5 Tips For An Introvert Dating An Extrovert
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At first glance, introverts and extroverts couldn’t seem more mismatched — while one thrives off of social interactions, lively discussions, and packed schedules, the other craves alone time, peace and quiet, and only has so much energy to offer during social engagements. And yet, they don’t say that opposites attract for no reason.
One of the most beautiful, unique, long-lasting connections around are those between introverts and extroverts; but being that they’re so different, each introverted/extroverted couple has to come to understand one another’s needs, learn to offer each other love, and be compassionate, despite their differences.
However, it can’t always be on the extrovert to make these efforts. So here are a few tips for the introvert that’s fallen for an extrovert.
01 | Be direct about your needs.
One of our biggest mistakes as introverts? Expecting our extrovert to read our mind and just understand that we need alone time. While you should expect to be given your solitary time when you need it, it’ll be helpful to your extrovert to explain why you want to be alone, how your social battery works, what drains you, and that being by yourself is as natural and needed for you as being around friends is for them.
02 | Invite them into your world more often.
We’ve established that introverts enjoy living in their own world, off on their own. And there are certainly times when this is necessary for them. But every once in a while, invite your extrovert to be part of your world.
When you’d normally want to watch a TV show alone, let them know they can join you; when you might’ve gone out to a bookstore on your own, ask if they want to come with you. It’ll be meaningful for your extrovert to feel like they have special access to you and your world.
03 | Treat their needs with the same importance as your own.
You might always prefer to stay in, make dinner at home, and be alone with a book in bed by eight. But your extrovert will be itching to get out and try something new, bring you along to meet up with their friends, or stay out a little later on Friday.
As much as time to recharge is necessary for an introvert to stay healthy, we have to learn how to compromise and see our extrovert’s needs as just as important as our own. Let your extrovert take the lead every other date night and take you on a fun excursion — and find the excitement in it!
04 | They’ll appreciate it when you initiate.
Extroverts will naturally be the initiator when it comes to planning a special day out, figuring out new adventures, and reaching out over text. But that doesn’t mean initiating shouldn’t ever fall on our shoulders.
Every now and then, take the time to plan a unique date your extrovert will love — whether that’s going to see a new movie they’ve mentioned a few times, visiting a museum, or getting breakfast for dinner — and be the first one to text often enough.
05 | Parties aren’t the worst thing in the world.
Every introvert becomes exhausted simply by someone uttering the word party. The thought of hours of small talk with people we barely know, petting the cat, and checking the time to see if it’s appropriate to leave yet sounds tedious to many.
But if we’re honest, there are far worse things than going to parties sometimes, especially if it’s something our extrovert loves. Spending a few hours socializing and sticking around when we’d rather be curled up at home is part of the deal when we’re in a relationship with an extrovert. So instead of dreading the next party you and your extrovert go to, choose to find the fun in it for them!