I hit submit to the “Myers- Briggs Personality Test" and staring back at me were four letters, the first one being I. Introvert. Some of what I was reading did not make sense at all; I don’t sit at home alone every weekend, I don’t freak out at the thought of being with too many people.

However, some of what I was reading made sense and did resonate with me; my environment is very influential in my energy levels, I need time to think and reflect, I do need my alone time to recharge. I am a walking contradiction. An introverted extrovert.

Society labels introverts as “the shy ones,” the people who tend to keep more to themselves and extroverts as "social butterflies," the people who gain energy from others. I do enjoy being around big groups of people, I can be very outgoing and extroverted with the people I know. However, upon first meeting me, I am pretty reserved. Despite the RBF, I am not awkward or standoffish. I just need some time to warm up.

I often tend to have my head in the clouds. People tell me I think too much, and I definitely do. My thoughts are constantly shooting in one million different directions. “Clear your mind.” Forget it. Impossible.

Some days, I question everything that goes through my mind, often allowing it to lead to stress and uncertainty. I am busy analyzing myself and acting as my toughest critic, thinking "I could have done that better." However, I love listening, I could listen to you talk all day. Small talk isn't really my strong suit, however, deeper conversations allow me to feel connected and engaged.

All this used to make me crazy. But, I have begun to appreciate my introverted tendencies. I have been able to find the balance between those and my extroverted ones. Being alone, and taking time for myself, is not anything I should feel bad about. I am able to form a tight-knit group of friends whom I feel completely comfortable around.

My personality can come off as extremely enigmatic to some, but I have come to see it as one of my greatest traits.