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Signs of Being an Introvert

Being an introvert in today’s world can be very difficult. We live in a society that values the outspoken. Great emphasis is put on socializing and being outgoing. Because of this, introverts are often misunderstood.

Many people mistake being introverted for personality deficits.

What Is an Introvert?

Introverts are people who require time to be alone alone or with just small groups of people in limited quantities. They become drained by being around other people without breaks. This doesn’t mean that they don’t like people or being around people; rather, they like their social experiences to be in small doses and absolutely must have downtime alone as well.

Introverts love thinking and exploring their thoughts and feelings. Introverts represent the minority of the population (about 25 percent to 40 percent) of the overall population; however they comprise 60 percent of the population with the highest IQs.

Below are 16 things you understand only if you’re an introvert.

16 Signs You’re an Introvert

(How to Know/ How to Tell If You’re an Introvert)

1. You Enjoy Time Alone.

Actually, you don’t just enjoy time alone, you need time alone! You absolutely must spend time by yourself in order to recharge.

2. You Know What People Are Like.

You are observant and you pick up on the way people are, including their non-verbals. Because of this you tend to be a great judge of character, observing the things that many other people initially miss.

3. You Need Your Personal Space and You Protect It.

Your fiercely guard your space. It is is your sanctuary and so you protect if from others. When others encroach on your space, you don’t like it. You also don’t like when people overstay their welcome.

4. You Have Creative Ideas.

You have lots of ideas. You don’t always verbalize them, but they are there. You come up with solutions pretty easily in your mind. You absorb the information around you and use it creatively.

5. Small Talk Drains You and Feels Like a Waste of Time.

Parties, dinners and small talk is really draining on you. When you are in social situations where you have to be “on,” you feel wiped, burned out and exhausted afterwards. Likewise, small talk feels like a waste to you. It’s not because you don’t care about the person you are speaking with, rather it just feels pointless if it’s not a deep one-on-one connection.

6. You Think Before You Act.

Introverts are thinkers and so you think before you act. You think through your actions and you usually make pretty sound decisions.

7. You Have a Small Group of Close Friends.

You are a great friend to others and you like to have friendships, but you are more about having close and deep relationships with a select few, rather than multiple casual ties. You are a great friend because you are loyal to your friends and people within your circle.

8. You Get Stressed Out by Crowds.

Crowds can overwhelm you and make you feel uncomfortable. Crowds are not a place where you thrive.

9. You Notice Things.

You are observant and you are a people-watcher. You notice things. You spend your time absorbing the information around you rather than talking and expressing. You see little details that others miss.

10. Calls from Unknown Numbers Freak You Out.

You don’t like answering calls from unknown numbers. If you see the number come up on your phone and you don’t recognize it, it creates an uncomfortable feeling.

11. You Value Listening.

You are a great listener. When you are in a conversation with someone else, you listen attentively. Similarly, you don’t just blurt out a response to them. Rather, you take time to process what they said and then you respond. You also appreciate others that truly listen and can find yourself annoyed by those who don’t truly listen and respond without thinking.

12. You Save Your Ideas.

You don’t often share your ideas right away. Oftentimes you take the time to fully think through your ideas before sharing with others.

13. You Talk to Yourself, a Lot.

Not only do you have a constant conversation with yourself inside your head, but it is quite captivating.

You don’t like for others to interrupt your internal conversation.

14. You Are Easily Distracted.

While extroverts are easily bored, you are easily distracted. You have so many ideas popping up in your mind all the time.

15. You Don’t Mind If Someone Cancels Plans.

In fact, sometimes this feels like a relief. You’re off the hook. More time alone!

16. Meeting New People Can Be Stressful and Draining.

When faced with situations where you have to meet new people, this can feel stressful, awkward, overwhelming and draining. You typically are fine with just knowing the people you already know with the rare exception of letting in someone new.

If you are an introvert, an absolute must-read for you is Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. You’ll love it.

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