8 yes-or-no questions that can tell you exactly if you’re an introvert

Determining if someone is an introvert is less about how reserved or quiet they are and more about where they get their energy from. 

Maybe you enjoy talking to people but social events drain you. Would you be considered an introvert then?

While we should note that introversion and extroversion exist on a spectrum, it’s good to understand what kind of a person we are so that we can better navigate social situations.

It could also help explain why we behave a certain way while others don’t, which isn’t a bad thing, it’s just who we are.

So, to tell if you’re truly an introvert, here are 8 questions you can ask yourself to determine this. 

1) “Do you often feel drained or mentally exhausted after interacting with people?”

The key difference between introverts and extroverts is that extroverts gather their energy from social interactions. They thrive on it and are recharged after they leave the event.

On the other hand, these situations drain an introvert’s energy. They may thoroughly enjoy spending time with others, but as the night goes on, their energy will deteriorate and they’ll have to call it a day.

This is not because introverts are more shy when it comes to meeting people. n fact, most of the people I know who are really sociable are introverts! They can be the life of the party but they have a time limit – after their social battery runs out, you’ll find them heading for the door.

2) “Do you prefer spending time alone or with a close group of friends rather than with a big group of people?”

While extroverts thrive off high-energy situations, such as when they’re surrounded by a large group of people, introverts would rather spend time with a group of close friends. 

This doesn’t drain their energy too quickly and they’re able to connect at a much deeper level, in a more intimate setting.

In large social gatherings, you’re pretty much touch and go with everyone you meet. Sure you may meet loads of people, but if you want to achieve a deeper level of connection, this may be a bit tougher to attain.

3) “Do you need ‘downtime’ to recover after attending a social event?”

Take me for example.

I really enjoy meeting new people. I want to hear their stories and I’ll ask a ton of questions especially if I really enjoy their company.

But after a while, you’ll start to notice that my responses shorten to become mostly one-word replies. You may also notice that I’ll get quieter and quieter.

That’s because I’ll need to head back home to rest, and recharge. I may even delay or postpone gatherings that happen the next day (unless I cram my schedule full with appointments).

4) “Do you feel energised after a social gathering?”

If your answer is no, it’s very clear that you’re an introvert. While some people feed off the energy of others and fully enjoy themselves, perhaps you feel emotionally drained. 

One possible scientific explanation for this is that extroverts and introverts have different nervous systems that react differently to external stimuli.

Therefore, introverts react to more stimulation than extroverts, which is why introverts prefer quieter environments while extroverts can thrive in places with higher energy levels.  

5) “Do people tell you that you are a good listener?”

As introverts prefer meaningful conversations with a smaller group of friends, they’re usually a lot better at pausing everything and devoting their attention to the person they’re speaking with.

They’re generally better listeners because they won’t get distracted too easily and are more willing to sit for longer periods to have deeper conversations.

6) “Do people come to you to share their thoughts and problems?”

If you find that people enjoy sharing their lives with you, you’re likely an introvert. They enjoy spending time with you as you’re a good listener and are patient enough to hear them out.

Perhaps they also find that you’re able to understand them a lot better. 

I’d like to point out that there may also be extroverts who are good listeners. However, because of the nature of introverts, it’s more likely that someone who is more introverted would be a better listener.

7) “Are you comfortable spending time on your own, pursuing hobbies and activities that you enjoy doing?”

While introverts may enjoy spending time with others, they’re also equally if not more comfortable pursuing their own hobbies alone. 

People may think that introverts prefer less active hobbies such as reading, writing, or people-watching, but I do know introverts who love bouldering, running or even camping outdoors all by themselves. 

They just really enjoy their own company.

8) “Do you like quieter environments (empty parks, beaches), as compared to louder, livelier spaces (crowded malls, pubs, or markets)?”

As extroverts thrive in places with higher energy, they’d most likely flock towards areas with music, people, and activity, such as crowded malls, pubs, and markets.

They absolutely love the vibes of these places as the lively atmosphere recharges them, especially when they’re with a large group of people.

On the other hand, introverts may veer away from these venues and instead, head to quieter, less crowded areas like empty parks or beaches.

They enjoy the stillness and the lack of stimulation, where they can hear their thoughts and perhaps bring a friend or two for an afternoon of meaningful conversations.

They may also enjoy spending an entire day in these areas on their own, to perhaps recharge for the next social event, or just to relax.

Final thoughts

If you responded ‘yes’ to most or all of these, you’re most likely an introvert! Perhaps you may lean towards the extroverted side, or have both qualities – making you an ambivert.

Regardless, gaining a better understanding of yourself can help you navigate relationships, situations at the workplace or at home, a lot better.

Both personalities have their good and not so good points, and neither one is better than the other.