Introverts Don’t Just Want a Quiet Life—They Need This

Introverts want a simple quiet life.

Away from crazy. Away from chaos. Away from people. But once I asked myself is that all or is there something deeper than that?

And after years of observing my life, learning my patterns, and writing it all down in many, many diaries… I found that there was something more to it.

What introverts really want deep down under the surface of quiet and simple and private and low-key is familiarity.

I mean, think about it. Why do you follow routines like they are sacred rituals? Why do you always take the same route to work? Why do you hang out with same two friends? Why do you listen to the same 50 songs over and over again? Why do most introverts dream of a quiet life in the woods away from the hustle and bustle of a city?

The answer is simple: unfamiliarity over-stimulates your already sensitive nervous system. To put it simply, unfamiliar things drain mental energy.

This is the reason introverts don't like change.

Introverts notice change like cats jump on lasers. An unfamiliar situation can create a storm in their heads. Even a small thing like not finding the keys where they kept it can take a toll on their nervous system.

On the other hand, familiarity makes them feel safe, calm, and peaceful.

Introverts take the same routes to work, go to same holiday destinations, wear same brand of clothes, same coffee. Familiarity gives them comfort that everything is okay. Their over sensitive nature requires familiarity. It keeps them calm. While unfamiliar can put you on high alert.

So today I want to share with you a few personal things that have helped me maintain familiarity in my life. Now, they may feel opposite of popular opinion, but I don't care much what people say. So here they are….

1. Find brands that feel right and stick with them

I'm a brand loyal person. But it's not about fitting in or validation, it's out of respect for making my life easier.

Like I only wear Adidas running shoes. They are German made, good quality, and they are good for 4 to 5 years. I don't have to think and experiment and try 10 different pairs and get over stimulated. I found a good brand that fits well, last long, and feels good.

I do the same with almost everything. Pen, diaries, jeans (Levi’s 512), t-shirts, coffee.

It makes life so much simple and less chaotic.

2. Find one or two friends who stay with you for life.

This took me a long time. Introverts like to take their time. Testing. Analysing. Sometimes years before they give their all to that one special friend.

Trust me, you don't need 5 or 10 friends, you just need one. One good friend who will have your back no matter what. This saves you both time and energy. Becomes you don't have to waste your energy on people who don't deserve the best of you.

3. Find food items and eating places that don't hurt your tummy

I am not a foodie, I only eat once or sometimes twice a day. And if you’re eating once or twice a day, it has to be good enough to fulfil all nutritional needs.

I used to be so confused, trying 10 different things, watching health and nutrition videos on YouTube that made me even more confused.

Now, I have like 5 items on my grocery list. That's it.

I do go out once in a while to a restaurant for dinner. And I have just two on my list.

Personal tip: A test to check if the food is good for you is, if after eating that food you don't feel bloated, tired, or lazy it's good for you and suits your body. Simple as that.

4. Find a quiet place in the suburbs

Why suburbs?

Well, this one's only a personal suggestion. Now you may be someone who loves the city and that's totally okay.

But here's the thing: a city is like a constantly changing and evolving organism. And change breeds unfamiliarity. And unfamiliarity over stimulates the nervous system. But if you live in the suburbs (or woods) things don’t change that much. And even if things change, it's very slow.

Living in isolation in the woods may be too extreme for some people, and cities, well, are bubbling with chaos. So, if you’re an introvert, suburbs naturally becomes your best option. Giving you amenities of the city and isolation of the woods.

5. Keep your digital space as minimal as your physical one

We live in a different world now. It’s almost impossible to live without using some type of tech in our daily lives.

But clutter isn’t just physical, it’s digital too. Too many apps, too many notifications, too many choices. It all adds up and drains mental energy.

That’s why I keep my phone clean. Only essential apps. No endless scrolling on social media. Even my email inbox stays at zero.

When your digital world is calm, your mind is calm. And for introverts, that mental clarity is priceless.

6. Create a morning & night routine that stays the same

Introverts thrive on familiarity, and nothing sets the tone for a peaceful day like a consistent morning and night routine.

For me, mornings start with the same cup of coffee, journaling, 30 minute walk, Shower, 20 minutes of TM (transcendental meditation), writing.

No decisions, no second-guessing, just autopilot.

My nights are even simpler: a book, dim yellow lights, and a cup of herbal tea.

This routine isn’t just about habits, it’s about reducing mental clutter. The fewer decisions I make, the more energy I have for things that truly matter.

When your day starts and ends with familiarity, everything in between feels more manageable.

Final thought

I want things for life. A friend, a private house, a wrist watch, a life partner.

Things I can rely on. Things that make me feel safe. Things that remove trials & errors. Things that remove uncertainty. Things that remove overthinking and overanalysing for days and weeks.

I crave less, not more.

Stay blessed,
Karun

P.S: If you liked this article, and want to learn more about your introverted nature, read my book “Born to Stand Out”.

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