The term "introvert" is often associated with qualities of antisocial behavior, like being reserved, isolated, unfriendly, etc. Acceptance of this stigma creates an even larger misunderstanding of what introverted individuals are truly like.
The reality is, those who consider themselves introverted may have a social life identical to that of an extrovert. One of the principal differences between the two classifications is social tolerance. Extroverted individuals strive for social interactions; it fuels their energy. Introverted individuals find prolonged social interactions exhausting and require alone time to replenish their energy. It is important for me to note that by no means does this imply that introverts do not enjoy social interactions.
Most individuals tend to associate themselves as either an extrovert or introvert, (whichever one they feel represents themselves the best), but what about those who find themselves falling in-between the two main categories? The term "ambiverts" refers to those who, for the most part, find themselves possessing qualities of both extroverts and introverts, equally. These are the individuals who despise small talk, but flourish in social situations.
Personally speaking, growing up, I was an ambivert child. This began to change once I started high school and began transitioning to becoming an introverted individual. Contrary to stereotypical belief, this did not cause me to isolate myself from my peers. I spent a majority of my high school career attending school functions, engaging in extracurricular clubs and events, and maintaining a wide community of friends. The only difference between my extroverted classmates and I was I preferred spending my free time alone, rather than going out. My need for social engagement was, and still is, moderate.
Attending university as an introvert has definitely been an adjustment for me. I will openly admit that the amount of social situations university has created has definitely, at times, been overwhelming. Finding time to focus on unwinding alone has been vital in restoring my energy levels, as well as helpful in overall relaxation. For the most part, though, university has been a wonderful experience for expanding my knowledge and meeting a variety of interesting, delightful people.
Introverts cherish the company of others, but also wish to have downtime in-between social interactions to refuel their energy. It is true that antisocial individuals can be introverted, but being introverted does not make an individual is antisocial. Understand an introvert and break the stigma.
