For those of you who are not aware, many people can classify their personalities into two categories: Introvert and Extrovert. An introvert being someone who finds energy from alone time, needs some space from people in order to recharge, and who does not necessarily want to talk out their problems or concerns with others initially. Extroverts on the other hand find it energizes them to be around people more, like larger groups and parties, and tend to talk things out with another person. Keep in mind, this is a loose definition for both. They feel comfortable with being the life of the party or the center of attention, while the introverts might feel more comfortable in the crowd, or taking a back seat.

Personally, I would consider myself an introvert because every so often I need to have some alone time, take some space, and have down time without the company of others. This does not reflect on other people, or mean that I have any negative feelings towards others, I truly love the people in my life and would be completely lost without them. This simply means that some times, I need a breather and just to take a break from being a butterfly of social things. This is where some introverts are confused with being anti-social, because it's not quite the case. Its just a difference in how we unwind. Its the same difference between someone who prefers crunchy versus smooth peanut butter, they both are peanut butter, but they are just a little different.

However, here is where I diverge just a tad from the typical. I was raised in a big family who was very social. Therefore, I was always expected to be constantly open and social with all the people. This is not a bad thing, and honestly I am very grateful for it because it forced me to be more of an outgoing person when naturally, I am not. It gave me extrovert standards. It pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and maybe be more outgoing, entertain company more, and talk situations or problems out loud when I would generally prefer to internalize.

I noticed it when I went away to college, where you are constantly around people. In your room, with your roommate or whoever has wandered in. In class, in the caf, at events, and even when studying in places like the library, people are literally everywhere. A few weeks in, I was exhausted because going along with my extrovert standards, I had gone to everything I could and accepted every invitation given to me for anything. But there I was, by labor day weekend, I went home and slept for a solid 16 hours. I suddenly realized the introvert in me was going to need to find some time away in order to survive. Thats when I started finding small quiet moments. Secluded places, odd study spots that I still hold in secrecy, and moments away I put into my daily routine to keep me sane. I still practice this, much to the annoyance of the extroverts in my life who question why I disappear sometimes.

This makes the odd combo of being an Introvert with Extrovert standards. Breaking it down, I need my time away but I also have become more comfortable with the extrovert whatnots.