College is the place where you can definitely find out if you’re an introvert or an extrovert. You are constantly pushed in and out of lectures and discussion sections that require active participation and forced outside of your comfort zone on a daily basis. As introverts are a good portion of the college population, it’s important to understand how we introverts feel and interpret certain situations.

Here are some definite signs of an introvert:

1. We become easily exhausted and mentally drained

In college, we have to be out and about for a good amount of the day, and IT’S. SO. EXHAUSTING. Honestly, I don’t know how some people can talk on and on. After a day comes to an end, my brain is all wonky, and I mentally shut down. Seriously, props to those who have an unending supply of energy.

2. We LOVE when people initiate a conversation with us

Approaching someone first is one of the hardest things for us to do. Whenever you see us just awkwardly walking around in a large group of people, please talk to us. Some of us are too scared and shy to start a conversation with you, but we definitely appreciate a friendly face.

3. Public speaking, simply put, is a disaster

Public speaking is literally our worst nightmare. Trust me, it ain’t pretty. It tends to include a lot of sweating, stuttering, and fidgeting. If you see one of us struggling with public speaking, please give a few nods of affirmation. It honestly means the world to us, and it can definitely make us more confident and outspoken.

4. We tend to overthink the SMALLEST and most trivial things

Without a doubt, certain interactions or conversations are analyzed to the t. Usually, it tends to include a whole bunch of what-ifs. “What if I said something wrong? What if someone misinterpreted my actions?” These are just a few examples, but it really eats away at us, especially since we hate confrontation.

5. Being alone and in the comfort of our home is when we’re the happiest

Being alone at home is one of our happy places because we don’t have to worry about socializing, and we can do whatever we want without worrying about who’s watching. Ironically, we hate parties and concerts, but solo dance parties and solo karaoke are the best!!!

6. We have a tendency to depend and cling to a few selective people

We tend to have a small, tight-knit group of friends that we rely on every day. Without them, it’s easy to feel lost and alone, especially in large group settings. Every introvert needs to find their person, or their “Christina Yang.”

Honestly, being introverted has its pros and cons, but I personally enjoy the liberation that comes with being an introvert. Being an introvert helps me understand my limits as a person and allows me to develop long-lasting, deep relationships with certain people. Embrace your introvertedness!