What You Need to Know and to Do When Dating an Introvert

Dating someone introverted is as challenging as dating someone else.

But first, it’s important to know what’s introversion and what isn’t.

Introverted people are:

• They prefer solitude
• They are observers
• They lean towards being independent
• They have a small but solid group of friends

Introverted people are NOT necessarily:

• Antisocial
• Shy
• Angry
• Depressed
• Loners
• Indifferent
• Broken
• Weird
• Boring
• Rude

In the early stages of courtship, it’s almost impossible to tell right away if you’re dating someone introverted because people tend to put their best foot forward.

Here are some pieces of advice when dating an introverted person:

Acceptance Is Key

Do they only share a few things about themselves? Do they sometimes prefer staying in than going out to parties?

Accepting their preferences is one of the keys to success when dating an introverted person. Don’t pressure them by forcing them out of their comfort zones or judging them when they don’t feel like doing anything at all.

Instead, support them if they try to hang out with your friends for an hour or go to a busy restaurant with you.

Accept that every relationship has a learning curve. Take it slow and reflect on how you can see the brighter side of their introverted quirks, like staying in on a Saturday night to watch your favorite movies together.

Ask Easy and Specific Questions

Sometimes, introverted people find answering questions that require a lot of thought too stimulating. So, keep the conversation light but engaging and ask questions they can relate to.

For instance, if they post a photo of their pet on social media, you can ask, “What’s your pet’s weird habits?” Or if they’re working as a teacher, try, “Were your students up to no good again today?”

Always Compromise When Planning Dates

It’s not that tough planning a date with an introverted person if you meet them halfway.

Ask them where they want to go this weekend. If they want to go somewhere relaxing and quiet, suggest visiting an art museum or a botanical garden. The point is you plan dates wherein you both would enjoy.

Respect Each Other’s Social Spheres

It’s okay if you won’t be able to spend some weekends together with your date — you have separate lives!

Respect their decision if they want to have sleepovers with their friends. Besides, you can always go out with your buddies and attend a concert while they stay home and read a book. It all boils down to respect and mutual understanding.

Spend Some Time Apart

Alone time is necessary. Don’t take it personally, though, because the reason is not always about you.

Typically, introverted people find solitude as a way to recharge themselves. Once they’re re-energized, they’ll likely be receptive to spending time with you again. And you can always ask them out on a date by then.

Emphasize Their Strengths

If you aren’t introverted, only focusing on your differences can be overwhelming. Instead, try to see what they can do better than you as something worth praising, like, “I admire how you find bliss in solitude and not feel lonely.”

Letting them know that you appreciate their introverted side means that you accept them for who they are and value them as a person. As a result, they may feel comfortable and ready to open up more about themselves.

Dating introverted people may not be easy. But as long as you both work it out and respect each other, you can create a meaningful and fulfilling relationship together.