7 subtle things about life only true introverts will understand, says psychology

For the longest time, I felt like I didn’t quite fit in—like I was living in a world designed for someone else.

If you’re an introvert, you’ll know what I mean.

It’s that sense of being more at home in your own head than in a crowded room.

Preferring quiet solitude over noisy gatherings.

Feeling drained after too much small talk and constantly being labeled as “shy” or “antisocial” when that’s not really it at all.

I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a psychology enthusiast, and this has been my reality for as long as I can remember.

It wasn’t until my early 20s that I started to piece it all together.

I wasn’t broken or out of place—I was just wired differently.

The more I learned about introversion, the more I saw the beauty in it.

Through this journey, I’ve come to recognize seven subtle truths about life that only introverts truly understand.

1) Solitude isn’t loneliness

The first subtle thing about life that true introverts will understand is the difference between solitude and loneliness.

To most people, being alone equates to loneliness.

But for introverts like me, solitude is far from being lonely – it’s blissful.

Solitude is where we recharge, where we find peace, and where we enjoy our own company.

It’s a haven, not a prison.

But it took me a while to understand this difference.

Living in a world that often equates being alone with being lonely, I initially felt something was wrong with me for enjoying my own company.

But then psychology taught me that it’s perfectly normal, even healthy, to enjoy solitude.

It’s not a sign of being antisocial or shy, it’s simply how introverts recharge and connect with themselves on a deeper level.

If you’re an introvert who enjoys solitude, remember that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you.

Embrace your love for quiet moments and let them recharge you from within.

And if your mind ever tries to convince you that you’re lonely when you’re simply enjoying being alone, remind it of this subtle difference that only true introverts understand.

2) Listening over talking

Another thing that only true introverts will understand is the preference for listening over talking.

I remember attending a social gathering a few years ago.

While most people were engrossed in their own conversations, talking over each other, I found myself silently observing, quietly processing everyone’s words and actions.

At the time, I felt out of place, like I was doing something wrong because I wasn’t actively engaging in the chatter.

But as I delved deeper into psychology, I realized that my tendency to listen more than I speak wasn’t a flaw – it was a strength.

The famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.”

This is especially true for introverts.

We may not be the loudest in the room, but our ability to listen deeply, and absorb and process information is our unique strength.

If you’re an introvert who tends to listen more than you speak, remember that your quiet observation is not a weakness.

It’s a testament to your depth and thoughtfulness – qualities that are invaluable in this noisy world.

Research compiled by the Global Listening Centre indicates that introverts often need time away from people to process information they listen to, highlighting their deep processing abilities.

3) The need for meaningful connections

One thing I’ve always craved, even as a child, was deep, meaningful connections.

Surface-level conversations and small talk never interested me.

I was always longing for more profound, soul-stirring discussions.

I remember one evening when I met a group of friends at a bar.

While everyone seemed to enjoy the light chatter and playful banter, I found myself feeling incredibly disconnected.

It wasn’t that I didn’t like my friends or that I wasn’t having fun, but something was missing.

It was only when I discovered the world of psychology that I realized what it was.

As an introvert, I value quality over quantity in my relationships.

I thrive when I can connect with someone on a deeper level, discussing ideas, dreams, fears, and aspirations.

So if you’re an introvert who finds small talk tedious and craves deeper connections, know that you’re not alone.

This need for meaningful relationships is part of what makes us who we are.

It’s what makes our connections so special and valuable.

Don’t shy away from seeking these deeper bonds – they’re a crucial part of our introverted nature.

4) Sensitivity to stimuli

I’ve always been sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, and crowded spaces.

I remember going to a music festival once and while everyone around me seemed to be having the time of their lives, I felt overwhelmed and drained.

At first, I thought there was something wrong with me.

Why did I respond so differently to these situations compared to my extroverted friends?

Then I came across a study conducted by Dr. Elaine Aron, a researcher and psychologist who has extensively studied high sensitivity, also known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS).

In her study, published in the journal “Brain and Behavior,” she found that people who are highly sensitive tend to process information more deeply, leading them to be more affected by their surroundings.

This made perfect sense!

As an introvert, I was not only noticing more details in my environment but also processing them more deeply – which could easily lead to feeling overwhelmed.

So if you’re an introvert who feels more sensitive to your surroundings, know that it’s not a flaw or something you need to ‘fix’.

It’s simply a part of who you are and how you interact with the world.

It’s what makes you observant and thoughtful – traits that are truly invaluable.

5) Recharging in solitude

There’s nothing more refreshing to me than spending time alone after a long day of social interactions.

It’s like my personal sanctuary, a peaceful retreat where I can gather my thoughts and regain my energy.

I remember once after a full day of back-to-back meetings, I was mentally and emotionally drained.

While my colleagues decided to unwind at a nearby pub, I chose to head home, curl up with a good book, and spend the rest of the evening in solitude.

At that time, I didn’t fully understand why I felt this intense need for solitude until I delved into psychology and learned about introversion.

It turns out, that unlike extroverts who gain energy from social interactions, introverts recharge their batteries by spending time alone.

This is not because we dislike people or find them boring, but simply because our brains respond differently to social stimulation.

6) Quality over quantity

In my social circle, I noticed that I always had fewer friends than most of my peers.

But the friends I did have, I was incredibly close to.

I remember feeling a bit insecure about this during my high school years.

It seemed like everyone around me had a large group of friends while I had a tight-knit circle of just a few.

But then I stumbled upon a quote by Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung, who is often regarded as the pioneering figure in understanding introversion: “The introverted person is satisfied with few, long-lasting friendships.”

This made me realize that it’s not about the number of friends you have, but the depth and quality of those relationships.

As an introvert, I prefer to invest my time and energy in a few close relationships rather than spreading myself thin across many.

A study published in the Journal of Mental Health and Social Behaviour found that introverted individuals tend to have fewer social contacts due to the energy required for social interactions, impacting the development and maintenance of friendships.

However, these friendships often involve greater intimacy and interdependence, leading to stronger, more meaningful connections.

7) Enjoying social events in our own way

Contrary to popular belief, introverts do enjoy social events.

But we experience them differently than extroverts do.

Take me for example.

I enjoy going to parties or gatherings, but while others may thrive on the buzz of the crowd, I often find myself drawn to one-on-one conversations in quieter corners.

There’s a common misconception that introverts are antisocial or don’t enjoy socializing.

But that’s not true.

We simply prefer smaller, more intimate settings where we can have deeper, more meaningful conversations.

So here’s a practical tip for fellow introverts: the next time you’re at a social event and you start feeling overwhelmed by the crowd, find a quieter corner or engage in a one-on-one conversation.

This doesn’t mean you’re antisocial or not enjoying the event.

It just means you’re experiencing it in your own way – and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Conclusion

There’s a lot of misunderstanding around introversion.

But remember, being an introvert isn’t a weakness – it’s simply a different way of experiencing the world.

So here’s my advice: Embrace your introverted nature.

Don’t shy away from your need for solitude, your preference for deep connections, or your sensitivity to your surroundings.

The next time you find yourself feeling out of place in an extroverted world, remember these 7 subtle things about life that only true introverts will understand.

And most importantly, be kind to yourself.

You’re not odd or antisocial – you’re just different.

And that’s something truly worth celebrating.