Introversion is really about how you get your energy back and how you handle interactions with the world.

Introverts usually feel refreshed by spending time alone and get tired after being around people for too long.

It’s not just about staying away from social events; it’s more about feeling calm and recharged when you’re by yourself, and feeling overwhelmed or worn out in busy social settings.

Some people who enjoy quiet time may still feel energized after hanging out with others. This shows that personality isn’t just about being introverted or extroverted—there’s a mix in between.

Before calling yourself an introvert just because you like being alone, think about how you really recharge and connect with the world. If you recognize the signs discussed below, you might be more balanced between introversion and extroversion than you realize.

1) Social situations energize you

Now, it’s a common belief that introverts despise socializing. But let me tell you, that’s not always the case.

Sure, introverts may feel drained after an extended period of social interaction, but that doesn’t mean they avoid it entirely.

But here’s the catch — if you find yourself feeling energized and recharged after spending time with others, rather than feeling exhausted and in need of solitude, you might not be as introverted as you think.

This doesn’t mean you’re a full-blown extrovert. It could simply mean you fall somewhere in the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum, a term referred to as an ambivert.

It’s not about disliking social interaction, but rather about what recharges your batteries. So if you’re buzzing after a lively discussion with friends or colleagues, it might be worth considering that maybe, just maybe, you’re not as introverted as you believe.

2) You don’t always need alone time to recharge

One of the hallmarks of being an introvert is that we need alone time to recharge. I’ve always considered myself an introvert, and after a long day of work, I often retreat into my own space to decompress.

But lately, I’ve noticed something different.

After a particularly stressful day, instead of my usual routine of curling up with a good book or watching a movie by myself, I found myself wanting to talk it out with my partner or call up a close friend.

I noticed that sharing my day, the highs and lows, with someone else helped me unwind and relax. It was a startling realization because I always thought that as an introvert, I should want to be alone.

This made me question – maybe I’m not as introverted as I think? So if you too, find yourself craving company and conversation after a taxing day rather than solitude, it might be an indicator that you’re less introverted than you originally thought.

3) You enjoy being the center of attention

Contrary to popular belief, not all introverts shy away from the limelight. If you relish being at the center of attention, it might be a sign that you’re not as introverted as you think.

Those who enjoy being the center of attention tend to have more extroverted tendencies. People who enjoy being in the spotlight often exhibit traits like assertiveness and enthusiasm, which are typically associated with extroversion.

If you find yourself thriving when you’re in the thick of things, basking in the limelight rather than shying away from it, this could be a subtle sign pointing towards your less introverted side.

4) You initiate conversations

If you’re the first one to strike up a conversation or you don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to new people, you might be less introverted than you think.

Introverts typically wait for others to initiate conversations.

They’re more comfortable responding than leading the discussion. But if you find yourself eagerly starting chats whether it’s with your colleagues at work or a stranger in a coffee shop, then this might be a sign that you lean more towards extroversion.

It’s not about being a chatterbox or dominating conversations, but rather about your comfort level when it comes to initiating interactions.

If this comes naturally to you, then you might not be as introverted as you’ve considered yourself to be.

5) You’re often mistaken for an extrovert

This one is pretty straightforward but it’s happened to me more times than I can count. People have often tagged me as an extrovert, which always surprises me.

I’ve always identified as an introvert, but when I find myself in social settings, I seem to blend in comfortably, engaging in conversations and even leading discussions when needed.

Many of my friends and colleagues have assumed that I’m an extrovert because of this. It took me a while to understand that just because I can handle social situations well, doesn’t automatically make me an extrovert.

It simply means that I might not be as introverted as I initially thought.

If you often get mistaken for an extrovert, it could be a sign that you’re not as introverted as you believe yourself to be.

6) You’re adaptable in different social settings

Adaptability in different social settings is a trait commonly associated with extroverts. If you find yourself easily adjusting to various social situations, you might not be as introverted as you think.

Whether it’s a small, intimate gathering or a larger, more boisterous crowd, if you’re able to comfortably navigate and interact in these varying scenarios, then you may be more of an ambivert.

Introverts often prefer one-on-one or small group settings and can feel overwhelmed in larger gatherings. So if this isn’t the case for you, it’s another subtle sign that your introversion might not be as pronounced as you believe.

7) You value deep connections but also enjoy casual socializing

One common trait of introverts is their preference for deep, meaningful connections over casual, surface-level interactions. However, if you appreciate both these aspects of socializing, you might not be as introverted as you think.

While you may cherish those intimate heart-to-hearts with your closest friends, if you also enjoy the lighter, casual chats with acquaintances or strangers, it indicates a balance between introversion and extroversion.

If you often find yourself relishing both deep conversations and casual banter, it’s a strong sign that you might not be as introverted as you initially believed.

Understanding yourself

Carl Jung once said, “There is no such thing as a pure introvert or extrovert. Such a person would be in the lunatic asylum.”

This suggests that we all exist on a spectrum, with introversion at one end and extroversion at the other. Most of us fall somewhere in between. This middle ground is often referred to as ‘ambiversion’.

Recognizing these subtle signs can help you understand where you might fall on this spectrum. Remember, labels are just that – labels. They’re not meant to confine you but to help you better understand yourself.

Whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, the most important thing is to embrace who you are and celebrate your unique qualities. After all, it’s these individual differences that make us human.