How to Figure Out If You’re An Introvert or an Extrovert

You've definitely come across the words introvert and extrovert, but what do they actually mean?

Essentially, these terms reference a certain aspect of your personality—in fact, of everyone's personalities! It's a core factor of what makes you "you," and it relates mostly to how you interact with others and view your free time.

The main difference between introverts and extroverts lies in where their energy comes from. Extroverts get their energy from being around others, while introverts get their energy from being alone. That may be a super simplified version of the definition, but knowing if you're an introvert or an extrovert can be super beneficial to your life and how you balance it overall. Need a little help figuring out which of the two categories you fit into? Continue below for some questions to ask yourself to get a better idea if you're an introvert or an extrovert. And if you feel like both, you're likely an ambivert!

1. How Do You Spend Your Free Time?

The way you spend your free time can say a lot about you, especially when it comes to determining if you're an introvert or an extrovert. If you would prefer to spend your time reading books in the park, binging Netflix with your favorite snacks in bed, baking up goodies with the kitchen all to yourself or pursuing any other hobby that you can do without interruptions from the presence of other people, there's a fair chance you lean towards being an introvert. Alternatively, if you'd rather be hanging out with friends, checking out a busy new restaurant that just opened up or even getting all your neighbors together for a community event, you may be more of an extrovert.

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Also Read About: An Introvert's Party Survival Guide

 

2. Where Can You Be Found at a Party?

This is always a good scenario for determining who in your friend group (yourself included) falls into each of the two categories. Think about the most recent party you attended, whether it was a birthday party, Halloween party or even a family holiday gathering. Were you on the couch or gathered around the table chatting with others? Were you at the center of a group telling your most hilarious stories, or maybe in the corner talking to a small group non-stop for so long that you didn't realize how late it had gotten? These are spots where extroverts can often be found at the party.

On the other hand, introverts are more likely to be talking to one good friend that they already knew before the party, organizing and/or cooking the food, hanging out with the dog/cat/other pet that is present or simply coming up with an excuse not to attend said party at all. Hey, nothing wrong with spending your time how you like (just remember to get out of your comfort zone once in a while)!

3. How Do Meeting New People Make You Feel?

When you meet someone new, how do you feel? If you're energized, engaged and leave the interaction happier than you went into it, you're likely an extrovert. If you're left feeling more exhausted and spend most of the interaction waiting for it to be over, you're likely an introvert.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Also Read About: Things Extroverts Should Know About Their Introvert Friends

 

4. How Do You Feel In a Crowd?

Crowded spaces can feel like an introvert's worst nightmare. Aside from the occasional concert for an artist you're obsessed with, there's a good chance you'll be avoiding crowds as much as possible if you're someone whose energy is more so drained by large groups than one who lives for them. Sure, crowds can be frustrating for anyone (introvert or not), especially when you're just trying to get somewhere, but extroverts don't feel the pain in quite the same way.

Love learning about this sort of stuff? Click HERE for the signs that you're an introverted extrovert.