Lifestyle

8 Things All Outgoing Introverts Deal With That No One Else Understands

by Rachel Chazin

INTROVERTS AREN'T ALWAYS QUIET!

I'm sorry, was I shouting? But I'm an introvert… introverts are like, really quiet… right?!? No!

A stereotypical introvert is very reserved, yes, but that doesn't pertain to all introverts  --  especially outgoing introverts. We're a rare but majestic breed.

People who know me would say I'm the “life of the party” who can hold a conversation and crack a few jokes with nearly anyone.

What they don't know is that it drains the hell out of me. Near the end of a social gathering, I'm almost crawling on my knees to get the heck out of there.

I can't recall a time that I was chatty after leaving a bar. Maybe it's because I'm too busy pouring ranch in my mouth after inhaling pizza, but I'm pretty sure it's because the mob of people sucked all the energy out of me.

According to psychologists, introverts are “people whose energy tends to expand through reflection and dwindle during interaction.”

For example, as I'm writing this and reflecting, I'm energized. ( I also have baller music playing so I'm pretty much clubbing hard.) I could do this all day and not be worn out.

Introverts genuinely enjoy spending time alone and find less reward in time spent with large groups of people  -- though they do enjoy interacting with close friends.

This doesn't mean we don't like people; in fact, we love them. It just means we can't be hanging out with them 24/7 (this doesn't include animals because they don't talk, which is perfect).

Here are eight signs you are an outgoing introvert.

1. Happy hour is your worst nightmare.

Insanity is willingly interacting with people after nine whole hours of it.

If we're forced to go, we will of course be ripping shots and destroying the dance floor like it's 1999. But usually we'll find an excuse to get out of it.

2. The thought of going out on both Friday and Saturday is ludicrous.

We will go out with our friends on one weekend night (maybe… if there's pizza) but PLEASE, let us be low-key on the other night.

3. Your friends get mad at you for turning down plans.

WE'RE SORRY, really, we know we're fun but we can't hang out with you every single day.

It's not you, it's losing our souls.

4. You want a small wedding.

If the greatest day of your life is going to be spent with 500 acquaintances then let's not call it the greatest day of our life. Close family and friends are all we need and really want.

5. You don't mind traveling alone.

To you, traveling is exploring the world and reflecting on it. This requires lots of introspection and is often better done solo.

You're outgoing enough anyway to make friends with the locals who can show you around.

6. You'd rather punch yourself in the face than small talk.

If you're at the grocery store and see someone you went to school with you will stop, drop and roll the heck out of that aisle.

But if God forbid they see you, you'll act like you've never been more excited in your life to see them.

7. Sporting events are painful.

Maybe it's because I grew up going to sporting events once a week with my dad, but I really can't handle them for longer than an hour now.

I'd rather watch my team play in the solitude of my own home while I straddle a bowl of buffalo chicken dip.

8. You pick the window seat on a plane.

Sitting in the middle of two strangers is modern day torture. But if one of them starts talking to you they will of course become your best friend (currently Instagram friends with more than one of my plane seatmates --  shout out to you guys, love you).