Introverted. Extroverted. We've heard about these two types of people, completely separated from each other by basically everything in life. You're either one or the other, and to some people, there is no in between or combination of the two. We all know what introverted is about -- quiet, but containing a loud mind; stereotyped as "socially awkward," they're easily drained by being around large crowds of people, and they enjoy being by themselves, whether that means watching movies alone, reading, or listening to music. And then, of course, we all know what extroverted is about. Loud, outspoken, usually popular and well known, comfortable in their own skin, wanting to be around people all the time, and uncomfortable with being alone. These things, at least, are some stereotypes that I have gathered throughout my almost twenty one years of living. Some of them aren't always correct to the T, but all in the same, introverted is the exact opposite of extroverted.

I know that I'm more of a "social introvert." Over the years, I have obtained enough confidence to go out and actually talk to people, and don't get me wrong, I love, absolutely love, being with people and making new friends and engaging in conversation. However, at the end of the day I know that I am still connected to my introverted roots -- because it still shows, and these following traits are a part of me. Deep down, through my moments of "social butterfly-dom," I know that I am, at heart, an introvert.

1. I become easily drained when around large groups of people.

I'm fine when I'm with my close group of friends, but when I am surrounded mainly by a bunch of people that I don't know, and they are also major extroverts, I lose my bananas. I can actually feel myself losing energy, and I have to go home and recharge; watch movies, listen to music, whatever it takes. I just have to bounce back so I can regroup and not feel as anxious or physically and mentally drained. My first instincts are "I NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS BLOODY SITUATION!" (not literally, obviously, figuratively... okay, yeah...) I also find myself getting easily annoyed with people, especially when they're obnoxious or I am around them too long.

2. I absolutely cherish my alone time.

Oh my goodness. If anybody knew how much I love my alone time, they would probably think I am on the road to being a major cat lady or something. The thing is, though, I'm not anti-social, I just enjoy a few hours (or maybe even a whole day) of being by myself. When I was younger I used to make up excuses for not hanging out with my friends. I was a total flake and I would sacrifice going to Six Flags with my obnoxious 9th grade friends for staying home and watching movies all day. Being alone is pure bliss to me. Another thing: I need to be alone before going to work because I know that I will be extremely exhausted while doing my job. I take up every chance and opportunity I can get to recharge, recharge, recharge!

3. I'm not afraid to be alone.

Some people announce to the world that they feel lame for being at home by themselves with nothing to do. It seems as though most extroverts feel drained or sad when they spend too much time away from people. I, on the other hand, am not afraid of it and I find productive and enjoyable things to do while alone. Unlike most extroverts, introverts have a way of finding creative things to keep themselves busy. (Not every single introvert, but it's a common trait.) I eat up the hours where I can not get ready for something or feeling the pang of anxiety of being around people I'm not too sure I want to be around, but just enjoying the simplicity of writing or going on Tumblr instead. I don't care. :)

4. I still have trouble saying what's on my mind. (Trust me. It's chaos in there.)

Maybe this is part of my social awkwardness -- mind you, a lot of that has melted away since I was eight years old, but bear with me -- but I've always had a hard time saying exactly what I want to say to a group of people. I can say it fine to my closest and dearest friends, but when I am with other people, I have to stop and actually think what I'm going to say. That causes even more anxiety, and sometimes I don't even get the opportunity to say it. Ahh, the agony! It sucks, because there is so much on my mind that people would be surprised to know. I have all of these great ideas, and I worry too much about what people think. Yes, I still worry. I have come a long way, but deep inside there is this girl that gets a little too tongue tied.

5. I'm socially awkward.

This kind of goes with the last one. No matter what, this will not fade away. Yeah, I hate it a lot sometimes. When someone is trying to start a conversation with me, it goes pretty smoothly, for the most part, but there are times where I trip up, over-analyze what I just said, realize that I am doing that, and get panicky and start to act... weird. It's kind of hard to explain in words, but you probably get the idea. On the plus side, guys have told me that they think it's endearing and cute... so, I suppose that's kind of cool, right?

6. I hate small talk.

Don't even get me started. I cannot stress enough how much I hate small talk. I don't know why, but it's gotten worse as I've gotten older. I guess that is because I've matured, causing my ideas to expand and grow. I'm not trying to sound completely pretentious or anything, but I just hate small talk! It's pointless, boring, and completely awkward. There have been so many instances where someone I hardly talk to in real life messages me saying "Hey." And I, feeling obligated, respond saying "What's up?" and they proceed to message me back with dull, insignificant, day in the life answers. Which is totally fine, yeah... but I guess it's not for me. I'm not high maintenance, I will talk to you for HOURS about life, and the future, and dreams and thoughts. That's the kind of stuff I will eat up.

7. But, I am friends with extroverts.

Most people assume that introverted people ONLY have introverted friends. Ahem, that is false. I'm an introvert at heart, but I have some of the most extroverted, outgoing, outspoken friends whom I get along with so well and love with all of my heart. I don't know why, but we happen to balance each other out most of the time. So, you can cross this unreal stigma out of the "things about Introverts" list.

8. I write. A lot.

Most introverts are really creative, this is true. Because we have so many thoughts and ideas swirling in our mind, we have to let it out somehow. That may be through painting, drawing, reading, or photography; anything creative, just as long as there is that comforting and exciting outlet. For me, it happens to be writing.

9. I've got an old soul.

For starters, I've always been the "mother of the group," and I was the "go to" friend for advice. Other attributes for having an old soul have recently been established now that I am in my early twenties. Still, I started developing "old soul" traits when I was about twelve years old. I liked learning about the history of things, old towns, and movie stars. I was fascinated with Shirley Temple, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. I liked to sit and talk to older people, and I've always had older friends. From an early age, I was pretty precocious. I was kind of an odd, sort of socially maladaptive, strange kid. I'm not perfect, and I am not completely there, but I've always been extremely in touch with my emotions. These days, I am working on being spiritually inclined - I want to seek enlightenment and I am willing to learn, to grow and be knowledgeable. I've also always been really thoughtful and had good intentions, especially when I was younger. To sum it up... I sometimes just feel old.

10. Too much stimulation makes me feel distracted and anxious.

Need I say more? Talk about mini-heart attack . . . sometimes I just want to crawl out of my skin and hide. *cue over-exaggerated palpitating heart*

11. When someone cancels plans, I get excited.

I've gotten WAY, WAY better about this one with time. But, when I was in middle school and in high school, making plans with my friends was a freaking task, a sort of obligation done to fit in with my group. God, I remember when I was such a flaky person. Today, I still get a little giddy when plans are canceled. It's definitely not a personal thing with that one individual. I just like being alone sometimes. Plain and simple. I mean, more free time! Introvert or not, we've all experienced this excitement.

12. Too many nights out isn't that fun to me.

There are those people who just keep on going like the energizer bunny. They just don't have an off button, or so it seems. I honestly don't know how in the world those people can keep going without having to take a break. For some, it's nights out with large groups of people and doing it til the break of dawn. And then BAM, doing it the next day, and the next -- literally the entire weekend. For me, I will go out for maybe four hours at the most, and then I'm done and my bed, sweats, Netflix and notebook are waiting for me at home.

13. I'm an amazing listener.

I will take your secrets to the grave and I will be a vault. 100 percent promise you that. My lips are seriously sealed.

14. I feel comfortable in my own element.

I don't feel weird or uncomfortable being by myself. It is part of who I am. I know that it makes me happy and I am humble being independent, doing, thinking and being solo for the time being. I've been this way since I was a small child and I just never grew out of it.

15. I don't really like to go out and party.

Similar to #12. When I was living in a dorm my first year of college, I soon learned the style of the typical college student: Thirsty Thursday and nights "studying"... not for me. I spent most of my nights in my tiny closet sized dorm room watching hilariously bad B-rated horror films, having private jam sessions, and eating a whole pizza by myself while my peers were outside screaming, being drunk and vulgar, and "getting turnt." Nope. I shall stay in. There were nights were I would get majorly pissed when they were being too loud outside. I would shut all of my windows, put in my headphones and avoid all contact for the night.

16. Small, close groups of friends = yes. :)

Simply yes. This is what I need. I am so thankful for my closest, best friends. I love you. Thank you for being there for me, being the greatest people ever, and putting up with my quirks. :)

People sometimes (not always, but sometimes) automatically assume that introverts are stuck up, shy, creepy, or even depressed. That's not always true. Sometimes we just like to keep to ourselves. Sometimes, we want to unwind and binge watch Degrassi or paint or play lots of video games or go on a walk alone or something. So what if we don't always want to go out. So what if it doesn't make us "look cool." We are who we are, and we are capable of having the best intentions. This is just how we are wired, and that's okay. Yay, introverts!