Why are some introverted people so unexpressive and hard to read? How to relate to people like that?

[Anonymous]

For some women who are introverts, it's hard to gauge whether or not I'm having any positive effect, because they don't smile much, and have poker faces. I've had shy friends that said they had to work on being expressive and smiling, and people thought they were really serious if not a party pooper. Is it 'cause shy people are sensitive and have a "poker face" to hide their emotions?

What is the best way to relate and talk to people like that? I obviously don't think they want someone bouncing off the walls, all up in their face. But they probably don't want a serious, cold approach either.

[RedThread]

Hmm and I've always thought extroverts were overly expressive and wore their emotions on their sleeves? I guess life is about perspective and point of view eh? Also there's a difference between being shy or socially awkward and being introverted. I'm introverted and I can be very active in social gatherings but I get quickly exhausted and prefer solo activity. If someone is socially awkward and shy then they may not know how to react to different social queues which can explain the lack of facial expressions. In this case help them with their confidence.

Sorry if my answer appeared combative at times I'm just tired of hearing how introverts are don't know their way around social interactions. Just because someone doesn't prefer crowds doesn't mean they can't be the life of the part when they choose to be a part of one. Hell I even won "Best Laugh" in high school since most people knew who I was and also knew I was sociable when I wanted to be.

[Anonymous]

sometimes people say things like this to me like "oh, why are you so quiet, why don't you smile more, why don't you speak more" at moments when I thought I was being perfectly animated and friendly and sociable...so I guess it's unintentional. lots of people project a different image than they think they are, what might seem like a normal speaking voice to everyone hearing it, can feel like shouting to the person speaking.

[xzinax2]

some introverts are expressive-it's different from person to person. an introvert is anyone who has higher cortical stimulation,and needs to be alone to ''recharge''. the death glare a lot of us have is just because some of us aren't emotionally driven-it's just a neutral face-you can't read it,there isn't a lot of emotion behind it. just be friendly,say hi,one on one,don't try small talk-ask about a specific topic.

[Anonymous]

They're introverted. They keep more inside. Relating to them comes from getting them to feel comfortable with you. That comes from being dependable and good.

[Anonymous]

because they ar enot comfortable showing their emotions

[Anonymous]

jus ta normal person not col or hype