I’ll never forget during my #socialera (AKA my Erasmus semester), when I made a quick visit home, one of my mom’s friends—who had known me since I was a baby—casually said, “You’re way more introverted than you think.” At the time, I thought, “She has no clue.” But when my social era wrapped up and I found myself feeling totally drained and kinda over people, I had to admit… maybe she was onto something after all.

First, let’s break down the whole introvert vs extrovert thing. A lot of people have this misconception that introverts are shy, antisocial, or socially awkward, and that extroverts are just these bubbly, energetic party animals. But that’s not exactly it. Introverts recharge by spending time alone and prefer smaller, more intimate settings, while extroverts get their energy from being around others and thrive in bigger social environments. Introverts often lean toward solo activities, while extroverts crave group interactions. In short, it’s all about where you get your energy—from within or the outside world!

For the longest time, I thought filling my calendar with social plans was the key to happiness. But, surprise surprise, I would feel completely drained after most of those hangouts. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with people, but I’ve realized that the real recharge comes when I’m alone. It took me a solid 22 years to figure this out, though. Growing up in a pretty extroverted family, I was always surrounded by people, and I just got used to it. But now that I know I lean more toward the introvert side, setting boundaries for myself has become so much easier. I’ve learned that after socializing, I need time to myself. So, I try to space out my social plans and give myself that precious me-time to relax and recharge. And you know what? Instead of beating myself up for not being able to “handle a lot,” I simply embrace the downtime and let myself reset.

Being an introvert has also taught me a lot. For years, I had no idea what to do with myself when I was alone—being solo just felt weird and foreign. But once I went through that phase, I realized how amazing it can be to just be with your own energy. At first, it was a little confronting (and yes, lonely), but eventually, I found comfort in it. It gave me the space to dive into hobbies like painting, playing piano, writing, and reading—activities that I truly enjoy on my own. Not to say that extroverts don’t have meaningful connections, but I’ve found that being an introvert has helped me cultivate more quality relationships. I much prefer spending time with one friend, having deep, one-on-one conversations, than being in a room full of people making small talk about things that don’t really matter to me.

So, if you’re an introvert, give yourself credit. Knowing and embracing who you are is powerful. Introversion isn’t a limitation—it’s a strength. It means you know how to recharge, build meaningful connections, and honor your own energy. You don’t need to fit society’s idea of “fun.” Your quiet moments are just as valuable, and those solo hobbies you enjoy? They’re not just pass-time, they’re a way to nurture your soul. So, embrace your need for peace and personal space—it’s what makes you unique. Loving your own company isn’t a flaw, it’s your superpower. Keep rocking that introverted vibe!

Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? And if you’re an introvert, what’s one thing you’ve learned to love about your quiet moments?