Being a social butterfly isn’t for everyone. If you feel exhausted after socializing or wonder why spending time alone doesn’t bother you, you might also like these antisocial things introverts secretly enjoy. They don’t mean you’ll never make friends or have fun with other people. They just mean that you’ll treasure those experiences because you only experience them when you have enough energy.
1. Do Not Disturb Mode
There’s a specific joy that comes with the Do Not Disturb mode on your phone. It sets a boundary around your me-time. No one can draw from your social battery until you know it’s ready to go. It’s a bit antisocial and extremely empowering.
2. Rescheduled Plans
Introverts tend to enjoy rescheduling plans. You still get to see your favorite people after gaining more time to rest. If you’re worried that enjoying this antisocial behavior is bad, don’t worry. The only real mistake you can make is lying about why you’re rescheduling. Research shows 80% of people find it unacceptable, so send a quick truthful text to keep your loved ones happy whenever you’re the one moving plans around in the future.
3. The Idea of Social Batteries
Ten or 20 years ago, people might not have understood the concept of a social battery. Thanks to the internet, many more people can comprehend how spending time with loved ones drains your energy whether you’re an extrovert or not. Loving the concept of a social battery because it feels like it describes a core part of you likely means you’re an introvert at heart.
4. Canceled Plans
Canceled plans are almost always a good thing for people with antisocial tendencies. You get a free night to dedicate time to yourself and whatever self-care activities you love. Don’t feel bad about this common experience. Everyone enjoys a bit of time for themselves.
5. Weekly Time Alone
Introverts secretly treasure the time they spend alone each week. This might mean saving one night each week to turn off your phone and chill out with your favorite book. It’s a guaranteed time to rest and recharge for the upcoming week, which everyone deserves.
6. New Hobbies
Hobbies aren’t inherently antisocial, but many don’t require another person. If you love finding new things to do by yourself, you’re likely a bit of an introvert. Individualized hobbies make alone time more fulfilling. You get to watch yourself grow in your interests, which is extra rewarding.
7. Nature Walks
You’re not alone if you love outdoor walks by yourself. Spending time in nature reduces a person’s overall stress, which introverts may need more than most people. Even if it’s just a walk around your neighborhood, the light cardio may support your mental health if you’re a bit more antisocial than other people.
8. Emotional Vulnerability With Friends
Once an introvert trusts someone, they open up completely. Whether they realize it or not, they likely also want that vulnerability reciprocated. Antisocial tendencies don’t mean you don’t care about people or have deep feelings. It might just mean you don’t jump into relationships quickly because you invest so much of yourself into them.
9. Quiet Environments
If you’re not a people person, areas with big crowds might drain your social battery. Spending time in quiet environments or taking social breaks in an empty bathroom is often a sign of a slightly antisocial person. It could also indicate that you’re one of the 15%-20% of the population with a sensitive nervous system.
10. Living Alone
Some people thrive when they live with roommates. Introverts may love their roommates, but living alone will always feel more empowering. You get a complete say over who’s in your home and when they leave. It creates the ultimate safe zone for you to recharge your social energy for as long as you need.
11. Texts Instead of Calls
Phone calls are often unexpected and always require some of your social battery. Antisocial people use even more of their battery for calls, even if they talk for only a minute. You might be an introvert if you prefer texting because you don’t feel irritated or nervous talking through that channel of communication.
12. Reading Books
People might not pick up a book unless they put social media on pause for a purposeful digital detox. Antisocial people don’t always need a reason to read. You may love reading because it’s a solitary activity that deepens your empathy while recharging your social energy.
13. Virtual Friend Dates
Playing video games together and chatting online often takes less emotional energy for an introvert than in-person hangouts. Some people might think virtual friend dates are antisocial, but they’re the opposite. You still get to connect with the people you love. You just don’t feel anxious beforehand or exhausted afterward.
14. No-Contact Food Delivery
Delivery services from restaurants helped businesses earn over $86 billion in 2023 and experts only expect that number to continue rising. People love not having to drive to get their food, while antisocial people appreciate the no-contact options with many brands. Selecting it means there’s no awkward small talk at your front door, which is a relief to anyone who just wants to grab their food and get back to their latest TV show obsession.
15. Shopping Online
Before the internet became widely accessible, everyone had to visit a store, try things on and chat with a cashier to get new clothes. Introverts prefer shopping online now. You don’t have to pretend like the small talk at the register isn’t making you uncomfortable. Plus, you get the advantage of every online store at your fingertips before purchasing your next wardrobe upgrade.
16. Pick-Up Food Orders
You might not live close enough to your favorite restaurants for delivery services. In that case, pick-up options are the next best thing for introverts. Your antisocial tendencies may prefer this because you get to eat restaurant-level cooking without having to sit alone at a table or bar. It’s also a great feeling to use a discount code you couldn’t place on your order during a sit-down meal.
17. Virtual Museum Tours
Museums are some of the coolest places to visit. If you love learning about history but stress about crowds, you likely look at virtual museum tours every once in a while. They’re excellent ways to continue studying the things you love without causing the social anxiety of visiting a museum alone or asking someone to go with you.
18. Online Movie Rentals
Many new movies release on digital platforms within days or weeks of coming out. It’s a great thing for antisocial people because they can see the latest movies without sitting alone in the theater. Even though no one can see you in the dark, the experience can be somewhat lonely. You’re likely one of the world’s many introverts if you prefer waiting to see new films through online rental deals rather than getting a ticket at your local movie theater.
