The Secret Lives of Introverts

Maybe your secret is you feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by other people. Perhaps you’re doing certain things and acting a certain way only because you think you’re supposed to. Maybe your heart longs for just one person to see the real you—and to know what’s really going on inside your head.

The truth was I had no idea how to translate my inner experience into words.

If you’re in a group, there are even more people to pay attention to.

You like to people watch. Actually, you just like to observe in general, whether it’s people, nature, etc. Introverts are natural observers. They can often be found hanging out along the edges of a party or event, just watching, rather than in the thick of things.

You notice details that others miss. It’s true that introverts (especially highly sensitive introverts)

introverts tend to avoid small talk. We’d rather talk about something meaningful than fill the air with chatter just to hear ourselves make noise. We find small talk inauthentic, and, frankly, many of us feel awkward doing it.

You’re better at writing your thoughts than speaking them.

all about how much something matters to you; you’ll risk overstimulation when you think speaking up will truly make a difference.

you crave intimate moments and deep connections—and those usually aren’t found in a crowd.

Thoughts from your past haunt you. “I can’t believe I said that stupid thing … five years ago!”