How To Rock The Holidays With An Introvert
You have an introverted friend, but you don't really know how to 'have fun' with him/her. Here are tips to kickstart the best holiday yet, together.
By Judith Yeoh — 07 Aug 2013, 06:27 PM — Updated over 10 years ago
First thing's first: what's an introvert? Are you one?
Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has little to do with being an introvert! Shyness has an element of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety, and while an introvert may also be shy, introversion itself is not shyness.
"Introverts may prefer one-on-one interaction ... we might enjoy large parties but want to sit and watch the action from the sidelines. Extroverts may interpret this as not wanting to have fun, but this observation is fun for an introvert."
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down.
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The big question: "What to do?" Give them time and space to think this through with you
Go somewhere nearby, familiar, and not too noisy for a 'yam cha'
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down.
Check out a new restaurant/cafe together and rate the food and ambience at the end of your meal
Check out a new restaurant together and rate the food and ambience of the restaurant at the end of your meal. Introverts enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings. This would be a great way to enjoy the new place fully, engage in conversation about the place, and decide on whether you'll go back again.
Go to the mall in the morning. No human traffic jam. Tonnes of parking space. Enjoy x 10!
Go to the mall in the morning. No human traffic jam. Tonnes of parking space. You'll love it too.
Pace your activities. Drop them home for a few hours to unwind before your next agenda
For an introvert, too much external stimulation can quickly become overwhelming and the introvert will seek out some quiet time. Pace your activities so you don't do too much at one time.
Go for a movie after dinner. Tip: NOT an action movie. Try comedy
Go for a movie after dinner. Tip: NOT an action movie. Try comedy. An action movie might quickly drain the person's energy.
Or, tapau some food and watch a series at home with close friends
Quality time with friends!
What do they love doing? Ask them to give you a one-day crash course!
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.
Go on a road trip to a small town that is not 'touristy' to avoid the holiday crowd
Go on a road trip to a small town that is not 'touristy' to avoid the holiday crowd. Do some research on the best times to go if this is a 'makan' trip.
Or maybe they just want to chill at home. That's fine too.
When introverts want to be alone, it is not, by itself, a sign of depression. It means that they either need to regain their energy from being around people or that they simply want the time to be with their own thoughts.