10 Small Things That Bring Introverts Joy

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Situations that are easily navigated by so many are sometimes overwhelming for those who are more introverted in nature. The stereotype is that loud, crowded parties are too overstimulating, which is true, but being introverted goes deeper than discomfort with large crowds.

Social media is peppered with memes and video clips that make humor out of some of the more common experiences of self-proclaimed introverted people. But even with the increase in awareness, introverted people still sometimes struggle to navigate a world made for people who are more extroverted and outgoing socially.

Here are 10 scenarios that bring joy and comfort to many introverts:

1. Automatic doors, or doors that remain propped open. This might seem odd, but those of us who are overwhelmed with minor, ambiguous social interactions will understand. Navigating the door for someone behind you seems pretty routine, but what happens when they are too far away to hold it without looking silly, yet close enough that you feel rude just letting it shut? These are thoughts that plague the minds of many introverted people as they struggle to navigate the world. Having automatic doors eliminates all of this because then we don't have to navigate the internal dialogue: Should I awkwardly slow down my walking so I can hold the door for them? Or should I just stand here an awkwardly long amount of time waiting until they are close enough for me to pass them the door? Or, being the person on the other side, automatic doors allow you to avoid having to do that awkward pretend-run. You know, the one we all do when someone is holding the door for you and you do not want to look inconsiderate, but you're also not about to break out into a full-on sprint. Sometimes it is much easier to just have a door that opens for you so you can avoid this oh-so-uncomfortable door dance.
2. Empty elevators. There is nothing like that reassuring feeling when the cart stops, the doors open, and the small compartment is nice and empty and inviting. No small talk for the immediate future brings a sigh of relief. The 45-second ride can feel like hours with another person inside. Should I comment on the weather? Maybe I could compliment them on their tie? Maybe I'll just pretend to be engrossed in my phone.
3. A whole afternoon and evening with absolutely no plans. While our more outgoing peers might be bored with this idea, introverts are excited at the thought of having no plans, and all evening to do these non-plans. According to recent research that explored this exact thing, "Extroverts have a more active dopamine reward system," making them more able to tolerate social situations that would normally exhaust their introverted counterparts. (Granneman 2020).
4. Zoom meetings instead of in-person. No small talk required with the people around us before the meeting starts? And no obligatory lingering for small talk after it ends? Yes! Introverts are frequently exhausted by small talk. Superficial conversations can feel tedious, trivial, and even tiring. Yet people who are more outgoing socially usually can not relate to this exhaustion. "Most of the time, they just don’t feel the same level of mental and physical fatigue," (Granneman 2020).
5. Rainy days. There is something so calming about having an excuse to stay inside and engage in solo activities without feeling guilty.
6. When salespeople let you browse without talking to you or trying to sell you something. It is just so overstimulating and distracting. When you know, you know.
7. When someone texts instead of calls. Better yet, if a call is needed, it is precipitated by a text that explains why the call is needed. Instead of just "Call me when you can," which sends a jolt of anxiety through many people, a text explaining what the call is about helps decrease the inevitable overthinking that happens prior to getting on the phone. Many introverts dread the "What are you up to on Saturday?" texts for this reason. Why? Are you getting married? Do you need me to help you move? I need details!
8. Dinners at a restaurant instead of someone's house. When meeting at a neutral location, it's easier to know when the activity is over, and therefore less awkward to leave. At someone's house, there is that obligation to linger and talk after dinner that many introverts dread.
9. Sneezing alone, or without anyone saying "bless you." Is it just me, or is this very arbitrary? Why not when I cough? Or burp? All joking aside, I know the reason behind it, but still, I find it bizarre and invasive that someone is listening and responding to my bodily functions, and then I am obligated to respond with a thank you. Perhaps it is the obligatory element that feels odd to so many of us who are inside our own heads.
10. When an event or another plan is canceled. Ahh... that feeling of relief when you see the words, "We are sorry to inform you that unfortunately tonight's event is canceled.

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