Let's face it – introverts get a bad rap. Society has made introverted people out to be backward, weird, reclusive individuals who do not have the ability to get out and function in real, day-to-day life. While in some extreme cases, those descriptions may hold true, the reality is that most introverts enjoy people (just in smaller doses), and actually do have the ability to function socially.

Introverts often have a different way of viewing life or dealing with it, but that does not mean that they are at all the people that society has portrayed them to be either. In order to do introverts justice, here are some things that are the true reality for introverts (based on my own introverted experiences);

1. Introverts are observers.

Introverts love observing people, interactions, beauty and everything around them. Through relationships, cultures, conversations, places, and the beauty they observe, they learn a great deal about life and what it means to live.

2. Introverts often think very deeply about life.

Because introverts are observers, they also think very deeply about life. Introverts analyze the situations they participate in and observe. They think deeply before making a decision. They are typically sensitive to the feelings and needs of others.

3. Introverts often worry a lot.

The idea of thinking deeply about things sometimes translates into worry for introverted individuals. Introverts worry about the people they care about. They worry about whether they are being annoying to others. They worry about offending people. They worry about being liked. They worry about the mistakes they have made. Because introverts tend to do a lot of deep thinking and keep a lot to themselves, really just about anything in life can end up being a cause for worry.

4. Just because they do not like loud, noisy parties, does not mean that introverts are anti-social.

I was literally told by a peer of mine that because I did not go to large, wild parties, I was not social. No, I am not social in that way, but if partying is the only way you define being social, then I think you have your priorities mixed up. Introverts actually often enjoy social events and activities, but rather than loud social events that involve numerous people and easily get out of hand, introverts typically enjoy quieter social events that involve a small group of closer friends. Big events with many unknown people can be overwhelming to the introverted personality, while smaller events with closer friends provide a much more comfortable and enjoyable setting to socialize and have fun.

5. Introverts often need time to mentally and physically recharge after a period of being social.

Doing life and interacting with other people is okay for a time, but it can be very exhausting for an introvert! Because of this, introverts often need a period of time to rest and stick to themselves after being social for an extended period of time. After mentally and physically recharging, they can be ready to go again for awhile.

6. Introverts enjoy quiet time by themselves.

Sometimes introverts need quiet to think, rest, work, do their hobbies, etc. Constant noise and engagement is part of what can be exhausting for them, so it is very common for introverts to need periods of time just for them. This does not mean that they are weird or reclusive. It simply means they need time away from others where they can truly be themselves.

7. Introverts dislike the stereotypes that surround their personality type.

These stereotypes are often unfair and completely misrepresent what introverts are like. Representations of introverts are inaccurate and unkind. Introverts are ordinary people with a unique personality. They have a different perspective on life, and that is okay.