Life

13 Dates That Are A Dream Come True If You’re An Introvert

by Megan Grant

Dating as an introvert can be a daunting task. You want to meet people without having to meet people and just want to be treated like a princess without ever leaving the house or interacting with another human. Is that so much to ask? Fortunately, a recent Reddit post delved into the types of dates introverts like; and if you prefer a good book and your dog over a night at the club any day of the week, these fun date ideas will sound like heaven on earth.

Introverts might make up anywhere from one third to one half of the U.S. population, and yet we're still vastly misunderstood. If you're not an introvert or don't have much experience with one, you might be surprised to find out they want to date at all. Contrary to popular belief, we introverts are not the bitter, miserable, people-hating downers our extroverted counterparts think we are. We still love to have fun, and many of us still want to find our partner in crime. We just don't want to do it in a crowded room where we're forced to interact with a bunch of people we don't know, all the while pretending to have fun when all we're thinking about is catching up on Game of Thrones. But sure, we like to date.

If you're brainstorming date ideas for introverts, take it from this introvert right here: these are good places to start.

1Jamming Out To Your Favorite Tunes

It comes as a shock to no one that music can reduce stress and ease your anxiety; and most of us will probably agree that dating can give you serious anxiety. Sharing music with your mate could be the perfect date idea.

2Crafting And Movies

Adult coloring books, crayon candles, and the latest episode of Orange is the New Black? Sign me up. Not only will you have a jolly good time, but arts and crafts can boost your self-esteem, calm your nerves, and even increase feelings of love.

3Getting Lost In A Good Book

Two people who really understand each other don't always need words to convey how they feel. Silence is golden. And you don't need me to tell you the benefits of reading... BUT I WILL ANYWAY! It can improve brain function and increase your life span, so you can spend many more years on that porch swing with your SO, reading the hours away.

4A Stroll In The Woods

While this sounds like an opening scene to Law & Order: SVU, it could also be a wonderful date with an introvert. Plus, spending time outside cuts down on depression and negative thinking. What a wonderful experience to share with your date mate.

5Take A Nap

It's always a good time for a nap. Nap at school. Nap at work. Nap on your date. Napping is good for your health! (Napping with a partner might be even better.)

6Getting Lit(erary)

If you don't drop some cheesy line about, "Are you a library book? Because I'm checking you out," you have missed a wonderful opportunity. Fun fact: if you live in DC, visit the largest library in the world: the Library of Congress!

7Grab a Cuppa Joe

In moderation, caffeine can stimulate neural activity and help you think smarter — perfect for all those exciting conversations you'll have on your introvert-friendly date.

8Go On A Picnic

Soak up some of that much-needed vitamin D and work on your communication skills. A picnic is a fantastic idea for an introvert and could very well lead to another date. Success!

9Anything Where People Aren't Watching

Note: this doesn't mean you need to be alone. If means you need to not feel like you're in the spotlight and everybody is staring at you. That's definitely not an introvert's cup o' tea.

10Go Fish

You know what they say: "Teach someone to fish, and they can plan a really nice date for an introvert." Or something like that.

11Build A Fort Together

You had me at fort. And wine. And kettle corn. Plus, working together promotes harmony, and the feeling of accomplishment afterward is pretty darn rewarding.

12Immersing Yourself In Art

If you're an introvert — or you're going on a date with one — pick a location that gives you something to talk about. There are more than 35,000 museums in the U.S., so you have plenty to choose from.

13Relationship Status: In Love With My Dog

Just a reminder that not dating is just as fabulous as dating — in case anyone tries to tell you otherwise.