The terms extrovert and introvert are just fancy ways of describing an individuals natural way of being. If you are someone who is extroverted, you are usually outgoing, social, and find that you are at your happiest when you're surrounded by people. Being introverted on the other hand means you are perfectly comfortable spending time alone. In fact, introverts use this time to refuel their energy after being around people all day long.
But what happens when you can identify with both? You absolutely love socializing, and are usually always down for a night out with friends... but the next day feel the intense need to retreat into your bedroom for 3 days to recharge and simply enjoy your own company.
Here are 7 struggles every 'social introvert' can relate to:
1. Always having to explain yourself.
You find yourself struggling to explain to others that you absolutely love people, but also find them completely draining at times.
2. Recovery days.
You've just spent the entire night socializing and having an amazing time with your friends. The next day, you prefer to stay in and unwind from the nights events. But the people around you don't understand why you'd rather spend the day relaxing or being by yourself. Because, again, you had so much fun the night before, why the sudden need to be alone?
3. Avoiding small talk.
Wanting to engage with others at a social event, or party, but being completely opposed to having small talk. In your mind, you are thinking of all the energy it is taking to simply be present. You absolutely do not want to waste that energy talking about the weather. But how does one jump right into a meaningful conversation without all the awkwardness in between?
4. Running out of energy midway.
Now that you've spent all of your energy making small talk, initiating conversations, and being the life of the party... you're drained. But the thing is, the night isn't over yet, and your 100% extroverted friends are still having the time of their lives. You now spend the rest of the night trying your best not to be a downer. But in your mind, you want to go home, curl up in a warm blanket, and binge watch a show on Netflix.
5. You are not anti-social, you're selectively social.
You are a person who puts a lot of thought into who you spend your time with and give energy to. So sometimes, you can come off 'stuck up' to those around you.
6. Fake it til' you make it.
You sometimes go out of your way to avoid people, but when you inevitably run into them and must interact, you give it your all and make it seem like there is absolutely nothing in the world that you'd rather be doing.
7. Acceptance.
Some people cannot grasp the concept that you can be both extremely outgoing, and completely shy and reserved at the same time. You often feel confused and frustrated when you find yourself caught between the two worlds. But your personality should be versatile. Our unique characteristics are what makes us beautiful. It is okay to party hard one night, and want to spend the next day at a coffee shop, or bookstore enjoying that time by yourself, refueling and enjoying your own company. You may sometimes feel like you are the only one with this struggle, but believe me, there are tons and tons of people out there who share the same feelings.
