Introverts in Relationships: Please Don’t Need Me Too Much

an introvert tries to keep up with another person's affection while dating

That’s something I worry about — keeping up with the other person’s affection. What if they text, call or write me ten times a day?

I read somewhere that it’s the space between times with a special person that encourages an introvert to fall in love. Their internal replays and daydreams are so pleasure-rich that the relationship is enhanced.

It’s not always easy to find a partner who understands an introvert’s need for downtime. Most recently, a gentlemen who I had been talking to over the phone and corresponding with online told me that we would probably make better friends than partners. He said my independence may not work for him. He wants someone to witness experiences with him. I’m not exactly sure what he meant, but in truth I think I am one of the best people to witness experiences with. I pay attention and revel in awe over the simplest things.

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I believe he meant he needed MORE shared experiences. Quantity AND quality. I admired him for speaking honestly and after that our conversation relaxed. I had been holding my breath wondering if I could keep up with the amount of attention he extended and expected.

That’s something I worry about — keeping up with the other person’s affection. What if they text, call or write me ten times a day? Do I have to reciprocate the same amount? Will that become old and exhausting?

Another reason to be discriminating when dating.

If we are going to put ourselves out there, it has to be good. Better than solitude. Solitude is always an option for introverts. We use time to ourselves to renew. Of course, during solitude it is completely possible that romantic daydreams surface sending us out again to find something very, very good.

Excerpt from Introvert Relationships: Love Me or Leave Me but Please Don’t Need Me (Too Much), by Brenda Knowles, relationship coach

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