An introvert is someone who prefers to focus on his or her inner feelings. About 25-40% of the population is introverted. Introverts are usually reserved and quiet. If you’re an introvert or you’ve been dating an introvert, you’d know that they are perfectly capable of normal social engagements but these events wear them out–making them feel exhausted and drained of energy. Some introverts also find that their energy depletes faster when they’re in crowded places. Given these characteristics, here are some activities we think introverts will genuinely enjoy doing on date.

Best Date Ideas for Introverts

1. At Home Date Ideas
2. Creative Date Ideas
3. Explore
4. Fun Date Ideas
5. Intellectual Date Ideas
6. Nature/Outdoors
7. Active Date Ideas

At-Home Date Ideas

Things for introverted couples to do without leaving their homes.

1. WATCH A MOVIE

Movie dates are great. Admittedly, it sounds boring on paper, but it’s so entertaining, practical, and effortless. The truth is movie and dinner (foreshadowing for the next idea) are two of the most tried and proven date ideas that can never go wrong. What’s great about an at-home movie date is that you are avoiding the crowd and the traffic, two things introverts don’t appreciate. Plus, it’s more intimate when there’re only the two of you–instead of being surrounded by dozens of strangers in a stuffy movie theater. At home, you can cuddle under a blanket in a dimly-lit living room and introverts appreciate that kind of intimate connection.

2. AT-HOME DINNER DATE

Buy some ingredients from the grocery store and cook dinner together. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to make Beef Wellington or Baked Lobster with Cheese–simple Spaghetti Bolognese or an egg sandwich is just as satiating when the two of you’ve prepared it together. Another option that you shouldn’t overlook is ordering food delivery. Getting food delivery costs more and isn’t as interesting as preparing your own food but in return, you get more time and energy for other activities.

3. BINGE-WATCH ANIME

This is similar to watching a movie or TV series. If you’re both into the same genre of anime, for example, isekai or romance, you can find a new series and binge-watch it together. In cases where you’re not an anime fan or prefer a different genre, it’s a great opportunity for some intracouple cultural exchange by giving the anime your partner likes a chance to see what the fuss is all about.

4. READING

One of the coziest things introverted couples can do is reading books side-by-side at home. Reading is a flexible activity that can take place anytime from a snowy December evening to a lazy Saturday morning. Some people enjoy reading their favorite genre over a cup of coffee, others find wine to be a better companion for this activity. You may think that reading lacks interaction and to be honest it does, but for introverts, it’s a great activity that allows you to have your private space and still spend time together. This activity isn’t reserved for frequent readers only. If you can’t recall when is the last time you read a book, this could a great opportunity for you pick up reading again and spend some quiet time with your date.

5. CAMPING IN THE BACKYARD

In Summer when the weather is just right, pitch a tent and camp out in your very own backyard. Complete the camping experience by starting a campfire. Watch the flame dances to the crackling sound of the burning wood. Prepare your food ahead of time in the kitchen or do a campfire cookout. When night falls, lay out a sleeping pad and watch the stars twinkle with your partner lying next to you. If you’re lucky, you may even see a shooting star–remember to make a wish.

6. WORK IN YOUR GARDEN

This is coming from my personal experience as an introvert–gardening is a great hobby introverts would enjoy tremendously. The solitude and tranquil nature of gardening invigorates introverts. Working with plants and soil helps to bring clarity to an introvert’s mind. For an atypical date, why not work in the garden together? Here are some gardening ideas for couples: start a new garden, prepare the soil, shop for seeds online, sow seeds, trim existing plants to promote further growth.

7. BAKING

Everybody loves the aroma of freshly baked goods. So spend time together by baking your specialty or try a new recipe you found online. Not sure what to bake? Try chocolate cookies or cheesecakes!

8. BACKYARD BARBECUE

The word BBQ conjures up imagery of a party, smoke, people, noises, and a lot of socialization–in other words, none of the stuff that a typical introvert would truly enjoy without feeling exhauted. But who says BBQ has to involve a large group of people? A two-person BBQ sesh is more unique, intimate, and romantic.

Creative Date Ideas

Release that pent-up creative energy with these activities.

9. PAINTING

Choose your weapon of artistic creation, some popular ones are acrylic, oil, and watercolor. With a glass of Chardonnay in hand, create your masterpieces from the comfort of your living room. For couples who are more experienced at painting, pack up your equipment, and hit the great outdoors for some en plein air action.

10. WRITING

Do a mind dump of the ideas that have been floating around in your mind. Find the best idea and turn that into an article or an essay. Whether to publish it or not is beyond the point, the journey is your goal. Alternatively, if fiction is your jam, discuss the characters and plotlines with your date and start working on it. Another activity related to writing is to practice calligraphy.

11. PHOTOGRAPHY

You can take photos with incredible bokeh with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but your phone camera will work just fine. Below are some ideas for your photography sesh:-

• Take photos of each other.
• Dress up and let your date capture some photos for you.
• See everyday objects from a different angle through the camera lens (i.e. find beauty in the little things!)
• Take Instagrammable photos of your pet (dog, cat, etc!)

Explore

Go down the road less-traveled.

12. FARMERS’ MARKET

Have you been to a farmers’ market before? It’s awesome! There is so much to see and to buy. Spend your hard-earned money on the freshest produce straight from the farm, carefully-crafted artisanal products, and even handmade soap. The social interaction required is minimal but the marketplace can get crowded. And there’s nothing low-key about crowds. To avoid a crowded market, go early. A side benefit of going in early is you get the first pick of the fresh produce.

13. ROAD TRIP

Get in the car and hit the road. Where you’re going is less important than scenery along the journey–though it would be great if you map out some stops and plan ahead where to stay for the night if the trip is longer than a day. Be spontaneous and be prepared.

14. URBAN EXPLORATION

For adventurous introverts, exploring abandoned buildings in an urban setting can be a thrilling, albeit dangerous, date.

Fun Date Ideas

Although it may seem like the perfect date for introverts can only happen at home, you can definitely carve out a private zone in public. Below are some fun ideas that do just that.

15. DRIVE-IN THEATER

Imagine getting your own private box in an open-air movie theater–with adjustable air conditioning and seats–also you’re allowed to bring any snacks and anything for that matter to the movie. That’s a drive-in theater for you and your private box is your car. While drive-in theaters may not offer the best viewing experience for moviephiles, it’s definitely a unique, cozy, and romantic way to see a movie with your date–something that introverted couples would love and appreciate. So if you’re lucky to live near a drive-in theater, be sure to give that a try.

16. WATCH A MOVIE

Sometimes the nearest drive-in theater is ten hours away or perhaps you’ve been to one and weren’t impressed, you can just go watch a movie at a cinema like regular couples do. You’ll be surrounded by dozens of strangers but at least you won’t have to interact with them and they aren’t talking either (hopefully).

17. SEE A PERFORMANCE

Go see an opera, play, piano performance, orchestra, or ballet. The only thing not to like about seeing a performance is the traffic rushing out of the parking ramp once the show is over. But other than that, an introvert will find it appealing to their artistic side.

18. PEOPLE-WATCHING

Most introverts are exhausted by social interactions. Many feel their energy depleting by just being in a crowd. But if you’re just playing the role of an onlooker and you’re physically away from the crowd, watching and observing people is a fun experience that any introvert will enjoy.

19. COFFEE DATE

An extrovert may thrive on the energy of a bustling café in the busiest section of downtown. But an introvert will prefer the atmosphere of a cozy boutique coffee shop. One that offers great coffee and the promise of a deep & meaningful conversation with her date. But who says you have to drink coffee at a coffee shop? Getting takeaway coffee and enjoying it at a park surrounded by the blooming spring flowers sounds like a great way to date whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert.

20. ICE CREAM

Ice cream is always a great idea. Everyone enjoys a good serving (or multiple servings) of ice cream. Ice cream isn’t really your jam? How about its associates: gelato, froyo, and soy-based ice cream? It’s a little cheeky and some people may not enjoy ice cream as much as other people, but ice cream as a first date idea is really cute.

21. DINNER

If there’s a ranking for the most classic date ideas, dinner would probably sit at the top. It’s not difficult to see why. Evening is supposed to be a relaxing time when most people are done with their busy day and are ready to wind down. Delicious food and perhaps a little wine help to set the mood for a romantic evening full of laughter and meaningful conversations. So do your homework, find a restaurant that offers great food but isn’t overly crowded or noisy. It’s not romantic when you have to talk by shouting over the din. Nobody enjoys that, not even the extroverts.

22. BREAKFAST

Bacon, croissant, and pancake. Eggs done in your favorite way: omelet, sunny-side up, scrambled, poached. What’s not to love about having breakfast at your favorite diner with your favorite person?

Intellectual Date Ideas

Satisfy the introvert’s inquisitive mind with these activities.

23. LEARN

People with introverted personalities like to spend time by themselves. Instead of wasting their time on superficial social interactions, introverts prefer to allocate their limited time to things that matter to them. Some introvert chooses to use their private time to learn new skills or gain new knowledge. You can turn this into a dating activity by finding a common interest you share and encourage both of you to become more knowledgeable in that area. That can be done by reading books, watching YouTube videos, researching online articles, or just plain ol’ trial and error.

24. DISCUSSION

Come up with a topic and deliberate on the said topic. The topic can be about anything but preferably not a personal one, as not to cause conflicts. The goal is to find out what your partner is thinking and their opinion on a given topic. It’s also a great way to for you to sharpen your mind and practice critical thinking skill.

25. LIBRARY

Introverts have an inquisitive mind and a preference for tranquility. Both of which can be satisfied by a date at a library. You won’t be finding a large crowd at the library, especially not in this age when many of the library’s function has been digitalized and made available online. All the better–it’s as if the whole library has been closed off for the two of you–and isn’t that romantic?

26. MUSEUM

Visiting a museum is a great way to relate to our human ancestors and humanity. By doing so, introverts can feel more connected to their inner being and that’s a nuanced feeling that they will appreciate. The only downside of a museum date is that some popular museums can be brimming with people with queues stretching several blocks whenever there’s a famous, limited-time exhibition. And that’s not a good way to appreciate the exhibits and definitely a nightmarish situation for an introvert.

Nature and the Great Outdoors

Get away from the hustle and bustle and into the arm of mother nature. Below are some outdoor activities that introverted couples can do in nature.

27. STARGAZING

If you’re lucky to live in an area without heavy light pollution, you may be able to see some of the brightest stars and planets at night without any equipment. Work with your date to see if you can identify any of the stars, planets, or constellations. And let’s not forget Earth’s one and only natural satellite–the Moon. Of course, there’s a whole lot more you can see if you have access to a telescope.

28. METEOR SHOWER

Every now and then, planet Earth is graced by groups of meteors–a phenomenon known as meteor shower. You’ll usually find information about the next meteor shower (or meteor storm) on Facebook a few weeks or a few days before it happens. Find out if it will be visible in your area and locate a good viewing spot that offers privacy. Hold your partner’s hand and feel amazed at the universe as the meteors glide through the night sky.

29. BOTANICAL GARDEN

Immerse yourself in the world of botany. Spend a morning at a botanical garden to learn more about flowers and plants. Find out the name of that plant that has always fascinated you. Draw inspiration from professional botanists and turn some of that inspiration into a reality at your home garden.

30. NATIONAL PARK

Plan a day trip to a nearby national park. See nature and its grandeur. Feel your worries fade away and your energy reinvigorated as the birds sing and trees dance to the gentle wind. A national park has so much more than just birds and trees, it’s also nature’s Geology masterclass. Witness mountains, hills, peaks, rocks formed by forces of nature over millions of years. You might also bump into some animals. Some animals may be cute and docile while others not so much. In any case, every visit to a national park is an adventure to learn from and an experience to remember.

31. SUNRISE

Find a quiet spot where you and your date can see the sun gently wakes up the sleepy Earth from its slumber. The viewing spot could be your balcony or a nearby beach–any location that offers an unhindered view of the eastern horizon where the Sun rises. Follow up with breakfast at your favorite diner.

32. CAMPING

What better way to feel connected to nature than spending a night in it? If staying in a camp isn’t really your idea of fun, consider other alternatives such as renting a cabin or an RV.

33. BEACH

Popular beaches during summertime are overrated. A large noisy sandbox crawling with homo sapiens is the opposite of an ideal dating spot for introverts. However, that doesn’t mean introverts hate all beaches. A less popular, more secluded beach offers a clean and tranquil environment for a relaxing date by the sea. You’ll also have more privacy if you decide to get some PDA going. Another idea is to go to a beach when it’s off-season, a popular summer beach is not as crowded in spring, fall, and winter and offers different scenery in each of the seasons.

Active Date Ideas

Physical activities for introverts who enjoy sweating it out.

34. WALKING

Saunter along the scenic riverbank. Take a stroll in the nearby park to witness the gorgeous fall foliage in full display. Meander in the meadow where colorful wildflowers bloom–lower your hands and feel them brushing against your fingers as you walk past them. Or you can just take a walk in the neighborhood with your date. After all, it’s the personal connection that introverts value the most.

35. JOGGING

Walking is a relaxing activity that promotes mindfulness but you just don’t work up as much sweat as jogging. The rush of energy after jogging is real and it’s a great way to stay healthy. As a couple activity, find a jogging spot that is less crowded and start jogging there every week. Some people say “couples who sweat together stay together,” let’s find out if that’s true.

36. HIKING

Go on an adventure by challenging that hiking trail that has caught your attention. Since it’s a date, add romantic and beautiful scenery to the list of requirements for trail selection. During the hike, grow closer by helping each other out and having deep conversations. Bring food and enjoy a memorable picnic featuring a breathtaking view of mother nature. Remember to take photos for memory’s sake.

INSPIRATION

Below are some of the articles we’ve read for inspiration when researching for this article.

• Introvert, Dear – Introvert-Friendly Date Ideas
• Catholic Singles – 12 Date Ideas For Introverts
• Bustle – 11 Low-Key Date Ideas
• Roamilicious – 17 Date Ideas for Introverts

This article was first published on Metropolitan Girls.

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Introverted Star Signs: These 7 zodiac signs are the biggest introverts

Some signs are more likely to be introverts than other signs due to their nature. Below are the most introverted zodiac signs ranked from the most introverted to the least introverted.

1. Aquarius

Just as their mirror sign Leo is the King and Queens of the jungle (and one of the most extroverted signs), Aquarius is the King and Queen of introverts. They keep themselves detached from others and prefer their own space. If possible, they prefer to talk to only a few people in their small circles. Aquarians also don’t like to show their feelings. Aquarian males are more introverted than Aquarian females. As a whole, Aquarius is the most introverted sign of the twelve zodiac signs.

Read next: Aquarius Gift Guide: 15 Best Gifts For Aquarius

2. Pisces

Those with this sign are extreme introverts. Pisces is highly creative. They need their own space away from others so they can dream and find inspiration on their own to make their own creations. If you’re in a room full of people and you see that there is one individual in a quiet corner of the room painting on a canvas, then you can bet that individual is a Piscean.

Additionally, because Pisces is an extremely sensitive sign, those with this sign need their space away from others to preserve their energy. Social activities drain their energy.

3. Scorpio

The sign of the scorpion — Scorpio is also a major introvert. Simply put, scorpions are secretive in nature. They like to remain mysterious and only let a few people into their lives who they truly trust. Like Pisces, folks with Scorpio sign need to keep away from others because they are sensitive even though they don’t let that on. They can easily get drained.

However, more than anything, Scorpios prefer to be hidden because that is what their truest nature is about. Being hidden and mysterious.

Read next: 15 Best Gifts for Scorpios: Gift Ideas for Scorpio

4. Taurus

Taurus is the most stubborn sign of the zodiac. They hate being told what to do. And they prefer to keep to themselves. They also know that their emotions can be quite volatile and can be hard for others to handle. As a result, they prefer to keep themselves away from others. Taureans are very much into security and will not want to make themselves vulnerable in any way or form. One of the reasons Taurus prefers solidarity is they feel more secure when they are alone.

Additionally, the Taurean very much prefers things over people around them. They are very happy to be in a luxurious setting while watching television or reading a book while munching on their favorite snacks – away from people.

Read also

Taurus Career Guide: 9 Best Jobs for Taurus

5. Virgo

Virgos are highly suspicious and prefer to keep distance from others. This is what makes them introverts. They also are highly worried about germs (they’re natural germaphobes) and are the ultimate clean freaks. They fear that if they are around too many people then they could end up catching a virus. As such, they find it more comfortable to stay away from crowds.

Between that issue and their suspicious nature, Virgos are major introverts and are best to be by themselves because they feel the most secure.

6. Cancer

Cancers are natural homebodies. They love to stay at home. They also don’t like to open up to others too often unless doing so satisfies their nurturing nature. They are less introverted than the other signs above because they will happily invite people to their homes. However, they will not be the types to go out to a party elsewhere. Being home is what they love the most. However, Cancerians will open up to those who they trust if they know that they can help them with a situation.

7. Capricorn

Capricorn is the least introverted sign. In fact, they can be considered as ambiverts. However, Capricorns are introverts most of the time. This is because they know how to stay quiet and keep their aspirations to themselves. And they have an extremely independent streak. This is what makes them introverted. However, they can be extroverted whenever a situation suits them as they are also adaptable.

Fire, Water, Earth, Air: Which Elements Are More Likely to be Introverted?

If you pay close attention, you may have noticed that the list is dominated by earth and water signs. The earth element is typically down-to-earth and prefers to live in their own universe. On the other hand, water signs are slightly more flexible but they prefer to flow in a certain direction. And sometimes this preference results in them preferring solidarity so they can pursue their goals.

It is perhaps surprising that the most introverted sign, Aquarius, is neither an earth sign or a water sign. The air sign champions the zodiac introversion rank because of it’s naturally detached and extremely independent nature. Other air signs are not present in this list, so are the fire signs. The fire element and most of the air element is naturally extroverted.

You may be wondering why Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius that you know is one of the most introverted people around. Well according to astrology, the sun sign only makes up a fraction of who we are. There are other factors in someone’s personal horoscope. Take a look at their moon sign or rising sign, as well as the houses in the chart and see where most of the planets are. If you have an individual that has an Aries sun but has a Pisces Moon and has a lot of planets in the 12th house which is the house naturally ruled by Pisces with Virgo rising -then that is the reason that this individual is an introvert.

With that said, the opposite could also be true. You could have a Virgo individual for instance that is extremely outgoing because of other influencing factors in that person’s birth chart.

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