As introverts we typically lose energy by being around lots of people for long periods of time. Whereas extroverts are typically energised by being around people. Introverts tend to draw energy from going inwards and being on our own whereas as extroverts tend to draw energy from things that are external to their mind.
But simply put, introverts just aren't as interested in pursuing the things that extroverts chase. Having a less active dopamine reward system also means that introverts may find certain levels of stimulation — like noise and activity — to be punishing and tiring.
Social exhaustion can also be called introvert burnout or introvert hangover. Although it's not a medical diagnosis, it is a valid experience that introverts and extroverts can face. It can be an emotional and physical response to social overstimulation that leaves you feeling drained and exhausted.
It makes sense that both introverts and extroverts would feel tired after socializing, because socializing expends energy. You have to talk, listen, and process what's being said, among other things.
Give yourself permission to be your authentic self
The reality is, the most draining thing you can do is not give yourself permission to just be you. The key ingredient for introverts to not feel drained in social situations is therefore, authenticity. If you're feeling tired, that's okay! Own your tiredness.
Introverts struggle with the fast pace of many organizations and offices without walls can be rough for introverts who prefer to go inward to do their best thinking. If you're an introvert, you struggle with finding quiet time to gather your thoughts, particularly at brainstorming meetings.
Introverts tend to draw energy from going inwards and being on our own whereas as extroverts tend to draw energy from things that are external to their mind. That is why overly stimulating environments can be energy draining for introverts, leaving us feeling tired, lacking in energy and even stressed.
Someone who is introverted is not fearful of being around people, spending too long around people may be draining for them. Because someone is introverted it doesn't automatically mean that they lack confidence, they lack self-belief, or that they are shy.
Friendships. It can be difficult for introverts to make new friends because getting to know someone takes so much energy. However, introverts don't need a wide circle of friends. They prefer one or two close friends, even though they may know many people and have many acquaintances.
To most people, loneliness is not a word that meshes with introversion. Everyone knows that introverts value their alone time almost more than anything else. As Susan Cain wrote in Quiet, “Solitude matters, and for some people, it's the air they breathe.”
However, your answer to that question doesn't determine the end-all be-all of emotional intelligence, and your answer may not be one or the other. Extroverted introverts and introverted extroverts exist, and there are certainly introverts who have developed high emotional intelligence.
While introverts are generally likely to report lower levels of happiness than extroverts, this does not mean that introverts are unhappy. Ultimately, it's important to note the happiness benefits of both introverted and extroverted behavior, no matter where you fall on the spectrum.
Introverts can be perfectly happy alone, or terribly lonely in a crowd. But if introverts are at any particular risk for loneliness, it could be because we set a high bar for friendship. We desire and require deep connections and would rather be lonely alone than in a crowd.
Introverts tend to prefer alone time and are often drained by too much social interaction, according to this definition provided by Healthline. They are likely to have a close and small circle of friends and usually need to recharge after spending time in social situations.
It might be that they find socializing tiring, stressful, or overstimulating. As a small social battery drains quickly, these people need to recharge more often. A larger or longer lasting social battery suggests that a person has lots of energy for socializing.
An introvert hangover includes social fatigue, mental and physical exhaustion, and burnout felt by introverts after they have spent too much time socializing with others. This feeling occurs because introverts are drained by interactions with others and need time alone to recharge.
Studies have found that introverts get more easily distracted than their extroverted counterparts. Because of this, they might be annoyed when someone steps into their office for a quick chat. They also get annoyed by interruptions when they speak. Extroverts are often guilty of interrupting others while talking.
As an introvert, you fall closer to one end, but that doesn't mean you avoid people entirely. Most introverts enjoy spending time with friends, particularly those friends who understand their boundaries in social interactions and need for alone time.
Independence. Unique and fiercely independent, introverts are more inclined to let their own inner resources guide them than follow the crowd. We do our best work — and are our happiest — when we have the freedom to explore ideas, spend time alone, and be self-directed and independent.
One of the most prevalent myths out there about introverts is that they are shy, insecure, and have low self-esteem. It's an unfair assumption based on our outward mannerisms, personality, and our desire to be in smaller groups or alone. But the reality is that introverts can be shy, just as extroverts can be shy.
Being an introvert is often considered weak. They aren't quite as good as the extroverts, who just seem to breeze through life. But that's not true, there is nothing wrong with being an introvert. The main problem is with society, which doesn't see it in the same way.
Introverts Don't Have Low Self Esteem
Another common misconception about introverts is that they are quiet and reserved because they have low self-esteem or lack self-confidence.
Overall findings show introverts are more vulnerable than extraverts to depression and decreased mental well-being. Introverts are more likely to be compliant and have lower self-esteem than extraverts, and also have less social support than extraverts, which can be detrimental when experiencing depression.
This type of personality thrives in small groups, and prefers solitude to partying with strangers. Introverts work best in quiet environments, and feel deep satisfaction when they can focus deeply on activities that interest them. They hate to be the center of attention, and would rather work alone than in a team.
This means that introverts may process more information per second than extroverts, which helps explain why introverts are prone to overthinking.