10 Things That Introverts Say, And What They Really Mean
Interpreting introverts can be difficult for those that aren't introverts themselves. Here is a handy guide to help you understand what an introvert really means when they say these ten things.
10 Things Introverts Say, and What They Really Mean
Introverts are a special breed. They crave alone time, and avoid many social situations. Being around people drains them, so, often when bowing out of social situations, they have to give excuses why they can't make it. It's not that they are assholes, although extroverts may interpret them as such, they simply would rather be at home than out and talking to strangers. Or people they know. Or anyone.
Sometimes it can be difficult to interpret what an introvert is saying, so here are some explanations for you. Hopefully, armed with this knowledge, you will simply move on, and not pressure them into any sort of further interaction.
1. "No, I've got some things to do at home."
What they really mean is:
It's important and urgent that I put on sweatpants the second I walk in the door, and stay that way for the rest of the night. My couch is lonely and misses me, and needs for me to snuggle it while I find out what happens in Chapter 14 of the book I'm reading.
2. "Oh no! I can't go that night!"
What they really mean is:
I just looked at my calendar and saw that I have things to do on both the night before and the night after, and I had a small panic attack from the idea of having to socialize three nights in a row. If I go, I know I will be miserable and regret it, so it's easier to just go ahead and decline now.
3. "Oh, you want to hang out again?"
What they really mean is:
What the hell is wrong with you? Are you some kind of psychopath? We just hung out a few nights ago! I know I'm amazing, but don't be a stage 5 clinger. It's not attractive. In fact, you are smothering me so much that I think I'm going to have to ghost you out of my life.
4. "Oh, the party was good? Awesome! I can't believe I missed it!"
What they really mean is:
Good for you! I'm so glad didn't go. I bet it was loud and crowded and the beer was shit. And I'm sure Lindsey got wasted and told the story of how she went skydiving topless. I would go skydiving without a parachute just to avoid having to hear that story yet again.
5. "Yea, I was starving so I just grabbed some sushi on my way home."
What they really mean is:
Actually, I had been planning all day to go to dinner alone after work, and it was glorious. I enjoyed every single bite of my spicy tuna roll and never once had to act interested in what anyone else was saying. In fact, I think I'll do it again tomorrow night. I may even dress up for it, because I'm getting really excited about it.
6. "I'm sorry, I really have to send this email real quick."
What they really mean is:
I don't really know you, so I'm pretending to do something important on my phone, and I'm going to continue to do so until you start doing things on your phone, because then we can sit here in silence and not talk, like the god of social solitude intended us to. And then maybe you'll have forgotten about this story you've been telling for 15 minutes that I have absolutely no interest in.
7. "I don't feel very well."
What they really mean is:
You are asking too many questions, and I've suddenly realized that not only am I grimacing in pain from this hell-hole torture of incessant question asking and you've noticed it, but feigning sickness is the only thing that is going to get me out of here.
8. "I don't really have a best friend. I have lots of friends."
What they really mean is:
Books and Netflix are my best friends, and you're an asshole for putting me on the spot like that.
9. "Just text me."
What they really mean is:
No, really, I mean it. Please, for the love of oak trees, don't call me. Just text me. If you call me, that means I have to answer and actually speak to you, and I can't interact with you on my own terms like texting allows me to.
10. "No, you don't need to come by."
What they really mean is:
No, really, you don't. Like, ever. In fact, I'll come to you for anything and everything, because I don't want you to know where I live in case you decide one day to just "stop by" my haven of solitude and ruin my very busy evening of reading and Netflix.
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