What do introverts like, and what makes them happy?

I am an introvert myself, and I know many introverts too. Since we have the same connection, I realized we have the same sources of happiness in a world full of extroverts.

Introverts indeed find happiness on their own. Be it in the bedroom or library, anywhere quiet and empty, and we can surely be happy. However, other things can lift our spirits and put smiles on our faces. It includes little things from finding a new book to gaining achievements at work or school.

Achieving a happy life isn’t that hard for introverts, contrary to what most people think. They say that we are hard to please or refrain from being happy. The fact is that we find happiness in the simplest things.

Introverted lady sticking her tongue out

What do introverts like?

Regarding our liking, we are more concerned about our inside than outside appearance. Introverts like us don’t fancy big things. We value even the most minor things that come our way.

What do we mean by that?

Since we have a unique personality and nature, we prioritize our mental and emotional states. That’s our inside. Meanwhile, our outside environment and appearance come second.

That being said, we always find things to feed our minds and souls. We always aim for mental and emotional stability. Once we find that, that’s what makes us happy. Nothing more, nothing less.

We can’t also deny that we find happiness when we get affirmation from others. For example, we did something, and then someone appreciates it. That makes our hearts happy and fulfilled.

What makes introverts happy?

You’ll get different answers when you ask introverts what makes them happy. After all, everything is relative. But to put you through the surface of what makes us genuinely pleased, take a look at this list.

Work promotion

There’s one main reason why work promotion provides happiness to introverts.

It’s because they think someone believes in them, that someone sees where they’re good at. That solely make introverts feel that their existence matter and that they’re an asset to the group or company.

Work-related achievements give introverts confidence in their abilities. Through that, they know people around them will respect them, which could level up their self-esteem. 

There are lots of famous introverts who succeeded in their chosen field or industry. Some of them include the following personalities.

  • J.K Rowling, a famous writer
  • Bill Gates of Microsoft
  • Emma Watson, a British actress
  • President Barack Obama of the USA
  • Michael Jordan, an introverted athlete
  • Christina Aguillera, a singer-songwriter
  • Mark Zuckerberg of the famous Facebook
  • Elon Musk, an introverted engineer who now owns Paypal, Tesla, and Space X

And the list goes on and on. These people prove that introverts can thrive at the right place and time. One thing is for sure about these successful introverts. They took advantage of their introverted nature as an opportunity to improve themselves and think through before playing the game.

Two of the most admirable traits of introverts are that they are goal-directed and responsible. They always strive to achieve their goals and try to keep their focus. Once they reach their end goal, that will absolutely make them happy more than anyone else. 

School recognition

A school is where we spend a lot of time developing our skills and abilities. Still, it’s also where we learn how to interact with others and participate in group activities. So it can be challenging for introverted students who don’t feel comfortable speaking up or participating in class discussions.

However, many introverted students do well at school because they have great study habits and are proud of their academic achievements.

Here are the reasons why school achievements make an introvert fulfilled.

  • School achievements validate the hard work and effort an introvert put into something. They also show that they’re not afraid to put themselves out there, which can be challenging for an introvert.
  • School achievements allow introverts to express their creativity, individuality, and intelligence without engaging in small talk or socializing every single time.
  • Lots of school activities are stand-alone. It includes individual activities or examinations, which introverts enjoy the most. That’s why when they get a high score on exams or get good grades on projects, they feel they have the upper hand, or at least they are not left behind despite being passive.

School achievement is everything for an introvert. It is the perfect moment to show their true self while having a great time.

They don’t get too excited about the crowd cheering them on but instead focus on their achievements.

Unlike extroverts, who love to be in the spotlight and have all eyes on them, introverts tend to be more humble and focus more on their work than anything else.

This makes school achievements an ideal moment for us introverts because we can shine without worrying about the judgment of people around us! And that makes us happy!

Small praises or appreciation from someone

Praises make an introvert happy because it’s a validation of their work. They consider they’re finally being recognized for their efforts and skills, which they have been waiting for all along. But it’s not just about the praise itself. It’s also about knowing that other people appreciate what they’ve done.

Praises also make an introvert feel appreciated and loved. It makes them feel like they can finally be themselves and know the people around them accept them.

“Oh, your dress looks good on you!”

“I love your style today.”

“You did great out there.”

These little things can make them happy and change their mood for the day. That’s why it’s so important to give praise to an introvert if you want to make them happy!

Expressing ideas through creativity

As an introvert, you have unique skills that make you a fantastic candidate for creative tasks.

You may not know this, but creatives are often introverts for many reasons.

Creativity requires self-expression and lots of time with your thoughts. These are both things that introverts love to do!

Introverts tend to have rich inner lives, full of vivid ideas and images that we can’t wait to share with the world. We also tend to be good at focusing on one task at a time and working quietly on our own until we’ve finished, and that’s precisely what creative work demands.

Another reason creativity tasks are a lot of fun for introverts is that they allow you to express your utmost creativity without the pressure of being judged.

While extroverts might enjoy getting feedback from their peers, introverts often feel shy about sharing their work and being criticized. Creativity tasks allow introverts to express themselves in ways that feel safe and comfortable for them.

Some of the activities that introverts are happy to do are the following.

  • Writing
  • Painting or art
  • Sewing, stitching, crocheting
  • Playing an instrument
  • Photo and video editing
  • Photography
  • Nail art

Good food

It might seem funny to think, but yes, good food can make an introvert happy.

But why and how?

First, introverts are often picky eaters and don’t like trying new things. A good meal can be just the push they need to branch out and try something new!

Second, introverts are more likely to over-think things than others, so they need a little extra fuel for their brain power. A delicious meal gives them the energy they need to get through the day!

Lastly, introverts like to do things alone, which can make them feel isolated from others. Sometimes, a good meal is a chance for them to connect with other people in a way that doesn’t feel forced or awkward for either party involved!

Eating is also a way to slow down and connect with people, whether they’re friends or family. Besides, eating something delicious feels good immediately!

Clutter-free bedroom

If you’re an introvert, the place you feel most at home is probably in your own bedroom.

It’s a space where you can be alone with your thoughts and recharge. And suppose your bedroom isn’t clean and organized. In that case, it can make it difficult to relax and recharge, which ultimately means you won’t be as productive or happy during the day.

Here are some reasons why a clean and organized bedroom makes an introvert happy.

  • It feels more relaxed when they come home from work or school. It’s their haven.
  • They’ll be able to get more done during the day because you have fewer or no distractions.
  • A clean bedroom can help promote better sleep at night because fewer distractions like clothes are strewn about.

When a friend checks on them

Although introvert enjoys being alone, they still want to feel appreciated or that their existence matters.

This is why they feel pleased when someone checks on them. A simple thing like, “How are you doing?” can be a big deal for introverts.

Introverts also enjoy having conversations with people who understand their needs. They also want to be around those people who care for them without feeling like they’re being pressured into doing something else right away after talking for a while.

Introverts often feel like people don’t value them as much as extroverts do, so when someone does take the time to check in with them, it makes them feel special.

Finding a work-from-home job

A work-from-home job is perfect for introverts because it gives them the space to focus on one thing at a time without interruption.

Here are some reasons why a work-from-home job makes introverts happy.

  • They don’t have to deal with commuting.
  • Introverts can set their working hours and chunk tasks and take breaks whenever they want.
  • They get to choose their own workspace.
  • They don’t have to endure office politics or gossip.

Being an introvert isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it can be a piece of good news for some. It means you need time to recharge and don’t mind spending time alone. You’re comfortable with your thoughts and don’t need constant stimulation from other people or outside events.

If you’re an introvert, you might wonder if you could work from home. What if you could use your strengths as an introvert and still get paid for them? Well, that would be pretty awesome, and it is possible!

There are plenty of jobs out there that allow you to work from home, and the best part is that they tend to be jobs that are perfect for introverts. Here are some examples.

  • Freelance writer
  • Virtual Assistant
  • Transcriptionist
  • Video editor
  • Graphic designer
  • Social media manager
  • Software programmer

Canceled plans

It might sound like a killer of joy, but introverts love canceled plans. It’s, in fact, one of the best things that could happen to them.

Their reason is simple. It’ll allow them to recharge and skip talking to people. They will also take this opportunity to prepare for social interaction without worrying about being late or forgetting something important.

As you know, introverts like to be ready before going out.

Canceled plans can be a bummer for extroverts, who love to be around people and want to try new things. But for introverts, it’s pretty exciting.

Few tricks to make introverts happy

Now that you know what introverts like and what makes them happy, maybe it’s time to apply it in real life. If you ever meet an introvert or know an introvert, make them happy through these simple tricks!

Lend them your favorite book.

Introverts don’t necessarily hate interactions. They just need to warm up or prepare, but if you make the first move, you can surely get the hang of them. So, why not start by lending your favorite book?

This technique is pretty perfect, especially if your introverted friend loves reading. Oh, and don’t forget to mention that it’s your favorite book and you want to share it with them.

That would make them extra happy knowing that you treat them as friends you can share.

Do not call. Text will do!

One rule of thumb when communicating with introverts is to avoid calling them. Calls are not for them. It makes them anxious, and they’re not always ready for it.

That’s why texts, chats, and emails are invented. Just do not ever ring their lines! Just type and send whatever you want to say.

Give and respect their own space and time.

Introverts being alone is normal, and you should know it. If they want to go alone, respect it. If they want to leave early, let them be. If you invited them and didn’t come, don’t ever feel any grudge against them.

You’re giving them a part of you by being sensitive to their needs. You’re clearly saying that you understand them, and they can take their time to recharge. The time will come that your introverted friend will also come to you, and that’s when they are ready.

Allow them to speak.

One thing introverts fear the most is being disrupted when they’re speaking or no one would listen to them.

Introverts also have the freedom of speech. They have the right to say what they want to say. Just give them the stage for a little while and listen to them.

When you allow them to share their insights, it shows you’re respecting them in the group. You’ll make them feel that they’re part of the group and that their voice matters. 

When they feel they belong, that will make them really happy!

Garo Kotchounian

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