1. We share all the struggles of introverts...
Groups of people, especially ones you don't know, can be extremely anxiety-inducing and exhausting. You may have been labeled as "quiet" in school, but once you get the chance to know someone, it'll all be A-OK. Still, there's no polite way to say "I love you, but I don't feel like being with you right now."
2. ...and we share all the struggles of extroverts.
Sometimes your mind -- and your mouth -- just keep going and going and going ... You really want to go out, even if your friends may not feel like it. As much as you love your squad, sometimes you feel the need to meet a ton of new people -- like, now.
3. Some people know your introverted self, and others know your extroverted self.
Meeting someone new while you're feeling social is always a good time, but when you're feeling more reserved, your mood might take some explaining to your new friend. I swear, it's not you, it's me.
4. Most people don't even know what an ambivert is.
A common misconception about introversion and extroversion is that a person is simply one or the other. Extroversion is a spectrum, and most people fall somewhere in between. An ambivert is someone who identifies as in between the two extremes and shows characteristics of both introverts and extroverts.
5. Your extroverted-self makes plans, but your introverted-self doesn't want to go.
Since your social mood changes so quickly, plans you were looking forward to can suddenly seem like a chore. On the contrary, sometimes you may end up regretting not joining in on super fun plans with friends.
6. You're unsure whether you're freaking someone out by how much you're talking once you get to know them.
When you finally become familiar with someone, it becomes a lot easier to open up and talk about nearly anything. Especially if you're feeling quiet while you're first getting to know each other, it can feel like a huge difference when you're comfortable enough to open your mouth. Maybe too much of a difference? Was it too soon?
7. People often assume that you're shy.
This is an incorrect assumption that's often made with introverts as well. Shyness is defined as the "tendency to feel awkward, worried or tense during social encounters, especially with unfamiliar people," according to the American Psychological Association. Introversion, on the other hand, is a tendency to focus on your internal feelings rather than external sensation. While most people tend to feel shy sometimes, introverts simply prefer to relax and regroup with some quality alone time.
8. Sometimes you feel like going out but you don't want to socialize with anyone you don't know.
Nearly everyone has been there: you're in the mood to go out so you accompany a friend to a party, just to realize that you don't know anyone there so you stick to your friend like glue for the rest of the night.
9. How you feel and how much energy you have can completely reverse in a split second.
One person, group or conversation has the potential to drain all remaining energy from you in a matter of seconds. Sometimes, you just don't have the energy to begin with, and that's OK. If you need a break from people, take one. If you want to spend time with someone, reach out to a friend. Do what you need to do!
10. Being one of the first to leave a social event.
Big gatherings like parties tend to be hit-or-miss for us ambiverts. Maybe the night started out great, but you're tired of the time things are starting to get interesting. Don't let anyone pressure you into staying when you don't want to -- no good can come from that. Hey, at least you went for a while.
11. That awful feeling when someone tells you you're being too quiet or too talkative.
You can't control how you're feeling at a given moment, so don't take it to heart if someone decides to be rude. Being an ambivert means you're always aware of how you're feeling -- outgoing, reserved or in between -- and having someone criticize your behavior definitely doesn't make it any easier.
