The Types Of Introverts & How They Express Love, According To Experts
Plus, the types of introverts.
August 30, 2023 Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may Dating allows you to interact with many types of people, each with their own nuances. In particular, dating an introvert comes with certain factors to keep in mind. You may think of an introvert as someone who is shy or more reserved, but there's more to it than that. Learning how to communicate with introverts and how introverts express love will help you build a successful relationship.
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What is an introvert?
Rachel DeAlto, relationship and communication expert at The League, describes an introvert as someone who can feel overwhelmed and drained by highly social interactions.
The concept of introversion was developed by psychiatrist Carl Jung in the early 1900s—and one of the simplest ways to spot an introvert, according to Jung, is the way they recharge their social battery.
Dating coach Blaine Anderson emphasizes this, adding that introverts tend to feel most comfortable when they’re recharging alone.
Introverts often withdraw from social activity and prefer to be in less stimulating environments, as opposed to extroverts who feel recharged by interacting with others.
Dating apps for introverts
Types of introverts and how they express love
We as humans are all totally different from one another, so it makes sense that not all introverts are made equal, too. Psychologists Jennifer Grimes, Jonathan Cheek, and Julie Norem researched the four main types of introverts: social introvert, thinking introvert, anxious introvert, and restrained introvert.
Below, Anderson defines the types of introverts and explains how each expresses love.
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Knowing what kind of introvert you’re dating helps you to empathize with them and get to know them better, leading to stronger communication and connection.
What is it like to date an introvert?
Anderson’s says dating an introvert can be great—and she should know, her husband is one.
“Introverts tend to be intelligent, considerate, and respectful of boundaries,” Anderson says. They may prefer cooking at home or watching a movie instead of going to a crowded bar, because that’s the type of setting they feel most comfortable in, allowing them to be their true selves.
“Partners of introverts do need to understand that social activities drain them,” adds DeAlto.
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15 tips for dating an introvert
How do introverts show love?
DeAlto says introverts express love in different ways, depending on the type of introvert they are.
Social introverts show love through quality time. Thinkers tend to show love through acts of service and gifts.
Anxious introverts feel most comfortable showing love verbally, and often seek reassurance. Lastly, restrained introverts express love through loyalty and consistency.
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How to improve communication with an introvert
While everyone has different communication styles, there are some tips for approaching introverts in particular. Just remember to be patient—while this advice can of course help, everyone moves at their own pace.
Dating apps for introverts
FAQ:
Is dating an introvert hard?
Dating an introvert is no more difficult than dating an extrovert, says DeAlto.
Everyone has different personalities. The key is finding someone who fits with yours. No matter who you are, that will require understanding, patience, and goal alignment.
Are introverts good at dating?
While everyone has different things they’re looking for, DeAlto says that introverts tend to focus on quality over quantity and prefer deeper conversations and connections. You may just have to be comfortable being the one to initiate those conversations.
Is it OK for an introvert to date an extrovert?
Anderson identifies as an extrovert and says she’s happily married an introvert, so yes—of course it’s ok. DeAlto adds that an extrovert can draw the introvert out, while an introvert can give the extrovert a stable foundation.
How do introverts express their love?
This depends on the type of introvert they are. While social introverts prefer quality time, thinkers like acts of service. Anxious introverts give words of affirmation and restrained introverts show love through loyalty and consistency.
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The takeaway
No matter who you're dating, it's important to take the time to get to know their communication style and how they prefer to express and receive love. Dating an introvert comes with its own set of considerations, depending which type of introvert they are. If you identify with the traits above, check out our guide to the best dating apps for introverts.