Are you an introvert?

[BloodyHellKenn]

Quite a few people that I meet have described me as an introvert. I have been described as gentle, quiet and sensitive.

Are you an introvert? Do you hate being labelled as one?

I see so many TikToks and memes about introverts hating leaving the house and being desperate to leave a social situation or hating being invited to stuff. My idea of more than one day in the house would drive me crazy, I love knowing that I have stuff planned and I need social interaction. I definitely need downtime after too much socialising though.

What are the common misconceptions of being an introvert?

Common misconceptions are that introvert and extrovert are 'types' of personality. If you follow a trait perspective on personality then it is a continuum which you can fall anywhere on (low, high, somewhere in the middle).

Facets of the overall trait are also important. Depending on the model extroversion (low scores would be 'introvert') has 5-6 facets. Technically you could score the same overall score but your facet profile would be different. One person could be warm and social while another could be domineering.

I’m an introvert but I can be quite loud and dominant too. It’s about how much time I need alone and where I get my energy from. I have a limited social battery. Whilst it’s full I can be full on but once it’s drained I need to retreat to restore it.

one of my ds is a total extrovert. He gets his energy from being around people. When he is away from people his battery drains. He needs people to recharge his.

https://www.16personalities.com/

Try that - it's a good tool to understand oneself and others.

I think I am slightly introverted. I like a lot of alone time. I do enjoy socialising though and when I do I'm actually quite loud and outspoken with people I know and am comfortable with. I really am not great at getting to know people though and I hate small talk.

Every time I do these I come the same. INTJ. Which apparently makes me weird
😕

People equate being an introvert with being shy, but, whilst many introverts are shy, it is not the same thing.
I find Elaine N Aron's Highly Sensitive Person interesting. It fits with the need for downtime and enjoying time alone.

I am an introvert but I'm not a naturally quiet or gentle person.... I can be quite loud actually! I enjoy socialising with my friends and I need to get out of the house every day otherwise I go stir crazy. Although I'm not good with small talk and it can take me a while to feel comfortable in new situations or meeting new people.

What I would say makes me introverted is exactly the same as a PP said... it's about my need for time alone and that downtime is what recharges me. So I can go out and be the life and soul and have a great time but then I need time at home with no plans and nowhere to be. I also need time and space away from other people to completely recharge so even at home with the family I'll take myself off for a long bath or something.

My friend is the opposite. She gets her energy from being around people and is out multiple evenings a week at hobby groups and socialising. Just the thought of that exhausts me but it's what she needs.