I think the first thing I should emphasize is that every interpersonal interaction an introvert has on a daily basis drains their energy level. There's only so much energy we come to work with every day before we can recharge at lunch so we spend that energy wisely. Extroverts are lucky: they get more energy the more they interact. For introverts, every time we smile or say good morning to someone, we are one notch down from a full tank. Personally, as an introvert, I need time to get to know someone before I open up and start talking to them. Little interactions every day are helpful: I want to feel like my future conversations with the person trying to engage me are going to be meaningful and not just small talk all the time. For example, I had an co-worker who I didn't like right off the bat. I got a weird vibe from him. But I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt so with every interaction, I tried to get to know him a little better. What I realized after a few weeks was that he was about as deep as puddle. Every question I asked him was answered with either a joke or a one-liner. In a 2 minute conversation, he'd say at least three times, " So, how are you? Work's good? things are good?" But he didn't care what my answer was - he was just making noise. Not worth the energy so I stopped trying. He didn't notice.
I can't speak for every introvert but I know that people who give me time to open up snd don't rush me are people that I can trust in the long run. And you may need to consider that there are those on the deeper end of the introvert spectrum that simply don't want to engage, but do so because that is what is expected in polite society. They may be giving you brief answers without follow up because they are hoping you'll leave them alone once they answer. If that's the case, move on to the next because you're effectively just beating your head against an introvert wall!
Mayette (not verified)says...
I think the first thing I should emphasize is that every interpersonal interaction an introvert has on a daily basis drains their energy level. There's only so much energy we come to work with every day before we can recharge at lunch so we spend that energy wisely. Extroverts are lucky: they get more energy the more they interact. For introverts, every time we smile or say good morning to someone, we are one notch down from a full tank. Personally, as an introvert, I need time to get to know someone before I open up and start talking to them. Little interactions every day are helpful: I want to feel like my future conversations with the person trying to engage me are going to be meaningful and not just small talk all the time. For example, I had an co-worker who I didn't like right off the bat. I got a weird vibe from him. But I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt so with every interaction, I tried to get to know him a little better. What I realized after a few weeks was that he was about as deep as puddle. Every question I asked him was answered with either a joke or a one-liner. In a 2 minute conversation, he'd say at least three times, " So, how are you? Work's good? things are good?" But he didn't care what my answer was - he was just making noise. Not worth the energy so I stopped trying. He didn't notice.
I can't speak for every introvert but I know that people who give me time to open up snd don't rush me are people that I can trust in the long run. And you may need to consider that there are those on the deeper end of the introvert spectrum that simply don't want to engage, but do so because that is what is expected in polite society. They may be giving you brief answers without follow up because they are hoping you'll leave them alone once they answer. If that's the case, move on to the next because you're effectively just beating your head against an introvert wall!