5 Things Introverts Wish The World Understood 

I'm an outgoing introvert. I startup conversations and enjoy some socializing when I'm put into that environment.. I'd just rather be alone, most of the time!❤

Bang on! I used to be an introvert who could be quite outgoing but I find that changing as I age. Now, at 75, I am most content with long periods of time on my own, with 4 beloved rescue cats for company. My worse nightmare is having to go into a seniors residence where sharing a room with a total stranger would be required!

Yep. There is definitely a difference between being alone and lonely. I'm a "thinking" introvert. So, I can be surrounded by tonnes of people, sitting in a bar, pub, club, etc and if I don't need to interact or communicate for a bit, I can easily retreat into my head/imagination and recharge. Basically, quick charging. Also, the longer I'm alone the faster I recharge my battery and I can even overcharge my battery. Also, the smaller the group I'm with, the longer my battery lasts, as well. There is also a bonus to draining my battery quickly (especially if I'm overcharged), I sleep REALLY well that night.

Fellow introvert here, you nailed it! I can remember as a kid in school trying to work up the courage to raise my hand. After a lifetime of feeling like there was something wrong with myself, I have finally leaned into my introverted nature and it's so much better. Thank you for putting into words what all of us introverts feel. Great video. I wish the world understood that introverts are not aloof or "stuck up" both of which I have been called in my life. I just don't do small talk well. One on one with someone who wants to have a real conversation, I am great. Small talk is my kryptonite though!

I just found out two weeks ago that I’m an introvert. I was forcing myself all these years into the mold that everybody thought I should be. When Covid came, I was living alone. I found out I liked my company better than anybody else’s. I was trying to fix what I thought was broken. Nice to know. I’m not broken. Thanks for all you do.

You just described my whole school experience and my working career. I also noticed working with extroverts that they were usually the ones who got the promotions and management positions. Because they were loud and the top people admired that more than the strong silent type.

Amen Sister!!!! I have always enjoyed being alone. But I have never felt lonely! Being around a large group of people sucks the life out of me. 😊

I completely get where you are. I am right there, too. I am happy with myself as I am. Hopefully, some extraverts will hear this and finally understand. Your scenic walks are just so lovely.

I’m often asked, don’t you get lonely or bored being on your own every day? My reply is no, never! In my childhood I often spent many days alone as my sister who is 7 years older was hardly home. I learnt how to be content by myself. Your 5 things you described as an introvert is so me. Thank you for sharing! By the way I love the scenery and the water on the beach. Plus the music in the background, it’s so relaxing.

Thanks for the "Bonus" point Adelina! I think my family and friends are starting to understand this about me. Acceptance of our differences is the key. ❤ for video!

Introverts are calling our private, battery-filling moments "down time". For us it is really our "up time".

I'm also finding it's more extreme for me as I age. In my twenties, I hada lot bigger battery. In my fifties, it's much smaller. Beautiful filming, too. So lovely and relaxing! 🤗

My mom was an extrovert and didn't understand my introverted personality. At times, she thought I was suicidal. I was always reassuring her that was not my thoughts. Actually, at the time I didn't know of the 2 personalities. Thanks for sharing. 😊🍁🍂🙋‍♀️

A: You absolutely nailed it on the head! I totally agree with point #6. One of my pet peeves is the discussion going around that introverts are more likely to develop dementia due to the lack of their interaction with other people. To that I say, piffffle.......

Wow! you don't strike me as an introvert at all! Love your analogy to battery size! I was 'painfully' shy as a child and into my late 20's, always an introvert before there was a name for it. I couldn't even make eye contact sometimes. I have never been a good team player because I get drowned out by the extroverts, I just don't even try to compete anymore. Totally agree with what you said about MANAGERS! I wish every manager was made to listen to this video! Comments on my report cards were always that I didn't contribute enough to class discussions, need to speak out more. The work world was torture for me most of the time and I am so glad to be retired! I can speak when I feel like and socialize when I feel like and at 70 years old its nice to learn I'm not broken, I don't need fixing🙏

Bang on. Happiness is contentment, regardless of what others perceive as our wants and needs.

Absolutely loved and appreciated this. You described me perfectly, bang on. I like how you ended this saying, “We are ALL perfectly made. ❤️🇨🇦

Adelina- when you used the term “outgoing introvert” it really struck me. A lot of people who know me probably believe that I’m an extrovert. In reality, I’m an introverted only child who is perfectly happy with my own company. Thank you for this perspective!

Great analysis on introvertism. Your 3rd child is Sophie! She seems like an introvert too. Likes to give cameos but doesn't steal the show. I related to everything you said. I've lived alone for 13 years now, and I quite like it. As long as I have my dog or cat, I'll be just fine❤

I can see why and appreciate where you live. It is so grounding and peaceful and rejuvenating to the soul!

A: It's me again. I forgot to point out how glorious it was to see the sun and marvel at all of the different colors of blue and grey on the beach and in the water. Thanks for giving us a glimpse.....

As an introvert myself, I totally agree with all your points, Adelina. Love these videos by the water and the lovely trail through the woods. I live in a city, so am living vicariously through your awesome scenery. ♥♥♥

The 3 of us! Is what you wanted to say🙃! Great explanation!

Spot on--and not just. good info for extroverts to know about us, but also a great reinforcement for us introverts. Too, often, we feel like we simply can't keep up simply because we can't be "on" all day, or jump from activity to activity like our extroverted friends. More than one big event in a day and I'm wiped out.

As a fellow introvert, I prefer socially interacting with others like me. I don't exclude extroverts from my orbit. I'm just more comfortable with "bird of a feather".

You're exactly right. Being alone does not always equate to being lonely. It's been an experience being an introvert, wanting to be on my own, rather than being surrounded by people all the time has caused a lot of friction due to lack of understanding and respect. There are times when I like to be with folks but I also enjoy happily my alone time. And yes, its a shock to many as I'm outgoing, friendly and a "people person". But I do get rejuvenated during my alone time.

Really great video!! Very late in my life I"ve only just understood that I am an outgoing introvert. Wish I"d known earlier as I would often feel that there was something wrong with me when I would avoid too many social occasions, and feel drained afterwards. I'd feel as if something was wrong with me. Your video helps me to understand myself better, and be happy as I am.

You nailed it! EXACTLY how us introverts feel. I, too, wish I had known this when my kids were in school and as a young Mom.

I think we are finally being recognized for these traits, not flaws... traits lol. It's interesting that my kids don't deplete my energy either.. now that they're adults lol. i too wish i had understood myself as a young mom. I hope you're doing OK with all the rain you're getting 😊

I was a D sized battery in my 20-40 yr age…then little by little I turned into a AAA size…which is where I remain..with the exception of my being with my kids..I can’t get enough of their company 😍

I loved this video and it makes me want to know more about myself. I'm not sure how I'm wired, but I definitely like and need to be by myself for extended periods of time and generally don't feel comfortable in most extraverted situations. Thank you Adelina for this video 💝XX

Social Introvert here too🙋🏼‍♀️! Completely relate to everything you said!!!

What a perfect description of introverts and the need for recharging. Thank you. Also, this desert dweller LOVES the sound of waves...I swear I can even smell the water.😊

I was a shy introvert through high school and am now an outgoing introvert. My adult daughter is also an outgoing introvert, but a little more outgoing than me. I understand your comment of only wanting one social interaction at the most on the weekend. I also work remotely full time. I have always sought out nature to rejuvenate me.

I think I am an introvert but only recently realized it. Since January I have been going to physical therapy and at home. Recently went to a wedding and was VERY uncomfortable with all the people. I did fine but left early and was quite happy to be back home. My friends ask me aren’t you going crazy at home? Nope, not at all.

we should form an "outgoing introverts" club - like you my social battery is not large - but unlike you even my family can wear me out sometimes 🙂

Thiss!! I absolutely agree! ❤ I hope you and Sophie are doing well Adelina! 😅😌✅🤌🏾🫶🏾💯

Thanks for making this video. I am also an introvert and I do love spending time alone. Another point about introverts is that we prefer deep, meaningful conversations…preferably one on one conversations. As opposed to a group conversation talking about meaningless things like the weather. I just can’t get on board with small talk..I tune out. LOL. I agree that one social outing a week is enough for me…if there are 2 or more commitments on my calendar in a week I feel overwhelmed and miss “me” time. If I don’t have sufficient “me” time I don’t function well. I live alone in my own home with my little dog and I am as happy a as a clam. 🙂. Also, people assume “introversion” and “shyness” are the same. Not so!! I am not shy…I lead many meetings at work. But if I have nothing important or meaningful to say, I say nothing. Introverts think..and think hard..before we speak. Not always the case with extroverts. The world needs both. You are right..we don’t need fixing but we ARE often misunderstood.

❤️ appreciate this video so very much. Thank you once again for sharing.

I love that park. I was just there staying at my friends next to the park on the first week of September. I can relate to being an introvert and that’s why I flourished working from home during the Covid time.

Nicely put! I'm a 70 yo introvert who enjoys her own company. I find that while I enjoy connecting with others, I still need my quiet time to decompress and process my day. There are some excellent books out there on introverts, particularly Susan Cain's "The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking", and Marti Olsen Laney Psy.D. "THe Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World." Related are Elaine Aron's "The Highly Sensitive Person" (HSP), who are mostly introverts although there are HSP extroverts too. All of these books have helped me better understand myself. Thanks for your own perspective too.

The battery description is so helpful when explaining to others why I am not available day after day. Thank you for this. I recently ended a friendship due to a lack of understanding about my need for time alone. They took it too personally.

you are a great thinker and seems like a very good person

Happy belated Thanksgiving, Adelina !!! What a great topic and a substantive reflection. 🙏 -V PS Am DEFINITELY a "low battery, long recharger". I enjoy my own company wherever I am.😊

I love it when you take us to the ocean for a ❤ to ❤ chat! I'm an introvert and appreciated your thoughtful perceptions of what we experience. It's very helpful. 😊❤Have a good week Alina! 💐 Sue

Thank you for sharing your awareness It means a lot 🙏 Yes absolutely. Introverts are team players We do like our a long time alone rhyme

Thank you for the 5 Big ones. I don't know if it works this way but as my kids grew up and left our home, I have relished my time alone and enjoy going to plays ect on my own. Love the get togaehers love when they are done. Take care

You’ve described me perfectly. Thanks for this. Good to hear I’m not an oddball and being alone and happy is normal. I too am an outgoing introvert like you.

Adelina, it is always great to hear you discuss and describe being an introvert! And you are expanding our knowledge about being one. I am so comfortable nowadays about how I like to live, how I recharge my battery, and how selective I am about how I engage with others! It is wonderful to know you! ❤️

This is spot on! Totally agree with everything you’ve said. I wished I had realised this when I was in my 20s & hated going to parties. I thought I was strange. I embrace it now where I’ll say straight up that I’m not going to social gatherings where I have to make small talk with people I’m never likely to see again. Nope! Time is too precious to do stuff you don’t want to be doing. Much prefer to be in nature & with animals. Great RU-vid, thank you for addressing this. Introverts unite (at home, doing your own thing!). Best wishes 😺

Great video and spot on! I’m recently retired and very happy to have my own company. I had a job which required lots of interaction and I can’t tell you how happy I am not to have that daily battery depletion. Thank you for the lovely and peaceful scenery 😊

Thank you so much for your insightful view of an introvert because it helped me to see why I much prefer and enjoy being alone instead of around others. I have a caregiver who comes into my home for 2 hours twice a week. I wish I didn't need the help because I'd rather be left alone. All this to say, I didn't know I was an introvert til you explained it. God bless.

What a gorgeous setting for a talk😊

Adelina, you are speaking my language!! So much of what you shared is exactly how I feel and have experienced!! I'm an outgoing introvert but really enjoy as much alone time as I can get! Love this video!!♥

First, amazing opening & closing views…so peaceful. 🥰 Second, all three of your kids!😂 I think you meant to say all three of us. Third…thank you for sharing what we introverts are all about. Finally, fourth, thank you for your usual positive, inclusive content! Love and hugs my friend.❤ P.S. One thing I will add, as an introvert, just as your kids do not drain your social battery, I have a few friends who also fall into the non-draining category. 😊

As a child, I tended to be more extroverted. But in my teens and on into my adulthood, there came a big change in my life. My introverted self came out. I can start up conversations with strangers like at the store, but I do like to be on my own. I agree that people attempt to change me, calling me a snob. I don't like noisy situations and crowds. They really sap my energy. I am an AA battery and can easily be brought down to an AAA. It's funny that I like to travel and will come out of my comfort zone to do so on my own. But I get to choose what and when to do excursions Thank you for bringing this topic up. 😊

Hello! Thanks for helping me to clarify where I am on the spectrum of introvert to extrovert. I am an introvert by your definition and appreciate that I am NOT anti-social. I need a lot of "me" time as an artist and a writer. Maybe I found those places of creativity because they require private and quiet time to think. I have a part-time job that gives me what my social battery needs to charge. Yes to not being lonely, yes to not being broken and yes to being extroverted and friendly when I need to be.

I also wish the world would understand these things. You're accurate on every point! Great video. Thanks so much Adelina. ❤

I love the expression social battery. For me it perfectly describes how I’ve felt my whole life. I have never felt lonely being alone but often have felt lonely in groups because I didn’t think I fit in especially as a child. I have learned over the years to be better at socializing and I do enjoy it but it does drain the battery as you put it.

I am an introvert and my oldest is one as well. I always was exhausted dealing with the school system with both my kids. I totally relate to a limited social battery and I have one of those. .Also, so many people need to demoralize introverts by making judgments based on their own needs and explain our behavior as selfish and/ or arrogant. I have put myself out there so many times only to have a three day migraine following an event just to avoid the judgements.

Well put. Totally get this and nice to hear someone speaking on it. Challenging for me being an introvert in large open office environment sitting beside an extrovert😀

What an awesome video!! So relaxing!! Thank you. I am not an outgoing introvert. I work 40 hours a week in a grocery store and am surrounded by and deal with people all day five days a week. I like most people and I like my job but it’s EXHAUSTING to say the least. Not sure how that happened but I’ve been doing it for 35 years. You are right though. We are not broken. Nor do we need fixing. Just a good stretch of alone time to charge the mental battery lol. I love how you used battery sizes to get your point across. Take care!! 🥰

💯 agreed Thank you for educating people on this topic. I’m 62 year old and I discovered that I’m an introvert just a couple of years ago. I didn’t know about this type of personality so my life was hard trying to push my self to do things that a don’t like just to please others because they think I’m “wrong”. I wish I had known this before, because now I’m really happy and I only explain my preferences and desires to those who respect me as I am. Greetings and wishing you the best from Puerto Rico. 🏖

WOW. that was great way to put it together. But there is a lot more. God bless you 🙏🏾🤗🐈

You are so right I love being alone.

@7:43 😆 you probably wanted to say "all three of us". I think I am mostly introvert too. But I do talk a lot lol. So maybe I am a mix of both intro and extro.

I agree as I am the only one I know that liked the isolation of Covid. Didn’t bother me at all and my mind is always busy without social contact.

I agree mostly with all 5, I'll add Stress... I don't handle it well. Thank you for sharing this, ❤❤❤to you!

Another introvert here! Your social battery rang true for me. I run out of gas in short order when in a social setting and it takes a week or two to mentally charge up that battery again. ❤

Great video. I really liked the battery metaphor. Robin is definitely a small battery introvert, except, like you, regarding the kids. I on the other hand am an extreme extrovert albeit with a small battery. I love interacting with people one-on-one or in big crowds. I love the spotlight but for short periods. Great for customer relations positons. We both agree it would be fun to run into you sometime, somewhere. Robin LOVES to cook. She uses more of your recipes than any of the other cooks she follows. All of yours have been quite good! Heck, I thougt a gnocchi was a lizard!

Wow, a third child Adalina? Shocked me. Glad you left that in. Lol

I totally agree with everything you have said!! Im an outgoing introvert as well. Dont need fixing and very self motivated. I can appreciate what you are saying and very relatable. I dont understand why people feel the need to treat us introverts like projects that need fixing. We are excellent communicators and team players. As an introvert, we like balance and try to stay grounded and not have our energy depleted. There has to be a balance for anyone. I like the way you explained introverts! Very true!! You explained it very well!

Thank you for this interesting and very thoughtful video Adelina. I am also an introvert , as are my adult kids. You described it perfectly, Especially about being a team player. It was spot on. Love these kind of videos, you have such Good insight . Hugs to you and Sophie.😊

I understand what you are saying i don't like crowd i like to be alone i enjoy my company a book and a cup of tea is good enough for me.

Perfectly said, perfectly made. I tried to come out of my shell and try to be what i thought was the preferred personality. 🙃 nope. I'm fine being the way God made me. Thank you for the walk around. You have such beautiful surroundings.

Yepp! All spot on!

Well said. Explains things about myself I didn’t realize. Thanks.😊

Good points! Especially that we are not necessarily shy. I can strike up a conversation with most anyone and have been called "bubbly" so it confuses some when I say I'm an introvert. I enjoy brief small talk, but I don't want to go to most events and prefer being home alone MOST the time. :)

Thank you so much Adelina for making this video.💖

I too am an introvert along with my children and husband lol . I loved this video very well said ❤

You are right on in all your six comments. I’m going to show your video to my girlfriend right now in the hopes that this may help her understand me. thanks for doing this video.

Adelina: Thanks for the lovely walk and interesting talk! You cerainly are an inde- pendent woman who has accomplished alot on your lonesome. That you are not lonely when you are alone is very admirable; I need people with me when hiking,etc. I really enjoy my Sundays with a crossword puzzle,listening to music or the radio! I absolutely need to be alone whle doing this, but I wouldn't like to dine alone in a restaurant or take a walk by the beautiful seashore with- out a companion! I guess it shows insecurity; but you are secure in your own skin and that is a good trait to possess! 😊 Cheers.Sandy TT h

Your 3rd child is Sophie lol...cats are the epitome of what an introvert is 😂

Beautiful scenery!!

Bring me back to the place I was before. Help me to understand the more

So true! Thank you!

I think I’m one of those fortunate introverts in that I don’t care what the world thinks. 😊

Doesnt mean we dont need others. We love people!

Thank you. Well said ❤

So True! I do not feel lonely … ! I do miss my husband … but at peace with his moving to Heaven and knowing I will be with him again soon! 🌈🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸

Amen sister.

Thanks for the information. Always enjoy when you go to the beach. Soothing sounds of the waves and water. Hope you had a good Thanksgiving Day. How do you celebrate Thanksgiving? Have a great week.

I worked at an international insurance company in management. It was encouraged to give our employees an inferior review and a monetary penalty, for being "too quiet". Wish they could talk to you now 😂

: ) WELL DONE ans shared indeed ! ! ! Belated Hoppy Thanksgiving : ) ALL the BEST and Cheers ! ! ! ! : )

Fantastic explanation. I am an only child who loved books, the library was my favourite place. Had 3 to 4 friends and that was fine. as a teen I still was introverted and had few friends but again was fine. I can be friendly, talkative and outgoing but boy wears me out. So a semi outgoing introvert. As a 67 yr old I still am happy at home, with my husband and our dog. Enjoy my kids and their families and of course my grandchildren but also enjoy when we get back home. I cross stitch, read and am content doing so. My husband has anxiety depression and I used to think hmm had he been more outgoing would I but when I look back no don’t think so. I also will say never wanted to play teams sports be part of team and although I worked in healthcare all my life and was a vital part of a team, I still worked alone with residents and helped as team. Loved my work, miss it still but am relishing my quiet at home time. You explained it perfectly Adelina. And oh can’t wait till we make it back to west coast again for a visit. The woods is my place but still love to walk to beach. Great video❤

Thank you

Yes that’s me too. All of that. There’s a big crossover too with females with autism, as the female presentation differs from male autism presentation. I’ve called myself an introvert all my life but have only recently found out that I have autism (I’m in my 50s). Thank you for sharing ❤️

There is an additional difference between introverts and extroverts that affect schooling and work: introverts need to think before they can speak. Extroverts think by speaking.

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

Excellent!