Embracing Community as an Introvert in Coliving Environment

The importance of community and connection for introverts

It’s a popular myth that introverts don’t like company or thrive only in solitude. In reality, introverts appreciate great conversations, deep connections, and finding that meaningful bond with another human being that goes beyond the superficial. 

We all long for a sense of belonging and being more quiet, reserved, or appreciating alone time doesn’t change that. Research suggests that social interaction, even in small doses, can improve the overall well-being and mental health of an individual, and, for introverts, the bar for this social interaction is a bit higher. 

So, while coliving spaces might seem like a challenge for introverts, they can actually be the perfect setup for introverts who struggle to make connections. 

If you’re an introvert, you know how to recognize that sense of fulfillment and personal growth that comes to life through authentic connections with like-minded individuals. 

And in a coliving, this is what it’s all about. Coliving spaces are not for rushed social interactions, packing all the things in a weekend, or being afraid to say you will stay in for the night; they are slowly building meaningful connections and taking time to take care of yourself as well. 

So, if you’re an introvert and coliving sounds scary, don’t worry about it - we’ll help you learn how to navigate the community.

The unique features of coliving spaces that make them conducive to introvert-friendly community living

Coliving spaces offer unique features that make them an awesome choice for introverts. In a coliving space, making new friends and connections feel more natural and less forced. 

Since you are cohabitating with others, you have the freedom to take your time getting to know them and share meaningful interactions when the timing feels right instead of feeling pushed into interactions with people you still don’t know. 

Also, coliving spaces often organize activities, events, and shared amenities that bring people together, reducing the need for introverts to initiate social interactions.

In coliving spaces, there is an emphasis on creating spaces that allow you to work, live, socialize, and be alone, so this freedom also caters to introverts' need for privacy and self-reflection. 

Coliving spaces offer private rooms where you can have personal time to decompress, relax, and self-reflect. Additionally, quiet corners in the house provide opportunities for introverts to reflect alone in the company of others.

At the same time, common areas are intentionally designed to foster social interaction and create opportunities for connections, so having clear knowledge of where these interactions take place reduces anxiety, as you can choose when to engage and when to enjoy your solitude.

But one of the biggest benefits of coliving spaces is the sense of mutual support and shared experiences. You are not alone in the initial awkwardness of meeting new people; everyone is navigating it together. This shared understanding creates a supportive environment where introverts can connect with others who may have similar interests or goals. The opportunity to share experiences and learnings with like-minded individuals enhances personal growth and encourages authentic connections.

Also, another thing that makes things easier is that in a coliving space, you will live with approximately 5 to 20 people. This community size takes the pressure off individuals to participate in every activity or constantly engage with others. There is a comforting assurance that someone else will step in if you choose not to participate, and the responsibility to prevent loneliness is shared among community members. This allows introverts to feel more at ease and be selective about their level of involvement.

How colivings allow introverts to engage in community activities at their own pace

So, the first thing coliving spaces do amazingly is what we talked about - providing a delicate balance between private and common areas, ensuring that everyone has the flexibility to participate in the community based on their comfort level. By securing spaces for solitude and reflection, coliving allows their residents to close off into their private rooms or find quiet corners in the house when they need time alone. Additionally, and to support this, the coliving culture understands and respects “alone time” allowing for open communication. 

In addition to this balance, coliving spaces also understand the importance of providing options for their residents to engage in smaller, more intimate gatherings or one-on-one interactions. 

These opportunities for more personal connections allow introverts to build relationships at a pace that feels comfortable to them. Whether it's a casual conversation over a cup of coffee or participating in a small group activity, introverts can choose interactions that align with their preferences. While colivings love helping their community connect with a bigger community in the area, they also put a special emphasis on the internal community, nurturing that “family” feeling and making the coliving a secure space. 

Another benefit of coliving spaces is the diverse range of activities and events they offer. Recognizing that different people have different interests and preferences, coliving spaces provide a variety of options for community engagement. 

This allows colivers to choose activities that resonate with them, enabling them to participate in experiences that genuinely spark their curiosity or align with their passions. While some people are extroverts and love the company, introverts might choose the activities more based on what suits them as an individual rather than just joining something because of others, and having many options (which colivings do) makes life easier. 

Lastly, the role of coliving managers or hosts is crucial in creating a non-judgmental environment that encourages introverts to participate at their own pace, free from pressure or expectations. The hosts and community managers should understand and respect the need for personal space and solitude while also fostering a sense of community. They are in charge of helping the residents create a supportive atmosphere where all will feel comfortable joining activities when they are ready, without feeling obligated or judged. 

So, through these thoughtful considerations and practices, coliving spaces empower introverts to engage in community activities on their terms. They provide a supportive environment that respects their boundaries and preferences while offering opportunities for meaningful connections and personal growth.

The advantages of smaller coliving communities for introverts

Lastly, if you’re really not into living with a lot of people, you should look into smaller coliving spaces. Luckily, there are a bunch of these - big houses or apartments that gather 5-7 people. This is the perfect amount for being able to connect with your fellow residents on a deeper level but having some leverage over other people in case your batteries are drained one day. With fewer people, the experience could be more intense and requires more engagement from you, so choosing the right size of the coliving can be very helpful. 

Smaller coliving communities foster a more intimate and close-knit environment, which aligns with the preferences of introverts. With fewer residents, it becomes easier for individuals to get to know each other on a more personal level. The smaller scale also allows you to form meaningful relationships and create a sense of camaraderie within the community.

Having a smaller pool of residents also increases the opportunity for everybody to connect, not just the loudest ones. In these environments, you will have more chances to discover common ground and engage in deeper conversations. This further creates chances to establish lasting connections and build relationships based on mutual understanding and support.

Lastly, the size of a smaller coliving community often leads to increased trust and comfort among its members. Introverts tend to thrive in environments where they feel safe and secure, enabling them to express themselves authentically. In a tight-knit community, you can be more open and vulnerable, knowing that you’re surrounded by individuals you trust. This level of trust fosters a supportive atmosphere where everyone can feel understood and valued.

In summary, coliving communities cater to introverts' desire for deeper connections and a sense of intimacy. Within these communities, introverts have the opportunity to form meaningful relationships, experience increased trust and comfort, and engage in social interactions more authentically.

The manageable social dynamic of coliving communities, regardless of their size, reduces overwhelm and creates an environment that aligns with introverts' preferences for meaningful and fulfilling connections.