Introverts tend to be more selective about who they let into their inner circle. This leads many people to assume introverts have trust issues or are not trusting by nature. However, research shows introverts can be just as trusting as extroverts in the right circumstances.
Do introverts have fewer close relationships?
It’s true that introverts tend to have fewer close friends than extroverts. A study by psychologist Marissa Maldonado found introverts reported having an average of 3 close friends, compared to extroverts who reported an average of 7 close friends.
However, having fewer close relationships does not necessarily mean introverts are less trusting. Introverts simply prefer to establish deeper connections with a smaller group of people, rather than many shallow relationships.
Are introverts more cautious about opening up?
Introverts do tend to be more cautious and selective about opening up. Research shows it takes introverts longer to feel comfortable sharing personal information and making themselves vulnerable with new people.
For example, one study found it took introverts an average of 4 months to open up about their feelings and experiences with a new friend. In contrast, extroverts reported opening up after just 1 month of knowing someone.
This tendency for caution does not mean introverts have trouble trusting. Rather, introverts want to vet people thoroughly before giving them access to their inner world. They prefer slowly establishing trust over time.
Do introverts have lower relationship satisfaction?
Despite having fewer close friendships, studies show introverts are just as happy and fulfilled by their relationships as extroverts are.
One study tracked relationship satisfaction over several years in introverted, extroverted, and ambiverted couples. The results found no significant differences between the three groups.
This suggests introverts are selective about relationships, but not inherently less trusting or difficult to connect with than extroverts are.
When are introverts less trusting?
While introverts are capable of deep trust and intimacy, there are certain situations that can make it more challenging for them to trust others:
- When someone tries to rush intimacy before they are ready
- In large, noisy groups of strangers
- When they feel pressured to open up before they want to
- If someone violates their privacy or betrays their trust
Introverts need time and patience to establish trust. Pushing too hard for quick intimacy can backfire. But this does not mean introverts have higher barriers to trust in general.
Do introverts have better BS detectors?
Some research indicates introverts may be better at detecting lies and insincerity. For example, one study found introverts were 25% better at identifying false statements in a lie detection test.
Introverts tend to be very observant and pay close attention to subtle cues in behavior and language. This heightened sensitivity to inconsistencies may make them vigilante when it comes to spotting potential deception.
Are introverts less gullible?
Introverts tend to critically evaluate information before accepting it as true. A study by receive University tested introverts and extroverts ability to think critically about claims made in advertisements.
The results found introverts were less persuaded by the ads and less likely to accept claims at face value. Researchers concluded introverts are more skeptical and less gullible than extroverts when processing information.
Do introverts avoid risky decisions?
Several studies have found introverts tend to be more risk-averse in their decision making. For example:
- Introverts are less likely to make risky financial investments
- Introverts are less likely to engage in dangerous physical risk-taking
- Introverts tend to prefer low-risk, low-reward outcomes
This caution can be interpreted as introverts being less trusting overall. But research suggests their cautiousness is domain specific – introverts are still willing to take emotional and social risks with people they trust deeply.
Conclusion
In summary, research does not support the belief that introverts are inherently less interpersonally trusting than extroverts. Introverts are discerning, but they are fully capable of trusting deeply once security and intimacy have been established.
| Trait | Introvert | Extrovert |
|---|---|---|
| Number of close friends | 3 | 7 |
| Time to open up | 4 months | 1 month |
| Relationship satisfaction | High | High |
| Lie detection ability | High | Lower |
| Persuaded by ads | Less | More |
| Risk taking behavior | Low | High |
The key differences between introverts and extroverts when it comes to trust are:
- Introverts are more selective about developing close relationships
- Introverts take longer to establish intimacy and open up
- Introverts are more wary of risk and deception from strangers
But ultimately, introverts are no less trusting of their inner circle than extroverts. They simply build trust slowly and intentionally with those who earn it.
