What are some negative introvert traits to know? Surely there are disadvantages of being an introvert. Introverts come with a number of advantages in a heavily extroverted world.
When we talk about negative traits, these aren’t completely terrible things but are things that can definitely be worked on. Sometimes negative traits exist in a person and it has absolutely nothing to do with being an introvert.
Introvert negative traits can eventually rub off as disadvantages of being an introvert. But then again there are so many positive traits of introversion.
Although not all introverts are deep thinkers or great listeners, many of them are. They can be people you can count on and although they prefer solitude, they go all out when necessary.
Positive introverted traits are all around us but then the negative ones can overshadow them from time to time. Being an introvert comes with some negative aspects that just make you wish you weren’t one.
Sometimes introvert wish they can be a different person. They wish they were more outgoing and more extroverted. They can try but it just leaves them so tired and mentally exhausted.
Introverts and extroverts are different and this has to be an accepted knowledge. Just as extroverts thrive on social interactions, introverts thrive in solitude.
Some Introvert Negative Traits
As mentioned earlier, introverts possess some negative traits they need to work on. Some introvert negative traits could be:
1. Pushing People Away
Not all introverts fall under this category. Pushing people away for an introvert may be because of their attachment styles. Another reason might be because of anxiety/depression.
Pushing people away is a means introverts use to protect their space and because of their fear of intimacy. This can be a negative trait because it leaves them sad and alone.
2. Depression/Anxiety
Although introversion isn’t a direct cause of depression or anxiety, it can be a contributing factor. Introverts spend a lot of time on their own. Sometimes they tend to bottle up their emotions.
Spending more time alone gives you all the time to overthink and nitpick. This is something a lot of introverts find themselves doing. They bottle up emotions which eventually leads to disaster.
3. Overthinking
Not all introverts are over thinkers. However, quite a number of them are. Overthinking makes you create scenarios in your head that may or may not be true.
It can trigger anxiety and depression which often makes people link introversion to depression. Overthinking takes away your happiness and this can be an introvert’s negative trait.
Disadvantages of Being an Introvert
When negative traits tend to encroach into an introvert’s life, it can lead to disadvantages. From being seen as mean and snobbish, to being left out of the fun even when you want to be part of it.
Some of these disadvantages are:
1. You Get Left Out of The Party
This is the thing with introverts. Just because we do not like social gatherings and parties does not mean we do not appreciate being invited. But no one wants to invite you if you’re just going to decline.
So, people eventually stop inviting you even when you want to be at these parties. Introverts are always left out of social events. They rarely experience them except somehow someone remembers they exist and invites them over.
Introverts rarely attend a party they are invited to. This makes it more difficult and near impossible to attend a party they aren’t invited to.
2. You Get Labeled
Almost every introvert has been called weird more than once because of they personality. They are also called snobbish because they’d rather sit in silence than talk about meaningless things.
When you keep to yourself a lot, people tend to think you’re crazy, snobby or even aloof. It seems like you have something to hide and that bothers a lot of people.
In reality, you just enjoy your company and you’re not as shady as people might think. Unfortunately, this doesn’t stop them from thinking it.
3. You Get Easily Overlooked
Being an introvert means you get overlooked quite a lot. This is because you spend a lot of time trying to blend in with the crowd. As such, you don’t get the spotlight.
This makes introverts easily forgotten even when they are the best person for the job. Introverts absolutely detest attention in most cases and this isn’t always a good thing.
4. Networking Can Be a Challenge
No matter how good you are at something, if people do not know, it’s practically useless. Well except it’s for you and you don’t need it for a source of income or recognition.
Your amazing talents can go to waste because of how challenging networking is. Introverts find small talks draining and this is usually the opening of something bigger.
This makes them miss a lot of opportunities because of their lack of social skills. Eventually, this becomes a negative trait of an introvert.
5. Love Life Can Also Be a Challenge
In order to meet someone, you actually have to interact, leave your comfort zone, and socialize. These things are difficult for an introvert. This is why their love life can be pretty much difficult or just non-existent.
Introverts tend to shut people out sometimes and are very protective of their space. Depending on their attachment style, it can be that they fear intimacy. This eventually plays out in their love lives.
An introvert will care more for more serious and meaningful relationships. Not only are they uninterested in casual relationships, they do not want to start meeting new people again.
Dating can generally be a challenge for anyone. However, for an introvert, it can be a lot worse.
How To Overcome This
It’s very easy for introverts to be overlooked at workplaces, schools and other areas of life. This doesn’t mean they aren’t interesting or talented people. They just try blending with the crowd.
One way to overcome this is understanding that the more you blend into the crowd, the more unnoticed you’d become.
1. Find Your Means of Expression
Finding a way to express yourself without being drained is a great way to start. Since social gatherings can be difficult, dominating social media can be of great help.
Do not shy away from talking about what you do and who you’re interested in. This is a great way to boost both your work and personal life.
2. Connect More
Connecting with people over social media, events and dates is another great means to overcome negative traits. It can help you get the recognition you deserve.
No doubt, this can be a challenge for introverts. As such, you do not have to do it always. Just set out time to engage in these activities every once in a while.
3. Be More Emotionally Intelligent
It is advised to be more emotionally intelligent and in tune with the people around you. Some introverts find it very challenging but it helps.
Pushing people away makes you regret it in the future. Identifying the reason you do this and working on this can eliminate your negative trait.
This way you wouldn’t be forgotten and overlooked as much as you are. This in no way means changing who you are. Rather, you’re learning to work and function around it.
