5 Signs You're an Outgoing Introvert

Sign 1. Your energy level depends on your environment. The main difference between introverts and extroverts doesn't lie in how sociable they are. Basically, extroverts recharge when they are surrounded by people, and introverts recharge when they are alone. Outgoing introverts are not drained by people and interactions as much as “regular” ones. Their energy levels is tied to their environment. They might be overwhelmed by a large gathering of unknown people, but when outgoing introverts are surrounded by people they know, they can be the life of the party.

Sign 2. You get mistaken for an extrovert. Most introverts hate small talk and try to avoid it at all costs. However, outgoing introverts turn out to be quite good at it when it's inevitable. Your friends might not believe that you're an introvert because you seem very social, and they simply don't get your explanations about how extroverts and introverts get their energy. Another sign that you're an outgoing introvert is that you don't like awkward silence and try to get the conversation going when it feels like it is dying down.

Sign 3. You need time to warm up. Although you've mastered the skill of faking it 'til you make it and can easily pass off as an extrovert, you need some time to warm up. For example, when you arrive at a party, you prefer to stay on the sidelines for the first hour or so. You can become the center of attention later, when you've met a couple of people and feel comfortable enough. And just because you can doesn't mean you will.

Sign 4. You're selectively social. Although you generally don't get easily overwhelmed in large social gatherings, you still prefer to hang out with a few people your really like. It may be hard for an outgoing introvert to find new friends, because they don't click with people easily, even if it seems that they do. You can be charming and social, but you prefer to spend your energy on a narrow circle of family and close friends.

Sign 5. Your occupation requires communication skills. Although constant interaction with people drains you in the end, you've chosen an occupation that involves communication and you enjoy it. Quite a lot of teachers, coaches, actors, musicians, and fitness instructors are outgoing introverts. They feel comfortable doing what they do for a living, but when they come home after a working day, they need alone time to recharge.