Most people think of introverts as shy individuals who like to stay indoors all the time. While this can be true, for most introverts it's not even close. As an introvert myself, the stereotypes of introvert versus extrovert bothers me a bit. Not all introverts are hermits, and not all extroverts are party animals. Being an introvert versus being an extrovert is more so, in my opinion, about how you need to spend your "recovery time" as I call it.
Someone's recovery time is what I like to call the time someone spends reflecting on the days events. This could mean the time after a stressful day, or a day that wasn't particularly interesting or exciting. This recovery time is important to both the introvert and extrovert, but it isn't necessarily treated the same between the two. This isn't an exact science, just something I've observed over the past few years, so take it with a grain of salt.
Introverts tend to spend their recovery time in isolation. It's less about being alone and more so about being away from the chaos of the world. In my personal experience I need time, especially after a big event, just to be by myself and unwind from all the craziness that was the previous day. I tend to spend that time alone with a good read and some strong tea (it's even better if it's a rainy day). It may seem like we're being stand-offish, but it's only that we need a little time away from people and the outside world. Now, not all introverts need frequent recovery time, but it seems they tend to need more than your average extrovert. Extroverts also generally spend their recovery time with people around; maybe not a lot of people, but a few close friends are generally what they take comfort in. Introverts aren't as social as extroverts, but that doesn't mean they can't hold their own with the best of them.
While these are general categories that most people fit into, it's important to remember that each and every person have their own type of way they "recover." Not every introvert and extrovert follow their stereotypes, some people may not even fit into a category. Everybody is different and everybody has a different method of self-care. Just remember sometimes introverts need to be alone, but that doesn't mean they don't care about their relationships with others. They still care a great deal, they just need a little time to themselves. Don't take it personally, when the recovery time is over, you can bet they'll be ready to have an adventure or have a bonfire with the crew.
