introverting
Retreating into oneself
Introverting is turning inward—directing attention, energy, or focus toward one's own thoughts and feelings rather than outward toward the world.
The term comes from psychology, where it describes the temperamental tendency opposite to extroverting: After a week of meetings, she spent the weekend introverting.
Someone might describe themselves as introverting hard after social exhaustion.
Moving back from advance
- withdrawingRemoving or pulling away
- disengagingReleasing from attachment
- detachingUnfastening from attachment
- distancingCreating space or separation
cocooning · receding · isolating · recharging · decompressing · unplugging · disconnecting · hibernating
Examining one's own mind
- self-examinationScrutiny of one's thoughts
- self-analysisScrutinizing one's own psyche
- self-awarenessInsight into one's psyche
- self-discoveryLearning one's true character
soul-searching · contemplation · introspection · self-inquiry · self-questioning · self-understanding · self-observation · self-assessment
Restrained in manner
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- inwardToward the inside
- self-containedWhole without external parts
- privateRestricted to certain parties
guarded · closed-off · uncommunicative · tight-lipped · aloof · distant · standoffish · reticent
Voluntary withdrawal from society
- privacyFreedom from observation
- solitaryExisting alone, apart
- reclusingWithdrawing into seclusion
- sequesteringRemoving from general access
retreating · sanctuary · me-time · isolation · aloneness · separateness
Lacking in sound
- reservedRestrained in manner
- subduedReduced in intensity
- soft-spokenSpeaking quietly, gently
- low-keyRestrained and understated
understated · muted · hushed · still · calm · silent · unobtrusive · gentle
retreating
Moving back from advance
- withdrawingRemoving or pulling away
- disengagingReleasing from attachment
- detachingUnfastening from attachment
distancing · cocooning · receding · isolating · recharging · decompressing · unplugging · disconnecting · hibernating
self-reflection
Examining one's own mind
- self-examinationScrutiny of one's thoughts
- self-analysisScrutinizing one's own psyche
- self-awarenessInsight into one's psyche
self-discovery · soul-searching · contemplation · introspection · self-inquiry · self-questioning · self-understanding · self-observation · self-assessment · mindfulness
reserved
Restrained in manner
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- inwardToward the inside
- self-containedWhole without external parts
private · guarded · closed-off · uncommunicative · tight-lipped · aloof · distant · standoffish · reticent · taciturn
seclusion
Voluntary withdrawal from society
sequestering · retreating · sanctuary · me-time · isolation · aloneness · separateness
quiet
Lacking in sound
- reservedRestrained in manner
- subduedReduced in intensity
- soft-spokenSpeaking quietly, gently
low-key · understated · muted · hushed · still · calm · silent · unobtrusive · gentle · peaceful
introvertingextroverting
Focusing attention outward
socializing · opening up · connecting · reaching out · mingling
convert, diversion, conversion, avert, divert, invert, revert, pervert, traverse