From the introvert who dislikes being alone.
Start writing a post
Student Life

I’m an introvert who hates being alone

Well, sometimes.

478
I’m an introvert who hates being alone
https://www.pexels.com/photo/fashion-woman-girl-women-34075/

As humans, we not only value connections with others, but we also need them to survive. Some of us are more introverted, receiving our energy from being alone, while others thrive off of surrounding themselves with people. Working and living abroad this summer has taught me a lot of things about myself (shocker!), including where I fall on the introversion-extroversion scale.

Since I have never really been a fan of small talk, and I definitely don't have the loudest voice in a large group of people, I always considered myself an introvert. However, in social situations when I feel comfortable around the people I am with, I will not stop talking, and the idea of meeting new people excites me. So, where do I fall on this scale? I still don't have an answer, but I know for sure I don't always enjoy being alone as much as the typical introvert would.

A couple of weeks ago, I found out I would be off from work for an entire week. Initially, I was elated. No work for a week meant I could sleep in and go to the beach every day.

A few days into my week off were relaxing. I slept in almost every day and did some necessary apartment cleaning. Having this alone time was nice, but too much of it quickly became draining.

I avoided doing things in public alone because I don't typically enjoy doing things alone. I take the bus to work every day alone, and I grocery shop alone, but I don't usually go on excursions without someone else by my side.

On one of my days off, I decided to go shopping and to the beach by myself. As I walked around the mall, I enjoyed shopping without a time constraint and without having to wait for anyone else. But I still wished for a shopping buddy, and as I sat on the beach alone, I couldn't help but wish that I was there with others.

So if all this time I have been calling myself an introvert, why do I prefer nights out overnights in, and why do I always prefer to do things with others?

It's because life isn't that black and white. From that week off, I learned that I don't fall on either side of the spectrum but somewhere in the middle. I'm happiest when I am around others who I get along with, not when I'm by myself. Other days I do crave my alone time, and when I spend a lot of time socializing with new people, I need that time to recharge.

So if you call yourself an introvert or if you stand by the fact that you are an extrovert, consider this: maybe you're neither. Maybe you're both. Maybe it isn't so black and white. Maybe you don't truly know yourself yet because you are growing each and every day.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54779
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35249
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957451
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

183963
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments