If you do these 10 things, you’re definitely an introvert

There’s a huge difference between being an introvert and being shy.

The difference lies in social energy. Being an introvert means you draw energy from solitude, while shyness is a fear of social judgment.

Being an introvert, in essence, is about finding comfort and satisfaction in your own company. And let me tell you, there are certain behaviors that are telltale signs of introversion.

Here are 10 things you might be doing that scream, “I’m an introvert!” But remember, it’s not about labeling yourself – it’s about understanding who you are.

1) You relish your alone time

There’s a common misconception that introverts despise social interaction.

The truth? It’s not about hating social events, it’s about how we recharge our batteries. Extroverts draw energy from being around others, while introverts recharge through solitude.

Let’s take an example. After a busy week at work, most people look forward to blowing off some steam with friends or family. But if you’re an introvert, you might prefer to spend your weekend curled up with a good book or watching your favorite show on Netflix.

This isn’t about being antisocial. It’s about finding peace and satisfaction in your own company, rejuvenating your mind, and embracing solitude as a friend rather than a foe.

If you often find yourself craving alone time after being in a crowd, you might just be an introvert. And remember, it’s not a bad thing – it’s just who you are.

2) Small talk isn’t your cup of tea

I remember the first office party I attended at my new job. As everyone was mingling and chit-chatting, I found myself gravitating towards the corner of the room. It’s not that I didn’t want to interact, but I just couldn’t find the energy to engage in all that small talk.

You see, introverts like me often find small talk superficial and draining. We crave deeper, more meaningful conversations. We want to know what makes you tick, what you’re passionate about, what keeps you awake at night.

We find these rich, layered conversations energizing and invigorating. If you, like me, dodge small talk at social gatherings and yearn for more substantial discussions, it could be a sign that you’re an introvert.

3) Crowded places overwhelm you

While extroverts often thrive in bustling environments, introverts tend to find them overwhelming. This is linked to the way our brains process information.

Research shows that introverts have a higher level of brain activity in their resting state compared to extroverts. This means that they are constantly processing information, even when in a calm environment.

So when you throw an introvert into a crowded place, their brain goes into overdrive, trying to absorb and process all the stimuli around them. This can lead to feelings of exhaustion and the need to escape and recharge in a quiet place.

That’s why if you often feel overwhelmed in crowded places, it might be because you’re an introvert. It’s not about being antisocial, it’s just how your brain is wired.

4) You think before you speak

Imagine being in a group discussion where everyone is throwing out ideas left and right. If you’re an introvert, you probably won’t jump in immediately. Instead, you’ll take your time, mull over the ideas being shared, process them, and then share your thoughts.

As an introvert, you likely prefer to think before you speak. You feel more comfortable taking your time to formulate your thoughts and opinions before voicing them out. This isn’t about being shy or hesitant, it’s about wanting to deliver well-thought-out input.

If you often find yourself holding back in conversations until you’ve fully processed your thoughts, it could be a sign that you’re an introvert. And there’s nothing wrong with that – some of the best ideas come from people who take the time to think things through.

5) You’re a keen observer

Sitting back and observing is a common trait among introverts. You’re likely to notice details that others might miss because you spend more time observing your surroundings.

This also extends to understanding people. As an introvert, you probably have a knack for picking up on other’s moods and body language because you spend more time observing and less time talking.

If you find yourself regularly noticing the small details in your environment or picking up on the subtleties of people’s behavior, it could be another sign that you’re an introvert. This ability to observe and understand can be a valuable asset in many areas of life.

6) You value a few close relationships

As an introvert, you likely prefer quality over quantity when it comes to relationships. Having a few close friends that you can trust and confide in is more important to you than having a large social circle.

This doesn’t mean you don’t value meeting new people, but you prefer to invest your time and energy into building deep, meaningful connections with a select few.

And let’s be clear, there’s something beautiful about this approach. In a world that often emphasizes popularity and the number of friends or followers one has, choosing to focus on the depth of your relationships is truly special.

If you find yourself happiest when surrounded by a few close friends, it’s another sign that you might be an introvert. This deep connection with others is one of the many strengths of being an introvert.

7) You often feel misunderstood

I remember back in high school, I was often labeled as ‘the quiet one’. People sometimes assumed that I didn’t have anything to say or that I was aloof. But the truth was, I just needed time to process my thoughts and felt more comfortable expressing myself in smaller, more intimate settings.

As an introvert, you might also have experienced similar situations. You might have felt misunderstood or misjudged because you didn’t fit into the societal norm of being outgoing or talkative.

Being an introvert is not a weakness. It’s simply a different way of interacting with the world. And those who take the time to understand will see the depth, thoughtfulness, and rich inner life that introverts bring to the table.

8) You can be outgoing… in the right circumstances

Surprisingly, being an introvert doesn’t mean you can’t be outgoing. In fact, many introverts can appear quite extroverted in the right circumstances.

When you’re passionate about something or when you’re with people you trust and are comfortable around, you might find yourself being quite chatty and engaging.

This is because introversion isn’t about being anti-social. It’s about where you derive your energy from. So, while socializing can be draining after a while, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it under the right conditions.

If you find yourself being outgoing at times, but still need to recharge in solitude afterwards, it’s another sign that you’re an introvert. It’s a beautiful balance of both worlds, don’t you think?

9) You’re often lost in thought

As an introvert, your inner world is rich and vibrant. You often find yourself lost in thought, daydreaming, or planning things in your head.

This is because introverts are typically reflective and introspective. They spend a lot of time thinking and analyzing, which can lead to great creativity and problem-solving skills.

If you frequently find yourself drifting off into your own world of thoughts, it’s another sign that you’re an introvert. This ability to think deeply and imaginatively is yet another strength of being an introvert.

10) You’re comfortable being yourself

The most important thing to understand about being an introvert is that it’s not something to be fixed or changed. It’s simply a part of who you are.

As an introvert, you’re comfortable being yourself, even if that means going against the grain of societal expectations. You value your quiet moments, your deep connections, and your rich inner life.

This self-acceptance and authenticity is the true mark of an introvert. It’s about embracing your unique way of interacting with the world and finding strength in your introverted traits.

Embrace your introversion

The beauty of human nature lies in its diversity. We all perceive and interact with the world in our unique ways.

For introverts, this uniqueness is often characterized by a love for solitude, a preference for deep conversations, heightened observation skills, and a rich inner world.

Remember, being an introvert is not about being shy or antisocial. It’s about where you draw your energy from and how you recharge.

Introversion is not a flaw to be fixed or a hurdle to be overcome. It’s a strength to be embraced. There’s immense power in quiet reflection, deep connections, and introspection.

So if you identify with these 10 signs, celebrate your introverted traits. They make you the thoughtful, observant, and authentic person you are.

In the words of Susan Cain, author of the acclaimed book ‘Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking’: “Introverts are capable of acting like extroverts for the sake of work they consider important, people they love, or anything they value highly”.

So here’s to all the introverts out there – your quiet power is indeed a force to reckon with.