Do you prefer a quiet night alone instead of barhopping with a group of friends? Do you find being at a party for more than an hour overwhelming, even though everyone else seems to be having a good time? Are you a quiet and private person compared to seemingly everyone around you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then congratulations, you are probably an introvert! That being said, you can probably relate to a lot of these feelings!

1. Attending a social event is like running a marathon

When you’re an introvert, attending parties, cookouts, or any other type of social gathering can be exhausting. You would much rather be lying in your bed at home while reading a book than talking to person after person in a crowded room. Introverts prefer to have short and meaningful conversations with individuals whom they are closest to. As such, the general atmosphere of being at a party and needing to make uncomfortable small talk with lots of people who you don’t really know is draining.

2. You don’t get how other people get lonely because you thrive in it

Everyone has that one friend who’s always complaining about how lonely they are on Twitter. But as for an introvert, loneliness just isn’t a problem. In fact, lots of introverts feel most comfortable when they’re on their own. There are fewer things that stress introverts out more than being pressured to be social, so when they finally get the chance to be alone it’s like taking a breath of fresh air.

3. Your space is your sanctuary

Whether it’s your bedroom, your study, or your living room, having your own space is a safe haven. After a long day of needing to interact with people at work or school, it’s relieving to have your own bubble to retreat to where you can simply enjoy your own company. There’s something incredibly cathartic in knowing there is nobody else around and you can simply be yourself and take it easy in your own way.

4. Getting people to understand that you care can be a challenge

Introverts tend to be rather quiet and private people, and as such, vocalizing how they feel can be a challenge. As a result, it’s easy for people who aren’t introverts to mistake reserved behavior for apathy. Just because an introvert doesn’t give you a hug doesn’t mean they don’t love you, or just because they don’t cry with you does not mean that they don’t sympathize with you. Most of the time, introverts have their own ways of showing they care, like a simple text message or simply listening to your problems.

5. A small group of friends is all you need

Who needs a big network of tons of different friends when you can have just a few who you’re close with? You would much rather hold close relationships with just a few people who you can be intimate and personal with than a ton of people who you don’t really know. As an introvert, you take great value in the few close friends that you do have and may even view them as being an extension of your own family. While you may not be willing to open up to strangers, you always know that you can be open and honest with those you hold dear.

6. You’d take an indoor activity over an outdoor activity any day

Things like sports, going to the beach with friends, or hitting up the nightlife of the city just isn’t for introverts. Instead, you would much rather stay curled up at home binge-watching Netflix, hang out on the sofa playing some video games, or take the time to indulge in hobbies like drawing or writing. These indoor activities feel more personal to you, and give you the chance to express yourself or simply unwind after a long week.

7. Pets make the best company

They say that a dog is man’s best friend, and maybe that’s because a dog doesn’t engage in conversation with you for two hours straight. But whether it’s a dog, a cat, or even a hamster, pets make great company for an introvert. You can give a pet love and affection simply by scratching their ears or taking them on a walk. Words don’t need to be said between an owner and their pet, and your pet will love you unconditionally regardless of how outgoing you are.

If you’re an introvert then maybe just a few of these things describe who you are and how you work. However, if you aren’t an introvert, maybe consider this list of things a lesson in how many introverts feel and function! After all, the biggest relief for an introvert is when someone understands them and views their behavior as normal rather than cold and odd.