7 Reasons You Should Stop Trying To Make Introverts "More Social"
Introverts are an endless topic of discussion among the readers of Internet dictations. "What's going on in their minds?" "Why are they so socially awkward?" "Why should you feel bad for introverts?" "Are introverts quiet geniuses?"
The questions never stop, but in the end there is something you should garner from all these different takes on introverts: they are humans too, not some weird science experiment. Treat them as such, and realize they're simply living out the you do you cliché.
Introverts would just rather keep to ourselves. Being reserved shouldn't be such a big deal, but considering how often this topic is brought up, it must be. If extroverts want all the attention, and introverts are willingly giving it up to them, should the discussion really be up for further discussion? Introverts are fine right where they are: in the background.
Introverts aren't completely against the idea of going out and socializing. That's a common misconception when it comes to introverts. In fact, introverts (obviously) enjoy socializing–it's just they need to choose the time and place meticulously. If they're not in the mood, or ready to be thrust into the middle of a gathering, yes, that's when things get awkward (see above).
Introverts don't mind talking to other human beings. They're not devilish robots that just want to function in their own way. Talking to an introvert just means not bringing up topics like the weather, or "how's work?" or the tastiness of food, etc. Introverts would rather go in depth on something than cringe through endless meaningless topics.
And most of all: some very rosy red cheeks. Being the center of attention is against the introverted mantra, but when it comes about unexpectedly, it can really make an introvert feel uncomfortable. Introverts don't mind being the center of attention (again, they are humans too) when giving a speech or a party being thrown in their favor, but give them plenty of time to charge up those batteries in the brain.
An introvert will never just come right out and say something. They need time to think about it, reconsider it, start to say it, reconsider it and then finally say it. That's not a withholding or secretive mindset; in fact, it's what everybody should truly be doing. Instead of just blabbing something out, people should think about the reaction it could get: good or bad. Well, in the case of good, sometimes introverts miss out on telling a great one-line zinger when adhering to this process.
That seriously shouldn't sound like such a selfish, inhumane thing to do, but somehow that stigma gets attached to introverts that don't say "yes" to every invite they get. When an introvert finds themselves wrapped up in copious amounts of socializing over a period of days, they may literally start to shut down. If you don't want your introverted friends to look like poor Rod Kimble above, you need to let them have their space when they need it.
This could mean working from home. This could mean keeping to themselves in an office environment. Again, it has nothing to do with hating people around them or loathing human interaction in general. It's just that introverts function at their highest when they have plenty of time and space to be alone with their thoughts. This in turn makes for higher productivity and happiness in the workplace.
High-fiving them for doing exactly that: being themselves!