Introverts don’t not want social connection. They just prefer a smaller number of deeper connections. “You’re not people” is a common sentiment from introverts to their closest friends and family. Most introverts still have and enjoy social connection. They just prefer it in an intimate or chill setting to large groups.
I agree with most/all of this, it just seems like the question is, do they prefer those chill settings because of the increased intimacy OR the safety and relative lack of chaos. Increased positive experiences or decreased aversion? By aversion, I mean, are there sensory issues with crowds? feelings of overwhelm? more social anxiety at the uncertain? etc.
In other words, would introverts who had stronger social skills and newly managed social anxiety symptoms still make the same choices? I think the answer is a pretty solid “I/We don’t know” but at least people are working on finding out!
Hm… I’ve always been introverted. However as a teen I’ve gone to high school parties with my friends, gotten drunk, smoked weed, hung out with friends, talked to girls… I’ve gone to night clubs, bars, theaters, and restaurants… the way I see it is if I’m with a crowd of people I personally know, I’ve grown up with, or simply my family members, I don’t feel introverted. My energy is focused on them not everyone else outside of my crowd. But put me into an environment where I don’t know a single person and I’m expected to have dialogue with them? Eh… that’s a different story. That environment will definitely spend away my mental energy - UNLESS we’re all having a conversation on a subject I can definitely relate to. If it’s an enjoyable dialogue, then I walk out of that environment feeling just fine.
Introverts don’t not want social connection. They just prefer a smaller number of deeper connections. “You’re not people” is a common sentiment from introverts to their closest friends and family. Most introverts still have and enjoy social connection. They just prefer it in an intimate or chill setting to large groups.
I agree with most/all of this, it just seems like the question is, do they prefer those chill settings because of the increased intimacy OR the safety and relative lack of chaos. Increased positive experiences or decreased aversion? By aversion, I mean, are there sensory issues with crowds? feelings of overwhelm? more social anxiety at the uncertain? etc.
In other words, would introverts who had stronger social skills and newly managed social anxiety symptoms still make the same choices? I think the answer is a pretty solid “I/We don’t know” but at least people are working on finding out!
Hm… I’ve always been introverted. However as a teen I’ve gone to high school parties with my friends, gotten drunk, smoked weed, hung out with friends, talked to girls… I’ve gone to night clubs, bars, theaters, and restaurants… the way I see it is if I’m with a crowd of people I personally know, I’ve grown up with, or simply my family members, I don’t feel introverted. My energy is focused on them not everyone else outside of my crowd. But put me into an environment where I don’t know a single person and I’m expected to have dialogue with them? Eh… that’s a different story. That environment will definitely spend away my mental energy - UNLESS we’re all having a conversation on a subject I can definitely relate to. If it’s an enjoyable dialogue, then I walk out of that environment feeling just fine.