10 Signs You Might Be An Introvert

Do you sometimes feel completely drained after socializing too much? Would you rather spend the evening at home in your pajamas binging Netflix alone? If so, you might be an introvert.

I realized I was an introvert during my teenage years when I had a little sit down with the school psychologist, which was not something I regularly did. It was after a string of anxious breakdowns and my ability to zone out and stare into space for no apparent reason at all.

Which I know understand is associated with anxiety, but because I was young I immediately presumed the worst, especially when a teacher referred me to the school shrink.

Anyway, we had a very long chat about anxiety and everything associated with it. I explained what was going on in my head on a day-to-day basis, and how utterly mortified I was to even be talking to her. I assumed there was something seriously wrong with me.

After a while, she assured me that what I was feeling was very common and all associated with an anxiety disorder. She also listened to me ramble on about how I much prefer to be alone, away from everybody in my own carefree little bubble.

She mentioned the word introvert, and I remember thinking, “what the heck is that.” She broke down every sign, symptom, and how normal it was and she really put my mind at rest. I left the office feeling calm, relaxed, and not some anxious nervous wreck of a girl.

So I am an introvert and I love it.

Some people think that being an introvert means you’re anxious, shy, and quiet but that’s not necessarily the case.

The main difference between introverts and extroverts is how either one gets their energy. Extroverts thrive on the energy of others and all the social settings they find themselves in.

Introverts’ energy comes from within (doesn’t that sound so magical? It does to me anyway.) Introverts use their own energy, So let’s say you’re an introvert and you're attending a family party full of hundreds of people,

You can be having a good time on the outside, but inside you have the overwhelming urge to leave and go home. You can get very excited at the thought of changing into your comfy clothes, grabbing that naughty tub of ice cream and watching your favorite tv shows, but instead of being surrounded by others, you want and need to do this ALONE.

This is your time to recharge your batteries and clear your thoughts and mind. You feel so much better afterwards, and you can feel much happier after having that alone time.

There can also be introverts that enjoy socializing they’re not all shy, anxious people who prefer staying home alone. I know several people who are introverts but they absolutely love to socialize.

I always assumed introverts hated the idea of large gatherings and any social interaction but I was totally wrong, there are many, many people who I think are super confident and totally extroverted, but then they turn out to be the total opposite. They love being home alone and having that much-needed ME time, but then they also love to spend time with friends and enjoy being the center of attention.

There are many types of introverts.

There are anxious introverts, social introverts and thinking introverts.

Anxious introverts are a little shy and find it very difficult to relate and talk to people.

Social introverts can enjoy being around others and find it easier to make small talk than anxious introverts.

Thinking introverts spend a lot of time in their own head and are creative.

So if you wondering if you are an introvert then keep reading below.

1) You prefer spending time alone.

As I mentioned above, introverts need that alone time to recharge. Whereas an extrovert may get very bored spending hours alone with a cuppa tea either binging Netflix or spending your entire morning writing on medium, (just like I’m doing right now.)

This downtime can feel so satisfying and makes an introvert feel good about themselves.

2) People often tell you to “relax”

I hate it when people say this to me. However, when I’m in a social situation, I can feel incredibly tense and have that massive urge to escape. I feel hot, sweaty and I can usually feel my face burning up.

So if I'm feeling this bubbling away inside me then god knows what I look like on the outside.

It can be incredibly annoying when people tell you to relax, but in the end, they’re right.

3) You would rather sit far away from everybody

You will tend to avoid being surrounded by dozens of people on every side of you.

You’re more likely to sit in places where you can quickly get up and escape if you need to. Take the cinema, for example, you will either pick the aisle at the back, or the chair at the end of the row so you can have your own space and an escape route if needed.

4) You feel drained after you’ve been socializing for too long.

If you start feeling tired and find yourself zoning out, then it’s likely because you’re trying to conserve your energy (remember the magical thing I mentioned.)

When you arrive home you need to chill out in a nice quiet environment alone.

5) You will not answer your phone even if it's your friends or family

You’re not being horrible and nasty. You just need to mentally prepare and gather enough of that magical energy to attempt a civilized conversation.

6) You notice all the little overlooked details

Being an introvert surrounded by people can often cause you to stand still and observe. By doing this, you will take everything in and listen to others thoroughly.

So you will remember all the little details from a conversation and everything going on around you.

7) You’re an old soul

Introverts will observe and can retain a bunch of information. Being slightly anxious, you will think before you speak. Some people may call you wise beyond your years.

8) Do you have an inner voice?

I feel as if I’m talking to myself every day (obviously on the inside, however, there have been occasions when I will talk to myself out loud, causing afew strange looks from family members.)

It can feel like your inner monologue is constantly rabbiting on and on, but that’s okay, it can be another sign that you’re an introvert.

9) You find crowds stressful.

This can go either way. As I mentioned earlier, you can be an introvert and still enjoy socializing and spending time with others, however, you can also be an introvert and despise it.

10) You pretend not to see somebody in the street

You are strolling along the street and notice either a blast from your past or a recent acquaintance. Oh my god, panic sets in, and you quickly pull out your phone and frantically tap away and pretend your phone is bombarded with missed calls and texts that you somehow missed.

When the person approaches you, your inner voice repeats over and over again, “please don’t notice me, please just walk past and carry on with your day.”

You hope and pray that they won't suddenly say, “Oh hi how are you.”

It’s okay to be introverted a lot of people are, it doesn’t mean you’re weak and shy it simply means that you prefer being alone rather than in groups. Or as mentioned, you can enjoy being in groups but also enjoy and need that downtime aswel.

Remember, an introvert’s energy comes from within (I absolutely love that, it reminds me of the movie the craft.)

Now it's over to you.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?