It can be hard to be introverted. It can be hard to be sensitive, too, and when you combine introversion and sensitivity, you can feel misunderstood. But, there are always ways to get to know and love a sensitive introvert. Here is a guide to the heart of the sensitive introvert:

1. Talk to relate, not to intimidate
2. When they talk, listen
3. Take them to libraries or other quiet places
4. Let them have alone time
5. Find out what they like to do (like get them a sketchbook and a pencil… they’ll be occupied for hours)
6. Open up to them
7. Don’t expect too much information from them right away
8. Watch movies together, where talking isn’t necessary all of the time
9. Don't pressure them into public speaking when it’s not mandatory
10. Encourage them
11. Share music with them and let them share music with you
12. Don’t make fun of them constantly (teasing is usually okay)
13. Don’t make them feel stupid
14. Read a book they always talk about
15. Show them a book you always talk about
16. If you invite them to do something, have something planned, don’t just ask what they want to do when they arrive
17. Smile, smile, smile
18. Let them write their feelings if it’s easier
19. Understand that sometimes they need to get away from the crowd to recuperate
20. Go for walks
21. Pet dogs or kittens or whatever animal they like with them
22. Write letters
23. Go out for coffee one on one
24. Let them meet people cautiously
25. Let them live in a world of dreams sometimes
26. Don’t degrade their ideal world even if it's not realistic
27. Let them cry if they need to cry
28. Let them talk when they want to talk
29. Tell them jokes
30. Understand that they need time to think about things
31. Let them send an email instead of calling someone they’re unfamiliar with
32. Don’t overwhelm them with large crowds
33. Surprise them with small things, even as small as a hug or an “I thought of you today because I saw [whatever it was]"
34. Understand that they’re trying their best
35. Don’t call them awkward or annoying- especially annoying
36. NEVER CALL THEM ANNOYING
37. LIKE EVER
38. Let them observe the world around them without having to talk constantly
39. Be straightforward in the kindest way possible
40. Watch sunsets with them, or sunrises
41. Go for hikes and look at nature and the beauty of it
42. Go to the ocean
43. Make an effort with them to engage them in conversation at first
44. Ask questions if you want to know more about them (don't expect a flood of information immediately, sometimes they need to share when they're ready)
45. Let them let you talk more at first
46. Let them laugh off their emotions when they’re feeling vulnerable and nervous
47. Show them that it’s safe to tell you the truth
48. Understand that sometimes days filled with reading and tea are days that are vital to survival
49. Talk to them about others in your life, like family and close friends- show you have strong connections with other people
50. When they let you in, don’t cut them out of your life… they will always have your back, they will always listen, and they will always care deeply.