How Do Extremely Introverts Make Friends? (Starting Small)

Are you an extremely introverted person who struggles with the idea of making friends? Do you often find it challenging to socialize and connect with others due to your preference for solitude and limited social energy? If so, you’re not alone. Many extremely introverted individuals face difficulties when it comes to forming meaningful friendships. But here’s the question: How do extremely introverts make friends?

In this article, we will explore practical strategies and tips for extremely introverted people to overcome their social barriers and build deep connections with others. By starting small and gradually stepping out of your comfort zone, you can find companionship and form friendships that truly resonate with you.

Key Takeaways:

• Extremely introverted individuals can make friends by taking small steps outside of their comfort zone.
• Connecting with others through online communities centered around shared interests can be a great starting point.
• One-on-one messaging allows extremely introverted individuals to build comfort and familiarity over time.
• Suggesting low-key solo activities alongside others provides opportunities for shared experiences without constant social interaction.
• Listening through text or messages initially can help extremely introverted individuals gradually become more comfortable with social cues.

1. Look for online communities centered around interests to connect with others virtually first

Connecting with others can be challenging for extremely introverted individuals, but online communities provide an excellent platform to ease into socializing and form meaningful relationships. These communities, found on social media platforms, forums, or specialized websites, offer a comfortable and low-pressure environment where you can connect with like-minded people who share similar interests.

By joining these online communities, you can socialize from the comfort of your own home and take your time in building relationships. This virtual approach allows you to step out of your comfort zone at your own pace without the immediate pressure of face-to-face interaction.

Benefits of online communities for extremely introverted individuals

Online communities offer several benefits for extremely introverted individuals:

• Comfortable environment: Engaging with others online allows you to stay within your comfort zone and interact on your own terms.
• Similar interests: You can connect with people who have similar interests, helping to facilitate conversation and build connections.
• Low-pressure interaction: Communicating through text-based platforms reduces the anxiety associated with in-person socializing, allowing you to express yourself more freely.
• Time flexibility: Online communities provide the opportunity to interact and build relationships at your own pace, allowing you to take the time you need to feel comfortable.

2. Exchange occasional messages one-on-one with classmates/neighbors to very slowly build comfort over time without pres

One of the most effective ways for extremely introverted individuals to build connections and form deep relationships is through one-on-one messaging. This method allows introverts to gradually build comfort and familiarity over time without the pressure of face-to-face interaction. By exchanging occasional messages with classmates, neighbors, or other individuals, introverts can establish trust and create a foundation for a lasting friendship.

For example, imagine you’re an introverted guy who wants to make new friends. You can start by exchanging occasional messages with a classmate or a neighbor who shares common interests. Through these messages, you can slowly get to know each other, discuss topics of interest, and find common ground.

Here’s how it works:

1. Initiate the conversation: Send a friendly and casual message to your classmate or neighbor. Keep it light and non-intimidating, such as asking about an assignment or commenting on a shared experience.
2. Gradually increase the frequency of messaging: As you start to feel more comfortable, gradually increase the frequency of your messages. You can ask questions, share interesting articles or content, or simply have casual conversations.
3. Show genuine interest: Take the time to listen and respond thoughtfully to your friend’s messages. Show genuine curiosity about their life, interests, and experiences. This will help deepen the connection and build trust.
4. Be patient: Building deep relationships takes time, especially for extremely introverted individuals. Don’t rush the process or expect immediate closeness. Allow the friendship to develop naturally and at a comfortable pace.

3. Suggest extremely low-key solo activities alongside others like hiking alone nearby or reading in the same public spa

Extremely introverted individuals may have a hard time navigating friend groups and social situations. However, there are ways for introverts to strengthen social bonds and build meaningful relationships without feeling overwhelmed. One strategy is to suggest extremely low-key solo activities to do alongside others, providing an opportunity for shared experiences while respecting individual needs for solitude.

For example, you can propose hiking alone nearby while a friend also hikes. This activity allows you both to enjoy nature and spend time together while engaging in separate activities. It provides the chance for conversation during breaks or when you cross paths along the trail, but also respects the need for personal space and quiet reflection.

Another option is to suggest reading in the same public space. You can choose a quiet location like a library or a cozy café, where you can both read your favorite books or articles while enjoying each other’s presence. This allows you to have a shared experience without the pressure of constant social interaction, providing a comfortable environment for introverts to connect.

4. Listen through text/messages initially without video if too anxiety-provoking

Anxiety-provoking situations, such as video calls or face-to-face interactions, can be challenging for extremely introverted individuals who struggle with social anxiety. To ease into socializing and making connections, listening through text or messaging can be a helpful approach. Text-based communication allows extremely introverted individuals to pick up social cues and gradually become more comfortable with the person they are interacting with.

Text-based communication offers several benefits for extremely introverted individuals:

• Less social pressure: Texting or messaging provides a sense of security and control, as individuals have more time to process and craft their responses. This alleviates the immediate pressure often experienced during real-time conversations.
• Flexibility in response time: Text-based communication allows for more flexibility in response time. Extremely introverted individuals can take their time to gather their thoughts and reply when they feel most comfortable.
• Building familiarity: By engaging in text-based conversations, extremely introverted individuals can gradually build familiarity with the person they are communicating with. This slow progression allows them to develop trust and establish a sense of comfort.
• Overcoming social anxiety: For individuals who experience social anxiety, text-based communication can serve as a stepping stone to gradually overcome their fears and anxieties. It provides a controlled environment where they can practice socializing and building connections at their own pace.

Remember, text-based communication is not a substitute for face-to-face interaction, but rather a stepping stone towards it. As individuals become more comfortable, they can gradually transition to other forms of communication, if they desire.

Listening through text allows extremely introverted individuals to build connections without the anxiety-provoking nature of face-to-face interactions. It provides a comfortable space to pick up social cues, express themselves at their own pace, and gradually foster connections.

5. Simply wave/smile and make gradual eye contact with familiar people

Gradual exposure is an important strategy for extremely introverted individuals to develop their social skills and make connections with others. One simple way to start normalizing comfort levels with small interactions is by waving, smiling, and making gradual eye contact with familiar people.

This method allows extremely introverted individuals to slowly increase their social engagement while still respecting their need for personal space. By initiating these small gestures, they can create opportunities for brief interactions and foster a sense of familiarity.

For example, imagine you see a colleague from work in the hallway. Instead of avoiding eye contact and quickly walking past, you can try making eye contact and giving a small wave or smile. This simple action can help normalize casual interactions without putting too much pressure on yourself.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when using this strategy:

• Start with familiar people: Begin by practicing these small interactions with individuals you are already acquainted with, such as colleagues, neighbors, or classmates.
• Take it slow: Gradual exposure means taking small steps. Don’t rush yourself or feel pressured to engage in lengthy conversations right away.
• Monitor your comfort levels: Pay attention to how you feel during these interactions. If you start to feel overwhelmed or anxious, it’s okay to take a step back and give yourself a break.

By incorporating this strategy into your daily life, you can gradually build your confidence in social settings and make connections with others on your own terms.

6. Write thank you notes for low-key company to express appreciation

For extremely introverted individuals, expressing appreciation for low-key company can be achieved through the power of written communication. Writing thank you notes allows introverts to convey their gratitude without the pressure of real-time social demands, providing an ideal way to build meaningful relationships while honoring their need for personal space.

When an introvert’s best friend invites them to a quiet movie night or spends a relaxing afternoon together, a simple thank you note can go a long way in strengthening the social bond. The act of writing a heartfelt message shows care for the relationship and acknowledges the significance of the time spent together.

Putting pen to paper allows introverts to carefully choose their words, crafting a thoughtful and personal message that reflects their genuine appreciation. It gives them the opportunity to express their gratitude in a way that feels comfortable and authentic, without the anxiety or pressure that real-time social interactions may bring.

Furthermore, written communication provides introverts with the chance to reflect on the moments shared, allowing them to express their thoughts and emotions more effectively. It allows introverts to express themselves fully without feeling overwhelmed or rushed, resulting in a more genuine and meaningful expression of gratitude.

Receiving a handwritten thank you note can have a profound impact on the recipient as well. It serves as a tangible reminder of the connection and appreciation between the individuals involved. Reading a heartfelt note can bring a smile to someone’s face and deepen the bond between introverts and their friends.

7. Be transparent about recharge needs and that interaction may progress very slowly

When it comes to making connections as an extremely introverted individual, it is important to be transparent about your recharge needs and the fact that your interaction may progress very slowly. Being open about your social preferences can help others understand and respect your boundaries, leading to more meaningful relationships.

Communication is key in managing expectations. By openly discussing your introverted nature and the need for personal space and solitude, you can set a foundation of understanding with those around you. For example, you could explain that you may need more time alone to recharge your social energy, and that this may affect the pace at which your connection with someone develops.

By managing expectations from the beginning, you can ensure that all individuals involved have a clear understanding of the unique dynamics that come with being an extremely introverted person. This can prevent misunderstandings and feelings of pressure, allowing for a more comfortable and natural progression of the connection.