Introvert? Twelve Signs You Are Winning At Life

Not that I’m biased (I am an Introvert), but Introverts are connected with themselves in a way that Extraverts will never understand. You may not know it, but I guarantee that your extraverted coworkers envy you, because you’re actually able to say “no” to events you don’t want to attend. In the face of peer pressure, introverted teenagers hold onto their morals and come out of those tough years with a stronger sense of identity. And introverted children demonstrate strong creative streaks  that come from the extra time spent alone.

The point is, Introverts may not always be the life of the party, but you are definitely winning at life in your own quiet way. Here's why.

1. You live drama-free

Almost all Introverts value their privacy. You are not one to air out dirty laundry or get involved in unnecessary drama. Your reluctance to share personal information gives others less “dirt” on you, which means you're not the subject of scandal and you can get through the tough parts of life without having your past constantly thrown in your face.

We all have people in our lives who we do not like. However, the difference between a social-butterfly Extravert and a home-body Introvert is that the Introvert will feel less comfortable voicing negative opinions. Because you are less likely to gossip, you are more often on good terms with others.

2. You enjoy your own company

Many people seek constant company not because they enjoy others’ companionship, but because they are uncomfortable with their own. Being alone forces us to confront our flaws, untangle our suppressed emotions, and entertain ourselves. It's scary—but it's also healthy.

You, however, are okay with doing all of these things. You are okay going to events by yourself; you study alone, go on solo dates, and have the confidence to show up at a party alone. This means you have a strong sense of self-awareness and are comfortable in your own skin.

3. You maintain your individuality

It’s essential that we know ourselves before following a crowd—otherwise, how do we know which crowds to follow? Introverts spend so much time alone, away from the drag of social norms, that they find the art of “knowing oneself” much easier.

As an Introvert, you reflect enough to know when other people end and you begin. This makes differentiating between your wants and the wants of those around you much easier. Introverts are less likely to change themselves to fit in.

4. Others see you as confident

Even if you don’t perceive yourself this way, being able to exist in spaces without a group of people around you is a sign of confidence. Introverts come across as confident because they are not looking for validation. They don't have to be in the spotlight, surrounded by others, to feel good about themselves.

The ultimate flex is liking yourself. Self-confidence is the ability to spend a Friday night alone or walk away from  a conversation with someone who doesn’t respect you. You don't need others to make you feel good about yourself.

5. You get away with looking “mysterious”

Being less available – and let’s face it, you’ve probably turned down your share of hangout offers – makes people more attracted to you. Of course, committed friendships require quality time and intentional plans. But being too available can be a turn-off, because it communicates that you would rather flow with everyone else’s schedule than prioritize yours.

This is why Introverts are seen as mysterious, more unattainable. You are not always at the friend group’s outings, and you give people time to miss you. Also, you are more likely to turn down outings if you have prior commitments, or just don’t feel like going.

6. You maintain your privacy

You likely have the discernment to protect yourself from people who do not have your best interests at heart. Introverts have a good ability to read people and understand their motives. This doesn’t mean you are distrustful – it means you are not naive.

You tend to keep to yourself your views about people you sense bad vibes from. It’s better to silently keep your distance than to proceed with a relationship that you have a bad feeling about. While Extraverts may be more accepting of others, Introverts are better at protecting their own well-being

7. You have fulfilling hobbies

Introverts, 99% of the time, have fulfilling hobbies. We have to spend all that alone time doing something, right? All of the time you spend by yourself gives you interests that go beyond casual pastimes. You rarely do the things that you’re passionate about halfway.

Do you spend long hours reading? Then you have a catalog of treasured stories to share with others. Are you passionate about health? Then chances are, you’ve pushed yourself physically for a milestone like a 5K. Hobbies are to you what  socializing is to an Extravert. You don’t do them just because they are “fun”—you do them intentionally.

8. You have a tight-knit group of friends

When you have fewer  people to focus on being there for, you can be a better friend. Instead of spreading yourself thin across a group of people you may just associate with because of proximity, you prioritize caring for dear friends.

You gravitate towards people because you actually like them, not to fill some sort of quota. Because you can always hang out with yourself, and happily, you won't force time with people just to avoid being alone. You selectively choose your friends, and that makes all the difference.

9. You have emotional intelligence

Introverts do not have high emotional intelligence simply because they're Introverts—they have it because EQ is a skill, and more alone time means more time to reflect on your shortcomings and develop that skill. Introspection is something that comes naturally to Introverts, which helps you learn how to better understand and manage your emotions.

Even if you tend to be led more by reason than emotions, chances are you are aware of your emotional responses and the ways that your past has impacted you. Even analytical introverted personality types tend to be more self-aware than their extraverted counterparts.

10. You have plenty of treasured memories

Because you spend less time with others, you really try to make the time you spend with them more meaningful. Sure, you may not remember going out every night in high school, but you remember one night spent talking with your best friend in a parking lot. Your weekends may not be chock-full of plans, but you spend the week looking forward to a day out with your close friends.

Your friends and family don’t see much of you, but when they do, it feels even more special.

11. You recharge enough to have fun at social gatherings

A big misconception about introverted people is that we don’t enjoy socializing. However, introversion does not equal social anxiety. Introverts do enjoy seeing other people – it's just about balancing that time with alone time so we don’t become overwhelmed. This can look like spending the afternoon before an evening party alone, or dedicating a specific day of the week to rest. And the fact that you have planned your energy around this event means that — when you do go out — you are more likely to enjoy yourself.

12. You can appreciate how beautiful your life is

Because your life is less preoccupied with the concerns of other people, you have more space to reflect. To be thankful. Life is beautiful, and you recognize it in the sunset resting above you while you walk home from work. It’s in the quiet moments making green tea in the morning, or the precious time spent watching your favorite sitcom before bed. As a clever person once said, life is lived in the small moments—moments Introverts tend to notice and appreciate.