Social interaction can fuel some people, especially extroverts. To introverts, the same level of social interaction can be draining instead. While introverts can appreciate socializing, they invest a lot of energy trying to navigate socially demanding environments, leading to social exhaustion.
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.
Being Around Lots of People Drains Your Energy
Many introverts actually enjoy spending time around others, but they tend to prefer the company of close friends. While an extrovert might go to a party with the goal to meet new people, an introvert intends to spend time talking to good friends.
Researchers found that after three hours after socializing, participants reported higher levels of fatigue. Surprisingly, these effects were found to be true for both introverts and extroverts.
Our specific needs for connection can seem excessive, and may result in feeling disconnected from those around us. In other words, loneliness is a sad, painful state, but healthy solitude recharges an introvert. Nevertheless, introverts can still get lonely, even though they enjoy spending time alone.
Introverts are looked down upon for lack of good 'communication skills'. Right from an early age, introverts have to compete very hard with peers, who seem to have no problem in public or interpersonal speaking. What seems to be effortless for peers is actually the most difficult task for an introverted child.
For an introvert, maintaining a friendship is like exercising. It never quite loses that feeling of “work,” but as long as one doesn't put it off too long, it doesn't have to be a chore, either. And just like a good exercise regimen, maintaining a friendship doesn't have to consume your life.
Introverts in distress won't always choose solitude, but if their emotional discomfort is caused by anger, they may seek to isolate themselves from everyone else in the house or building. Angry Introverts are in a sensitive state, and they can easily become overstimulated by too much social contact.
Signs that you may be experiencing introvert burnout include physical exhaustion, irritability, anxiety, and loss of expressiveness; however, you could experience a range of other symptoms to varying degrees.
According to research, introverts also have more brain activity than most individuals because of their inward personalities. Their quietness helps them balance out the level of stimulation their brains experience, and is the reason why most introvert traits like keen observation needs silence to function.
Introverts are loyal and devoted friends.
People are attracted to loyal and devoted people. While introverts may not always realize it, this is a trait most people find attractive in them. Their loyalty isn't just attractive to the recipients of that devotion, but to anyone who observes them.
Casual sex is sometimes a no-go.
In other words, according to Dembling, introverts “like to jump into the deep end.” Rather than devoting their time and social energy to someone they're never going to see again, introverts commonly favor being around those they've cultivated an intimate, personal relationship with.
One of the main reasons that introverts have a hard time making friends is that they are often seen as shy. People may not approach them because they seem uninterested or aloof. Introverts themselves may feel uncomfortable approaching a random stranger. They may feel awkward or out of place in large groups.
Socialising can become draining
An introvert will reach their limits before an extrovert. "Overdoing it" socially can cause emotional fatigue, which makes it hard to hold a conversation for too long and can potentially lead to irritability. "They might look less tolerant and responsive.
Introverts rely on alone time to recharge their social batteries, self-reflect, and process the experiences they have with others. Without proper amounts of alone time, introverts can begin to experience irritability, fatigue, poor sleep, and trouble concentrating.
Introverts who are overstimulated might behave in ways that extroverts don't understand — for example, we may shut down and appear rude (but not on purpose!) — and that's when communication is critical. Explain you're feeling overstimulated, and then express what you need to feel better.
Individuals with an introverted personality type are also often known to be perfectionists and very self-critical. Such characteristics can leave individuals feeling unsatisfied with themselves and with their lives. It can also lead to stress, mental and physical exhaustion, as well as mental health issues.
The brains of introverts look and react differently than the brains of extroverts. The key differences: The prefrontal cortex. Introverts have a thicker prefrontal cortex than extroverts, which means they have more tissue in the area of the brain associated with deep thought and decision-making.
Time alone, time to prepare for social situations, and following a plan are all ways an introvert deals with stress. In contrast, extroverts may find too much alone time stressful because they can't talk through their thoughts and feelings, which is how they process and manage stress.
Introverts get annoyed by small talk. Since conversations require energy, they often prefer conversations that allow them to go deeper in their relationships with other people. Small talk and vapid conversations about the weather and current events can seem tedious, draining, and even annoying.
Perhaps the toughest part of being an introvert is not so much talking about yourself, but rather wishing you were better at talking about yourself.
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.
For introverts, being alone is like food, sleep, or any other type of replenishment — you can't go too long without it. There's no doubt about it: Introverts love alone time. And it's not just about relishing an evening alone — introverts need regular solitude to function.
Seek out comfortable people and comfortable places
Introverts prefer to stay in their comfort zones, Dr. Helgoe said, and they also like spending time with “comfortable people,” meaning friends who don't feel compelled to talk the entire time you are together (or expect you to).
People who are natural introverts often feel pressure to change. They worry that they are not outgoing enough, and so sometimes they push themselves to socialize in ways that cause them more stress than enjoyment.