r/introverts

▲ 15 r/introverts+1 crossposts

Why do people find it necessary to engage in small talk with strangers?

I had to go to a place where I had to wait in a waiting room. I am just sitting there... Minding my own business... There were times I would look at my phone, or times where I would just be sitting there. In silence. All of the sudden, this person just started talking to me. At first I ignored it, because I so rarely leave my house, I am not used to people just talking to me. Once I realized they were talking to me, I guess I looked at this person with such a confused 'Why the hell are you talking to me' look. Not wanting to be rude and tell them to leave me alone, I got up and walked away and sat somewhere else. I did not say a word to this person. I was not rude or anything. I found a seat that was near nobody, and if looks could kill, I would not be here to make this post. How do others handle this situation? I personally don't care what they thought of me when I moved, so I am in no way looking for advice. I am just curious what others do...

**EDITING FOR CLARITY**
Guy starts talking to me
Initially ignored him because I am not used to people randomly talking to me
I look at him with a confused look
I then get up and move to another seat
HE gave ME the 'if looks could kill' look, as I said above ,"I would not be here to make this post". He stared me down after I got up and walked away.

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u/Th3Be4rd — 5 days ago

Most people who say they're introverted are actually just socially uncomfortable

I think a lot of people use introversion as an excuse for having poor social skills. There's a difference between genuinely preferring solitude and avoiding social situations because you're afraid of rejection, awkward conversations, or being judged. If you want friends, relationships, and a social life but constantly avoid opportunities to interact with people, that's not necessarily introversion. You might just lack the confidence or social skills to make those interactions comfortable. Calling yourself an introvert is easier than acknowledging something you need to work on.

The problem is that introversion has become almost interchangeable with being socially anxious, awkward, or antisocial, even though they're completely different things. Actual introverts can be confident, charismatic, and socially capable while still preferring time alone. If you constantly complain about having no friends but refuse to initiate conversations, meet new people, or put yourself in uncomfortable situations, your personality type might not be the problem. I think a surprising number of self-proclaimed introverts would discover they're actually quite social if they developed their confidence instead of treating their discomfort as a permanent personality trait

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u/Shadowerim — 7 days ago

Introvert thought #1

Introvert life hack: Anyone else feel like their ideal weekend is just... nothing? No plans, no texts to answer, no one asking where you are. Just snacks, a show, and the sweet sound of silence.

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u/Npc_living_reality — 7 days ago