There’s a big difference between being introverted and just being shy.

The difference is in energy. Being an introvert means you gain energy from being alone, while being shy means you’re simply nervous around other people.

Spotting a true introvert can be tricky. They’re not always the quiet ones in the corner, and they’re not always avoiding social situations. But psychology has a few clues to help identify them.

Here are some ways you can tell if someone is genuinely introverted, according to psychology.

1) Thoroughly enjoys solitude

Introversion isn’t about disliking other people. It’s about where you draw your energy.

For extroverts, social interaction can be a battery charger. They thrive amidst conversation, social events and public settings. They feel energized from being around others.

For introverts, it’s the opposite. They recharge their batteries by spending time alone or in quiet environments.

This doesn’t mean introverts are hermits. They can be perfectly comfortable in social situations and they often enjoy the company of others. But if they had to choose between a loud party and a quiet evening at home, they’re likely to choose the latter.

So if you notice someone who seems to relish their alone time not out of antisocial tendencies but as a means to rejuvenate, they could very well be an introvert.

2) Overwhelmed by too much stimulation

Now, let me tell you a story about a friend’s birthday party I attended.

It was one of those big, bustling gatherings with loud music, flashing lights, and a constant hum of chatter. While everyone was enjoying the lively atmosphere, I found myself feeling drained and on edge.

It wasn’t that I wasn’t happy to be there or that I didn’t want to celebrate my friend’s special day. But after a while, the sensory overload started to get to me. The noise, the crowd, the constant socializing – it all felt like too much.

This is something that introverts often experience. They can handle social situations just fine but put them in an overly stimulating environment for too long and they’ll likely start to feel overwhelmed.

It’s not about being antisocial or shy. It’s about how our brains process information.

Introverts are often more sensitive to external stimuli and need time to decompress after being in a high-energy environment.

3) Intense focus on interests

Introverts often have a deep, passionate focus on their interests. Whether it’s a hobby, a book, a movie, or a game, when an introvert is into something, they’re really into it.

This can sometimes be mistaken for obsession or even antisocial behavior, but it’s actually a product of how the introverted brain works.

According to research, the brains of introverts process information differently than extroverts. This difference leads introverts to spend more time exploring thoughts and ideas internally.

So that friend who spends hours perfecting their craft, diving deep into philosophical discussions or loses themselves in a book?

They could be showing signs of introversion. They aren’t just passionate about their interests, they’re exploring them in a way that’s characteristic of an introverted brain.

4) Prefers one-on-one interactions

Here’s another sign you might be dealing with an introvert: their preference for one-on-one interactions over large group settings.

Introverts often feel more comfortable and can express themselves better in individual or small group settings. The intimacy of these situations allows for deeper, meaningful conversations, which introverts tend to favor over the small talk that’s common in larger groups.

Don’t get it wrong, introverts can handle larger social situations when needed, but they often find them exhausting and overwhelming. They thrive on the closer connection that comes from a one-on-one interaction.

So, if you notice someone who seems to shine in individual or small group settings but tends to withdraw in larger groups, they might just be an introvert.

5) Takes time to make decisions

If you know someone who often takes their time when making decisions, they might be an introvert. Introverts are typically reflective and considerate, preferring to think things through thoroughly before making a decision.

This is because introverts tend to process information internally. They like to explore all the possibilities and outcomes in their minds before settling on a course of action.

This can sometimes be mistaken for indecisiveness, but it’s actually a sign of their deep thought process. They want to understand the situation fully and make the best possible decision.

6) Values deep connections

One of the most beautiful aspects of introverts is their ability to form deep, meaningful connections with others.

While they may have fewer friends than extroverts, the friendships they do have are often characterized by a depth and richness that is truly special.

Introverts value quality over quantity when it comes to their relationships. They prefer to invest their time and energy in a few close connections, rather than spread themselves thin across many superficial ones.

This is not because they lack social skills or dislike people, but rather because they find deep joy and fulfillment in understanding others at a profound level. 

So if you know someone who cultivates few but meaningful relationships, they could very well be an introvert. 

7) Prefers writing over speaking

You might have noticed that people who prefer writing over speaking may be introverts.

This is because written communication allows for the time and space to think, reflect, and carefully craft their words – all things that introverts love.

When they write, introverts can take their time to consider the best way to express their thoughts. There’s no pressure to come up with a response on the spot like in a conversation.

This doesn’t mean introverts are poor verbal communicators. It simply means they might feel more comfortable expressing themselves through writing. 

8) Needs time to recharge

Perhaps the most telling trait of a genuine introvert is their need for downtime to recharge after social interactions. This characteristic is fundamental to understanding introversion.

Unlike extroverts, who gain energy from socializing, introverts expend energy in social situations. Afterward, they require alone time to regain their energy and restore their inner balance.

This need for ‘recharge time’ doesn’t mean that introverts don’t enjoy the company of others. They do, just in moderation and on their own terms.

So, if someone you know often takes some time alone after a day of socializing, they might be an introvert. It’s their way of recharging and regaining their energy.