The 8 Most Distinctive Gestures of Introverts - Recognize Them From the First Meeting

The mannerisms of introverts and different to those of extroverts, these are some of the telltale signs.

Introverts and extroverts have very different personalities. Introverts tend to be reflective, and somewhat reserved individuals who are not overly energized by social situations, but instead can feel drained by them. They can be more withdrawn find it hard opening up to others. 

They behave differently in social situations compared to their more outgoing counterpoints. This is can be observed in both their speech and nonverbal communication. 

When you look for the following signs, you should be able to notice if you are talking to an introvert. It can make interactions with them easier and hopefully help make them feel more comfortable. 

8 Characteristics of Introverts  

• Eye contact is important in communication, but introverts often find it difficult, so they often look away, look down, or may feel uncomfortable making direct eye contact. This does not signify disinterest on their part; it happens almost unconsciously. 
• They also tend to have closed body language. They often cross their arms, legs, and may not always maintain an upright posture, with their shoulders often slouching forward. This is not only common among introverts but also among shy individuals.
• Their gestures are generally more restrained, and they tend to use their hands less in nonverbal communication. However, this does not mean they lack interest, enthusiasm, or passion.
• Not only do they gesture less with their hands, but their facial expressions may also not be as pronounced as others'. For example, they may not show as much overt surprise or laugh loudly and freely when talking to people they don't know.

• They respect personal space, not only for others but also for their own comfort. They maintain physical distance during conversations and generally do not touch others during communication.
• During conversations, they are often calm and composed. They may not always have intense reactions in words or gestures; they do not speak too loudly, and they do not like to draw attention to themselves, nor do they appreciate being the center of attention in a larger group.
• Sometimes they feel uncomfortable in groups, and in such cases, they may exhibit behaviors such as playing with their hair, nails, or touching their face.
• Although not a specific gesture, it is also characteristic of them to prefer one-on-one conversations over group discussions. Therefore, they are less inclined to favor larger gatherings.