I am an introvert. I love spending time with my friends and family, meeting new people, and exploring new places; but when I need to recharge, my introverted preferences are powerful. I need my space. I want my warm mug of coffee, my coziest blanket, and the latest page-turner. Cue the “Do Not Disturb” mode on my iPhone. It’s truly amazing how a couple of hours to myself can make me feel like a new person.
When I was younger, I was a little embarrassed by my introversion and would sometimes ignore these tendencies. Thankfully I grew more comfortable with myself and gave in to temptation, and I’ve never looked back. Maybe it took having children, but I have a finite amount of time to recharge, so why deny myself these moments? Plus, being an introvert (or having an introverted loved one in your life) has its benefits. Now it has become a joke amongst my closest friends how much I need my own space to feel my best.
Knowing this about me, my very extroverted friend recently asked me what I do to recharge when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Her introverted husband needed to unwind, and she wanted to brainstorm ways to create a relaxing and fun weekend for him. In case you find yourself in a similar boat, or if you just want to find another way to celebrate your inner introvert, here are some ideas to get you started!
Ways to Connect With Your Introvert
1. Quality Conversation
Introverts can enjoy conversation just as much as our extroverted counterparts. We just might prefer deeper conversations over small talk. If we love you, we want to talk about your hopes and dreams, your family, and your bucket list travel destinations; but we can also keep it light by talking about things we have in common. Did you just finish a great read that I need to get my hands on quickly? Do you have strong feelings about the fight between Meredith and Lisa on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City? Did your aunt visit a psychic who accurately predicted her future? (I’ve never experienced this, but I’m a sucker for these stories.)
There’s nothing better than leaving a conversation feeling like you have a deeper understanding of each other.
2. Quality Time
Depending on your person, find a way to connect with them one-on-one by doing something they love and see where the conversation goes. Is your introvert outdoorsy? Walk the trails or rent a paddleboat at one of our county parks. A foody? Swing by one of our local Farmers’ Markets and challenge yourselves to whip up a meal using only the ingredients you found there. Would you consider them creative? Ask them to teach you a thing or two about their craft and try to do a simple project together.
Whatever you do together, try to think of a hobby or activity that they already thoroughly enjoy and join them there. Don’t get me wrong. Introverts enjoy new things, too; but sometimes we’re more likely to open up and enjoy ourselves when we’re in familiar territory.
3. Small Gatherings
Did I mention we still enjoy a good party? We aren’t antisocial. We just might prefer small groups over large ones. In the spirit of quality conversation, smaller groups of people give us better odds of having meaningful conversations. Invite our favorite people to a relaxing dinner sans children (or at least a kid-friendly restaurant where we won’t stress about silverware clattering on the ground), or host a girls’ night with a common theme to spark conversation — like a book club, cookbook club, or Favorite Things Party.
4. Solo Adventures
Whether you’re the introvert or showing your love for one, allow space for solo adventures. After all, introverts need time alone to regain their energy. Whether this is a yoga class, a long bike ride, or a simple solo trip to the library, the space to explore on your own can be very soothing.
5. Homebody Time
Do you really want to spoil your introvert without spending a fortune? Leave them home alone for a couple of hours. Pack the kids up and head to the playground while your introvert hangs out at home without any to-do lists and has the freedom to do something they enjoy. (Actually, as I type this, I think this might be on any parents’ wish list — introverted or extroverted.)
6. Hobbies
Most introverts love a hobby! (If they haven’t found one, consider it your job to encourage them as they explore new interests at their own pace.) Whether they enjoy writing, gardening, or baking, many introverts will feel restored when they have time to focus on and hone a passion project. Enjoy the fruits of their labor and show a genuine interest in their skills by trying that new muffin recipe and appreciating the fresh floral arrangement on your table.
