fact: introverts make up around one-third of the U.S. population.
An introvert is someone who is less social, prefers to be in quiet environments, and tends to focus more on internal thoughts and feelings. Simply put, an introvert is quiet, reserved, and introspective.
Contrary to popular belief, introversion is not shyness, although it may look the same. Shyness is the feeling of fear, discomfort, or awkwardness while in social situations. Introversion, on the other hand, is a preference for quietness and solitude.
There are four types of introverts:
- Social introverts: These introverts value solitude more than anything. They like being alone – but can interact with a small group vs. a large gathering.
- Thinking introverts: These introverts tend to be introspective and thoughtful. They engage in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, researching, writing, learning, and investigating.
- Anxious introverts: Unlike social introverts, anxious introverts may hesitate to interact with others because they are socially awkward. They feel uncomfortable, nervous, or self-conscious about social interactions.
- Restrained introverts: They are also known as inhibited introverts. These introverts are overthinkers. They generally tend to think hard and consider a certain choice for a long time before springing into action.
Characteristics of introverts
How do you know you’re an introvert?
- You enjoy solitude.
- You’d rather be at home than attend one social event after another.
- Socializing drains you.
- You like thought-provoking conversations.
- You are in touch with your feelings.
- You find it easier to work alone than in groups.
- Introverts prefer to keep a smaller circle of friends.
- You get to know people on a deeper level.
- You avoid conflicts because sharing your thoughts and feelings is hard.
- You enjoy solitary activities like reading, painting, meditation, yoga, drawing, or writing.
- You are introspective and reflective and may spend a lot of time thinking and processing information.
- You may be quiet in large group settings but can be more engaging one-on-one.
Is dating hard for introverts?
Modern dating is hard. Online dating is one hell of a minefield. For introverts, it’s twice as hard.
Dating requires social interaction, such as at events or bars; this sounds like an introvert’s worst nightmare. And as we all know, social interactions may not be appealing or comfortable for introverts.
Introvert dating struggles
Here are the common obstacles introverts face when trying to find a meaningful connection:
Meeting new people
Introverts may have difficulty meeting new people. Unfortunately, dating requires you to meet people to share your inner world with. To meet new people, you have to go out and socialize.
Small talk
Introverts dislike small talk because it’s boring and too shallow. It keeps the conversation on the surface, leaving no room for meaningful interaction.
Introverts like to dive deep into a person’s world and figure out what makes them tick. Sadly, small talk is often part of dating, especially in the early stages.
Privacy
For many introverts, opening up doesn’t come naturally—not even to the people they know, let alone strangers. They struggle with sharing personal information, which can often get in the way of dating.
Also, being vulnerable is not easy for them. It might take a lot of time for them to warm up to new people and let their guard down.
Need for alone time
Introverts have a limited social battery. So, they need alone time to recharge their social batteries, reflect on themselves, and process their experiences with other people. This means they have to end social interactions soon. If they don’t do that, they might shut down because they’re overwhelmed.
The ideal date is private and quiet
Crowded bars or coffee shops are a no-no for introverts. They feel more comfortable and safe in a quiet, one-on-one setting. This way, they use less energy to interact, as they don’t have to deal with environmental stimuli and can have quality conversations.
Pressure explaining themselves
Introverts prefer to stay in and read a book rather than attend a party. They are reflective, which can make them overthink some situations and worry about how others perceive them.
They may feel pressure to explain their thoughts or actions. This pressure can be greater if they feel like they’ll be judged or criticized.
Introverts’ guide to dating
Dating doesn’t have to be so hard for introverts. Here are some tips to help you navigate and succeed in the dating scene as an introvert.
Have a pre-date ritual
Face-to-face encounters can be nerve-wracking for apparent reasons. A pre-date ritual can help you soothe your jitters and make you feel calm, confident, and ready for the date.
Some common pre-date rituals are working out, meditation, deep breathing, listening to music, positive affirmations, dancing, reading, or talking to friends and family about the date.
Choose a suitable environment
Introverts thrive in quiet environments. Loud environments can drain their energy, cause overstimulation, impact their mood, and make it hard for them to focus. Therefore, you should go to a spot with minimal noise to minimize the chances of environmental stimuli.
Suppose you decide to go to a quiet bar with your date. Good for you. Suppose you want to do an activity together, well and good. Wherever it is, ensure you’re in a spot that makes you feel safe and comfortable.
One of the greatest superpowers of an introvert’s brain is overthinking. What is the reason, you ask?
Nature. That’s just how it is.
During a date, you might wonder, “Am I talking enough?” “Is my date enjoying my company?” “Why didn’t my date laugh at my joke?” and so on.
Find something that can restrain or distract you from overthinking—an activity that takes the pressure off the date. Instead of sitting pretty in a restaurant, try kayaking, taking a creative class together, hiking, or horse riding.
Prepare for an engaging conversation ahead of time
Dates can be uncomfortable and intimidating because you don’t know what you will talk about. However, you want to avoid awkward silences and small talk.
How can you achieve this?
Go with talking points.
You can find out a bit of information about your date beforehand and have topics or open-ended questions that will keep the conversation flowing. When asking questions, tailor them to what you want to know about the other person. Also, ask follow-up questions to learn even more and show interest.
Balance listening and sharing
As an introvert, it might be natural for you to listen more than you speak. However, remember that the other person is also trying to get to know you and determine compatibility. As a result, it’s important to share bits and pieces about yourself.
Sharing your personal information might not come naturally, but if you prepare before the date, you can have some talking points.
Set boundaries
When it comes to dating and socializing, be aware of your boundaries and comfort levels. What level of interaction can you handle? What’s the time limit before you start feeling overwhelmed? How much personal information can you share?
It’s important to prioritize your boundaries. Do what works for you and share only what feels right.
Be yourself
Dating as an introvert may feel like a performance, and you might feel pressured to act in ways that don’t come naturally to you.
The result? You’ll end up in uncomfortable situations doing things that don’t reflect who you are.
Be yourself and own your introversion. Speak about it and don’t apologize for who you are.
Final thoughts
Dating should be a fun experience. But to an introvert, it feels like you’re pressured to do the exact opposite of what you love – going out, socializing, sharing personal information, explaining yourself, etc.
We’re sure that if it were possible to have someone approach you, be interested in you, and know you well enough to want to be in a relationship with you (and vice versa) and save you from the stress of going on dates in the name of “getting to know each other,” it would be a perfect world. But hey, we’re not living in a fantasy.
You have to make an effort and go through the dating process until you find someone who suits, understands, and appreciates you and your personality.
