How to Be a Very Cold and Quiet Person

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Some people who are introverts by nature spend their lives pretending to be outgoing extroverts in a misguided effort to please others. Introversion is nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s healthy for your wellbeing if you can accept yourself as you are. If you prefer to keep to yourself most of the time, send out signals—through what you say and don’t say, through body language, and so on—to let others know. Embrace your ability to live life on your own terms, but never use introversion as an excuse to be hostile towards others.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Sending Signals to Others

PDF download Download Article
  1. Having friends and connecting with other people is emotionally healthy, but so is spending time alone. If you’re happier and healthier with more “me time” than others might be, that’s okay. [1]
    • When you need to interact even though you don’t really feel like doing so, organize your thoughts so you can keep the interaction as brief and basic as possible.
    • If you’re not comfortable sitting in the middle of the crowd in school, look for a spot in the back of the room or another more isolated spot. Join the crowd when you want to.
  2. There will be times when you have to talk to others, but don’t try to be talkative or even loud and boisterous just to “fit in” or please others. Being quiet most of the time, and being thoughtful and soft-spoken when you do communicate, will send out the message that you want to interact with others on your own terms. [2]
    • Pause and think before speaking. Consider whether a comment is really necessary. It is surprising how often being quiet is the best response.
    Advertisement
  3. Expressing your opinions openly will draw attention and maybe even stir up trouble with other people. Save these opinions for close friends and family, or for times when you feel the urge to share them. [3]
    • Other people may see you as fascinatingly mysterious if you don’t share your feelings and opinions widely.
  4. For instance, if you’re in the hallway between classes, lean against the wall with your arms crossed or in your pockets, and with the bottom of one foot resting up on the wall. This body language reveals a distanced attitude. [4]
    • Limit the amount of eye contact you make. Instead, look down at your feet or stare off into space.
  5. Go ahead and be silent when you want, but do speak when spoken to and use at least a mildly pleasant tone. There’s no reason to give the impression of being rude. If you want to give off any impression at all, it's best to seem mysterious. [5]
    • Being “very cold and quiet” doesn’t mean you have a free pass to treat other people like trash. You deserve to be able to be left alone, but other people deserve to be treated by you with basic dignity and respect.
    6. Advertisement
Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: Am I Introverted or Extroverted?

Personality. You’ve got one; your friends have one—everyone has one! But what does it say about you and your social tendencies? In the early 1900s, Carl Jung coined the terms “introvert” and “extrovert” to describe personality traits and behaviors. Introverts tend to be more reserved, whereas extroverts thrive on social interaction. So, where do you fall? Are you an introvert, extrovert, or something in between? Answer these questions about what you would do in any given situation to find out.
1 of 12

It’s Friday night—woohoo! What are your weekend plans?

Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Following Your Own Path

PDF download Download Article
  1. Be courteous to others, but stop choosing actions based on the sole criteria of whether those actions will please others. Learn to set boundaries on your time and availability so that others become aware of your limits. [6]
    • Sometimes, you just really need to say something like the following: “I’m sorry, but no, I can’t help you today. I really need some “me time” this afternoon.”
    • You have no right to harm others through your actions or inaction, but you also shouldn’t feel guilty about prioritizing your own wants when possible.
  2. If a particular situation or someone else’s words or actions make you want to grin, smirk, or do nothing at all, follow your instincts. Accept your own honest feelings, actions, and words—or the lack thereof—as valid. That said, you must also accept others’ honest reactions to the ways in which you respond or don’t respond. [7]
    • Being yourself is more important than basing your actions on the opinions of others, but that doesn’t mean you’re free to be rude or spiteful. Don’t respond at all instead of being intentionally rude in your response. Others may still interpret your lack of response as rude, but that’s out of your control.
  3. When you’re trying to figure out what you truly want to be or do, don't concern yourself with how other people might interpret your actions. Eventually, you’ll have to factor in whether you’re unnecessarily bothering or harming others, but save that evaluation for later, after you’ve identified your path.
    • For instance, focus first only on your own wants as you come to the realization that you want to quit your job and find something better suited to your personality. Only after you’ve identified this want should you consider how it might impact others around you.
  4. For example, your classmates in school might want to go play football or swim or ice skate, but you might just want to read a good book. Reading is both an emotionally calming and mentally stimulating activity for many introverts, so don’t be ashamed to make it your leisure activity of choice. [8]
    • Journaling, writing creatively, and producing artwork are also activities that are often well-suited to introverts. However, don’t feel obligated to do only these things because you’re an introvert. If you want to go play football or ice skate, do it!
  5. Cold people don’t let anyone close enough to get to know them and they know a lot of ways to do it. When someone ask about themselves, they distract or change the conversation. It’s not necessarily because they dislike people, but they find it more difficult than most to be congenial or engaging. And if the coldness is soul-deep, they don’t feel enough interest in other people to justify showing any. They isolate themselves to avoid those who might want to get to know them.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Accepting and Improving Yourself

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can’t control whether other people accept you as you are, but you can control whether you do. If, for instance, you’re naturally quiet and have a disinterested and indifferent attitude to many things in life, accept that as your truth. So long as you aren’t causing harm, there’s no reason you can’t be who you are and be proud about it. [9]
    • Instead of wishing you were different, take the time to really learn about yourself. Identify and celebrate the positives about “you being you,” and identify paths toward self-improvement when appropriate.
    • Be self-centered. You are your own main focus. Cold people don’t have an easy time talking to other people, much less seeing life from someone else’s way. Be neither curious nor interested in other people.
  2. Learn to recognize your honest feelings and reactions, then decide which you want to keep and which you want to adjust. Make it your goal to be the best version of yourself. [10]
    • Don’t ignore your shortcomings, but also don’t berate yourself for having shortcomings. Identify them, learn from them, and strive to make improvements, but don’t try to completely change who you are.
  3. Introverts, especially those who are both quiet and cold by nature, sometimes get labeled as “dark, “disturbed,” or even “dangerous.” These are rarely fair or true labels, but if you feel like your thoughts or actions aren’t good for your own wellbeing or the wellbeing of others, never be ashamed to seek professional help. [11]
    • Talk to your primary care doctor for referrals to mental health professionals.
    • A good therapist won’t try to change who you are. Instead, they’ll use various techniques to help you bring out a healthier version of yourself.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If someone walks up to you and asks why you never talk, feel free to honestly answer, “That’s just the way I am.” If the question is delivered in an offensive or accusatory tone, consider adding something like, "Why is it any of your business?"
        Thanks
        Helpful 37 Not Helpful 2
      • Being an introvert doesn't mean you can't have friends. You may have fewer but deeper friendships, in fact.
        Thanks
        Helpful 30 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Some people may view you as simply "weird." Just remember that you can’t control others’ opinions of you.
        Thanks
        Helpful 108 Not Helpful 6
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Be Nonchalant
      How to
      Make Yourself Emotionally Numb
      How to
      Be Emotionless
      12 Reasons Guys Get Distant After Sex
      How to
      Act Cold
      How to
      Look Entirely Emotionless
      How to
      Be Cold Hearted
      Learn to Be Emotionless & Cope with Whatever Life Throws at You
      How to
      Stop Talking to Someone You Like
      12 Simple Ways to Stop Caring So Much
      How to
      Be Indifferent: Your Guide to Not Caring
      How to
      Be Emotionally Detached
      How to
      Stop Being Apathetic
      How to
      Overcome Emotional Numbness
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/spirit/why-you-must-have-solitude-and-time-for-yourself/all
      2. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/21-tips-to-stop-being-a-people-pleaser/
      3. ↑ https://scottberkun.com/2009/how-to-keep-your-mouth-shut/
      4. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/understanding-others.html
      5. ↑ https://introvertdear.com/news/dont-call-an-introvert-rude-for-not-talking/
      6. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/21-tips-to-stop-being-a-people-pleaser/
      7. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/21-tips-to-stop-being-a-people-pleaser/
      8. ↑ https://www.learning-mind.com/fun-hobbies-introverts/
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/nurturing-self-compassion/201706/seven-reasons-be-proud-be-introvert
      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-do-life/201906/10-self-improvement-musts
      2. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-choose-a-therapist-and-other-questions-about-psychotherapy/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 412,573 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Sihi Shetty

        Jan 29, 2020

        "I've been depressed lately because my best friends have been betraying and using me to get guys. I just told ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement