Things That Freak Introverts Out

Asa

Asa

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As an introvert, what kinds of things freak you out? Especially about interacting with other people. :)


I will go first:
- Unexpected phone calls. Yikes!
- Unexpected phone calls where the caller wants semi-private background information about you. No!
 
Asa said:
As an introvert, what kinds of things freak you out? Especially about interacting with other people. :)


I will go first:
- Unexpected phone calls. Yikes!
- Unexpected phone calls where the caller wants semi-private background information about you. No!
Click to expand...

I'd agree with both those @Asa and include unexpected visits/callers. I'm not great with public events/speaking though I'm ok about being in a large crowd, I used to regularly go to football games. I just enjoy my privacy and quiet generally. I'm ok with interacting with people when there is a reason to do so, and I think I worked hard to build up social skills. I don't enjoy idle chit chat with strangers or people I don't know well.

Strangely I think some introverts have better social skills than extroverts, as they have had to work on them, and usually don't have to 'broadcast or dominate' socially the way some extroverts do. I don't say that to be a critic of extroverts, well adjusted extroverts are great, and can be naturally hugely entertaining company.

Ultimately though, I'm an introvert and find socializing tiring, though I push myself into 'extrovert' zones occasionally as I think it's good for me. By nature I prefer to be at home with a book, or with close family. Then I can fully relax, unleash my inner geek (and smelly feet) and just be me.
 
Asa said:
As an introvert, what kinds of things freak you out? Especially about interacting with other people. :)


I will go first:
- Unexpected phone calls. Yikes!
- Unexpected phone calls where the caller wants semi-private background information about you. No!
Click to expand...

I agree with these too.

And bumping into someone who kept trying to ask questions just to try and have a conversation with me..

Unexpected setting up with people.
 
Anything that involves me being the centre of attention...so birthdays are kept low key for this reason. My worst nightmare would be a room filled with people singing, "happy birthday" followed by a present opening ceremony in front of everyone.

Networking - Urghhhhh.....or as I call it - "inauthentic befriending."

I used to hate working in an open plan office AND people listening into my phone conversations (AND then having the nerve to ask questions at the end of the call). Rude!

Often being confused for an extrovert and asking me to take the lead on things. Sometimes, I don't mind but otherwise it's annoying having to say no and watching their confused looking face staring back at me.

Being in a group meeting and unexpectedly being thanked for something I've done (and they go and on about it) and suddenly all eyes are on me. I am getting better at this!

Saying no to some social events because I need time to myself and people wondering and checking if there's something wrong with me.

If I think of anything else, I will post. :m024:
 
Asa said:
As an introvert, what kinds of things freak you out? Especially about interacting with other people. :)


I will go first:
- Unexpected phone calls. Yikes!
- Unexpected phone calls where the caller wants semi-private background information about you. No!
Click to expand...


Yeah, I really hate getting unexpected calls. And that's become a huge part of my job because people won't use the ticket system in place.

I got into IT so I could be a social pariah. Why can't people respect that?
 
Relevant...

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I'm dying laughing at @hush 's "Stab them and make them ask for help in a crowded lecture hall".
I would bleed to death if I had to ask anyone for anything in a crowded lecture hall.

All of the examples people've given are so funny and relatable. :)


"You're going to be interviewed on live TV. Just wing it." -- One of the biggest nightmares of my life. And sometimes people tell me they saw a re-run of the show and it's like I'm living the nightmare all over again. (I was interviewed for my work.)
 
infj1357 said:
This almost induces a panic attack in me.
Click to expand...

I love this, thread. The 'going around the room' introductions, I hated them. As I got older, I always used to try and insert a joke of some kind. People (including the extroverts) are usually so nervous they will laugh at anything. Even me. How about the work group exercises, when they want someone to 'come to the front and report back to the meeting for the group ?' Surprisingly no one wants to do it, even the extroverts LOL.

As for the microphone. Top tip, don't drop the microphone, then accidentally swear into it as you pick it up...

@Asa - I bet you were great on TV. :)
 
James said:
As for the microphone. Top tip, don't drop the microphone, then accidentally swear into it as you pick it up...
@Asa - I bet you were great on TV. :)
Click to expand...


Hahahaha! Nightmare! I would definitely drop the mic, and not in the "cool" way.

No, I'm terrible on film/TV.
"Act natural." - Not. A. Chance.


Another one, "Everyone group into teams, "
(Me, "I'm on team 'I want to go home now'.")
 
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