If the thought of ordering a beverage at a crowded bar or engaging in light conversation with unfamiliar faces at a gathering sends you scurrying for the nearest escape, you are *likely* an introvert — and that’s totally okay! We recognize you. We *are* you.
There’s no embarrassment in favoring a snug evening at home with an engaging read over a night on the town, but that doesn’t mean you’re condemned to a life of seclusion. In truth, introverts can be extraordinary partners, lovers, and friends — once we are at ease with someone.
### Where do introverts discover love?
Surprise! [Dating apps](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-dating-apps) (along with a few of the enduring traditional dating websites) are *the* prime spot for introverts. These platforms allow you to present your authentic self without the stress of always having to perform, as you might feel in a conventional social environment.
Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable
Exhausted by casual dating? Explore the best dating apps for serious relationships
While dating apps are often unfairly perceived as a last resort for those in despair, they provide introverts with an essential cushion. These platforms enable us to familiarize ourselves with potential partners gradually and at our own pace. When connecting with someone online, you have the opportunity to take your time cultivating deep, [meaningful connections](https://mashable.com/ad/article/how-social-discovery-group-makes-dating-fun) — the kind that can seem hard to find in today’s rapid and surface-level [dating culture](https://mashable.com/category/dating-relationships).
### What are the top dating sites for introverts?
Although we are enthusiastic advocates of [online dating](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-dating-apps), not every dating site is well-suited for introverts. Consider [Tinder](https://zdcs.link/EyE3J?pageview_type=RSS&template=roundup&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=Tinder&object_type=roundup&object_uuid=02cJiIUzQ4EQWjjkWtqW3fY&short_url=EyE3J&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Ffeeds%2Frss%2Fall) for instance. Its focus on hookups and swipe-left mechanics are a nightmare for bashful individuals who wish to connect with someone before diving into anything serious. (If dating apps were venues, Tinder would equate to a bustling sports bar.)
On the other hand, apps like [Hinge](https://zdcs.link/Y0mlR?pageview_type=RSS&template=roundup&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=Hinge&object_type=roundup&object_uuid=02cJiIUzQ4EQWjjkWtqW3fY&short_url=Y0mlR&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Ffeeds%2Frss%2Fall), [OkCupid](https://zdcs.link/Jdx3N?pageview_type=RSS&template=roundup&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=OkCupid&object_type=roundup&object_uuid=02cJiIUzQ4EQWjjkWtqW3fY&short_url=Jdx3N&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Ffeeds%2Frss%2Fall), and [Match](https://zdcs.link/Py52W?pageview_type=RSS&template=roundup