What if I told you there are introverts who like to be social? Yup, it’s true! I guess then you might ask, “What is a social introvert?”
What Is a Social Introvert?
Let’s start with describing an introvert. There are eight different types of introverts. Someone with an introverted personality spends a lot of time with their inner thoughts. They prefer low-stimulus environments and try to avoid large crowds.
The most defining introvert trait is that any type of social contact is tiring for them. After spending time around people, especially new people, they will need time to rest and recharge their energy.
The opposite is true of extroverted personality traits. Extroverts are energized by being around lots of different people.
A social introvert is sometimes called an extroverted introvert because of this, and I guess there’s some truth to that. However, the main difference is how they receive and expend their social energy.
Contrary to typical introverts, social introverts need social interactions to be fulfilled. Socializing with others actually helps them feel happy and healthy.
This type of introvert sees having a social life as an important part of their mental health and well-being. However, too much social interaction can lead to a cranky introvert.
Don’t get me wrong, social introverts are still introverts! That means, like other introvert personality types, social situations with others drain them and they will need time to recharge their energy afterward.
However, social introverts see opportunities to socialize with other people as worth it. Even if it pulls them out of their comfort zone from time to time.
Social introverts are still discerning, though. They much prefer small groups in the company of people they know well or who they find interesting. And similar to their fellow introverts, small talk is still not one of their favorite things. They much prefer more meaningful interactions with people.
Is a Social Introvert an Ambivert?
A social introvert is not quite the same as an ambivert. Ambiverts can display introvert traits or extrovert traits depending on the situation. They have the ability to flex between the two.
That is not the case with social introverts. Their personality type is still introverted.
On the introversion-extroversion spectrum, they are only slightly more moved toward the extroversion side, giving them their need for social interaction.
However, the bulk of their personality still lies with introversion, albeit social introversion.
What’s the Difference Between A Social Introvert and an Extrovert?
A social introvert differs from an extrovert in the way they balance their social energy levels.
Extroverts gain energy from socializing with other people. Being alone too much actually drains them.
Introverts, on the other hand, are drained by social settings and need alone time to recharge their energy.
How Do You Know If You’re A Social Introvert?
Are you wondering if you’re a social introvert after reading this? Read on for 10 descriptions of social introverts and see how they relate to you.
You have a limit on your alone time.
All introverts need alone time. This is non-negotiable because it’s how we regain energy and keep from burning the world down. 😂
However, for social introverts, there is a limit to how much alone time they can handle. Eventually, they will need to fill their socialization needs as well.
For example, most introverts might be cool with staying in their house ALL weekend, but a social introvert would be frustrated by this. They may even start to feel isolated.
You seek out others.
Social introverts have a need to socialize with other people to some extent. So, although as an introvert you like being alone, eventually you will want to spend time with others.
You’ll look for opportunities for social gatherings with the people that you’re closest to. And if there aren’t any, you won’t hesitate to create one.
However, this doesn’t mean you need to be the center of attention. Even social introverts are most comfortable in intimate settings and smaller groups. And they’d much rather have meaningful conversations and build close relationships with a few people rather than be the life of the party.
You do uncomfortable things.
When I say uncomfortable, I mean uncomfortable for introverts. Examples include talking to strangers, engaging in small talk at work or parties, or – *GASP* – calling someone on the phone.
It’s not that social introverts are necessarily comfortable with these things. They just see them as a means to an end to meet their social needs.
You enjoy group outings.
Social introverts LOVE group outings. Group gatherings allow them to fill their social needs by spending time with a lot of people they like all at the same time.
The biggest benefit of group activities is that they help social introverts moderate their socializing. In large groups, they can engage with the whole group or just one or two at a time.
Additionally, large groups give them options for how much to socialize. They can choose to turn their socializing lever way up and become a social butterfly, or turn it down by stepping back and just observing once they start to feel tired.
New acquaintances think you’re an extrovert.
Sometimes when social introverts meet someone for the first time, they mistake them to be an extrovert. It’s an easy mistake to make when you see someone acting all extroverty.
Sometimes, social introverts will give clues to their introversion in conversation, or in their behavior once their energy starts to fade.
You’ve got a go-to extrovert friend.
Every social introvert has their go-to extrovert friend. Their friend who stays ready for any type of social interaction. I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “Aren’t all extroverts like that?” Basically, yes.
However, a social introvert’s go-to extrovert is someone they can call on when they have no other way to meet their social needs. Or, they want someone else to take the lead on organizing something with friends.
The social introvert can just reap the benefit of being included.
You look for opportunities to connect with your people.
Social introverts like connecting with their people, but connecting around a specific activity or event makes it easier. It’s less of an upfront demand on the social introvert.
As such, social introverts are always on the lookout for local events and activities they can share with their friends.
You enjoy holidays and celebrations.
Holidays and celebrations come with an expectation of social events. So, when there’s a holiday, a birthday, a baby coming, or anything like this, social introverts mark their calendars.
They see it as a planned social opportunity. And one that gives them an easy out so they can choose when to leave.
You’re a napper.
Social introverts respect the value of a good nap. Recognizing they have a finite amount of social energy, social introverts will often plan a nap ahead of planned social activities.
This allows them to go in fully charged and ready to mingle with their friends.
You have topic-specific friends.
Social introverts leave room for social opportunities by having topic-specific friends. These are friends with whom they share personal interests or hobbies.
They are called upon to discuss the latest news and trends of that shared interest, or for shared participation in the hobby.
It’s an easy way for the social introverts to embrace things they enjoy doing, while also filling their social cup.
Self-Care for Social Introverts
The biggest self-care tip for social introverts is to find balance. Social introverts have competing needs, and the best way to meet them both without stress is to have balance.
They should plan for socializing time and rest time. If there’s an event coming up, social introverts have to make sure there is a pre-planned time for quiet, alone time to recharge their social batteries as well.
It’s also helpful to know how they want to spend that alone time and how much of it they’ll need to be ready for the next thing, whatever the next thing is.
Closing Thoughts
Social introverts are a bit of a special case. They are truly introverts, but they have a little more social need than most. If you see yourself in this list, count yourself as special and very interesting.
Look for creative ways to meet your social needs, and don’t neglect the alone time you need to recharge afterward.
