Everyone has a type, they are either an extrovert or an introvert … right? That's what I always thought, but I've never felt like I belong in either of those groups. If you met me, you'd see I'm definitely not the shyest person in the world, but I'm definitely not a "people person." Then I realized something: I'm equal parts of both. Yes, every extrovert has a tiny little bit of introvert in them and vice versa, but I think some people (like me) are caught in between. If it doesn't make sense to you how someone can be both, here are some true examples that occur in my life.

Sometimes when I'm home relaxing, all I want to do is go out with some friends. Then when I do go out with my friends, all I want to do is go home and be alone.

If a stranger talks to me one on one, I probably seem very friendly and talkative. However, if I'm in a group of strangers, I probably won't say a word.

In middle school and high school, I often got in trouble for talking with my friends too much in class. When parent-teacher conferences came around, every teacher would say I need to speak up more in class.

I feel very comfortable in a customer service type position where I deal directly with customers at my work. I enjoy making small talk while they decide what to order or deal with concerns they have. However, I become very shy when I'm the one who has to talk to an employee. Sometimes I'm even to sheepish to ask where the bathroom is in a store.

I'm the loud and crazy one in my friend group, but my classmates in school think I never talk.

I love to perform on stage and in front of crowds, but I would never perform for a small group or for my friends and family.

I have a ton of friends and I love all of them, but I prefer to just hang out with one or two of my closest friends.

If I'm quiet during a conversation, it doesn't mean I don't want to talk. Odds are I have a lot to say but I'm deciding whether it's worth saying or not.

There's a difference between being alone and being lonely for me. I completely enjoy being alone, but I could feel lonely in a crowded room.

I might be the most talkative and friendly person at an event or party, but afterward I'll be socially exhausted and I'll be dead silent for the rest of the night.

I prefer to be included in things without being involved. I hate being left out of plans, but I don't always want to be active in every part of it. I like the company without the chaos. I'd much rather sit and listen to a conversation than either participate in it or not be there at all. This is why I'm most content at say a coffee shop, where I'm not alone but not directly involved with anyone.

These examples may not make sense to most people, as they see life through the lens of purely an introvert or extrovert. However, if you are an extroverted introvert like myself, I bet you find some familiarity in these juxtapositions. The most important thing to remember about extroverted introverts is that even if we don't always show how we feel, just know that we care with all of our hearts and appreciate everyone in our lives.