After taking the very popular Meyers-Briggs test in college, I was scored as the most introverted someone could possibly be. The response I receive from most people when I tell them is, “Really? I thought you were an extrovert. You’re so outgoing.” I’m sure this is meant as a compliment, but mostly it just feels like they are trying to make me feel like I’m a better person for not portraying introverted tendencies in public.

I'm an introvert and I know how to carry an educated conversation just as well as a pointless, hilarious one. I work well with others, although I often prefer to work alone because I'm an introvert. I like listening more often than I speak, which is helpful in a work place and is an introverted personality trait. I, also, voice my opinions, unbeknownst to most it is harder than I make it seem because I am an introvert.

The way I describe introversion to people who just don’t seem to understand is how an iPhone works.

When I’m unplugged in the morning I have 100-percent battery. I can be used all day long and will work to the very best of my ability. I can be social, play music, make phone calls, FaceTime, keep all the days plans in order and still have enough battery to navigate somewhere fun for the evening. But once my battery is run out, I need to go recharge. You can’t use me during that time or I won’t charge fast enough for your liking. If you just leave me there for a while, I will be in working order, with a full battery, soon enough.

I can do everything extroverts can do, I just need my alone time to refuel.

Here are four common misconceptions about introverts:

Introverts are awkward and anti-social.

Anyone can be awkward and have moments of being shy, not just introverts. Awkwardness comes from being uncomfortable, and I don’t know one person who has never been uncomfortable when meeting a new person. Shy and anti-social are traits used interchangeably but they are not the same. Anti-social is refusing to interact in society at all due to anxiety or dislike. I am shy, or reserved, not anti-social, when I meet someone new. Not because I don't want to meet them, but because I am not sure how to immediately interact with them. I observe and gage the situation before breaking into conversation so it is more meaningful than just small talk. If they are uncomfortable, I go out of my way to talk to them and ask them questions about themselves so they feel comfortable.

Introverts don't like going out and having fun.

While it is true Netflix is my jam, and books are just as entertaining to me as a good party, I enjoy going out with my friends. I like loud music and dancing with tons of people. I may not be able to "party all night until I see the sunlight" because, again, an "iPhone battery" only has so long, but I know how to have fun and put on my extroverted alter ego.

Introverts are boring.

This is not to bash on extroverts because they balance us out, but some of the greatest minds in history were introverts. Our introspective personality allows for great things to manifest themselves and then, when we are ready, share them with the world. We tend to think hard and long about a decision before coming to a verbal decision. If you take time to get to know us, we have a lot to say and a lot to contribute.

Introverts prefer to be alone.

We aren't afraid of being alone, if that's what you mean, and we know when to take time for ourselves, but saying we prefer to be alone might be a bit of an exaggeration. If we are with people we really care about, then the quality time spent with them is better than sitting by yourself watching Netflix. Having friends who accept you for who you are and understand what helps you stay mentally healthy, like having some time to yourself, are worth giving up Netflix and books for; even the extroverted ones, who exhaust us, but we wouldn't have it any other way.