6 Problems You Have If You're an Outgoing Introvert

Photo: Mimage Photography/Shutterstock

It’s a real bummer that most of the world is still so unaware of what introvert & extrovert actually mean. Most people think that if you’re shy, you’re an introvert, and if you’re outgoing, you’re an extrovert, but that’s just not the case. We're here to set the record straight:

• Extroverts get anxious when left alone, and are energized by social interaction.
• Introverts are drained by social interaction, and need solitude in order to recharge.

What sucks is if you’re an outgoing person, but happen to be an introvert.

Have you ever found yourself out with a huge group of friends, and despite how much engagement you’ve maintained all day, all you can think about is going home and being alone? Do you feel drained by being surrounded by people at a music festival all day, even though you paid $300+ to be around all those people? Maybe you dread being “on” at a family event, even though you’re good at it?

Sounds like you’re an outgoing introvert. Here’s some of the problems you’ve probably encountered:

1. Everyone thinks you’re an extrovert

They expect that since you’re talkative, you probably love to be surrounded by others... but nope.

2. Nobody actually knows the difference between the two words, so they just assume they know you.

But they don’t!

3. You agree to way more invites than you end up ever wanting to partake in.

And what sucks is if you cancel, you get dubbed the flake. Word to the wise: don’t ever say yes right away, instead say "sounds fun, I'll think about it, and get back to you :)."

4. You attract extroverts.

Not to say that it’s bad for an introvert to date an extrovert, but if you don’t identify it and agree that you’re both cool with your girl going out alone sometimes, and you staying home sometimes, you’re going to have some problems.

5. When strangers talk to you, you feel like they go on talking way too long.

You’re happy having a silly moment with some lady on the bus when some kid won’t stop cussing at his mom, but you don’t want to sustain the conversation long enough to learn about her single daughter who’s away at college, who “also dates women.”

6. If you find a place to be alone at a party, someone asks if you’re okay or if something’s wrong.

Nothing is wrong. Just not talking feels good right now :).

What other issues have you outgoing introverts experienced? We'd love to hear about them!