10 Clear Signs You're Actually An Introvert

Theresa Gonzalez
Jul 19, 2024
introvert

Quietauthor Susan Cain talks about the power of introverts and how the difference between extroverts and introverts is not shyness, but how we all respond to stimulation. As an ambivert who’s closer to the introvert-end of the spectrum, I admired Cain's ability to describe introversion in a way that highlights its positive traits and how we can leverage them in a world that tends to value extroverts. Here are 10 clear signs that you’re an introvert. Welcome to the club and feel free to join in or not.

You're An Observer

Photo by RF._.studio

In a group setting, you tend to observe what's going on before participating. This doesn't mean that you never participate, but that you need time to listen, observe, and find your place in a new social setting. A former boss once told me about a colleague he respected. While everyone was quick to throw out their ideas during meetings, this colleague would sit and listen and absorb, and then after the meeting, email his thoughts, which were always insightful. If you're more like that colleague, then you're likely an introvert.

You Prefer Deep Conversation Over Small Talk

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

For those with introverted tendencies, small talk feels draining while deep, meaningful conversations feel invigorating. This can sometimes come off as unfriendly in social settings. When my sister, a major introvert, walked into her bridal shower, she was overwhelmed and didn't socialize with her now husband's side of the family, upsetting her now MIL. Thankfully, they understand each other a little better, but that early interaction came off as rude rather than really understanding this personality trait (which, btw, was first classified in the 1920s by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung).

You Have A Small Group Of Close Friends

Photo by KoolShooters

You value deep, meaningful relationships over having a broad social network. This doesn't mean extroverts don't value deep friendships, but introverts are less likely to have a large network of acquaintances. You prefer quality over quantity, investing time and energy into a few close relationships that give you emotional support and genuine connection.

You Prefer To Write Out Your Thoughts Than Talk It Out

Photo by RF._.studio

You feel more comfortable expressing your thoughts on paper (or digitally), so you can organize and articulate your ideas clearly, without the pressure of immediate conversation.

You Do Your Best Thinking Alone

Photo by Kevin Malik

Your inner monologue is chatty! You often need time to think things through before making decisions or sharing your thoughts. It goes back to that observer role. In IRL brainstorming, extroverts tend to command the room but introverts tend to absorb everything and then think it through alone.

You're Energized By Solitude

Photo by Vlada Karpovich

There's a moment when social interactions start to leave you feeling exhausted. Alone time helps you recharge and build up your energy for more chit-chat.

You're A Great Listener

Photo by Canva Studio

You make a great friend because you are a great listener. You give your friends your full attention, try to understand their perspectives, and respond with thoughtful advice.

You Love To Get Lost In A Good Book

Photo by cottonbro studio

Solo activities like reading, writing, gardening, or solo sports are more your jam. Team sports as a kid would always stress me out. As an adult, I found the solitude of running perfect for my introverted side.

You Take The Time To Think Before You Speak

Photo by cottonbro studio

Being in the spotlight is not your cup of tea. You carefully consider your words before speaking, which can help you communicate more thoughtfully and respectfully.

You Prefer To Work Remotely

Photo by Polina Zimmerman

Cain notes that research shows introverts can be great leaders, yet they often get overlooked for (or shy away from) higher positions due to their discomfort in social situations. But good news: many successful people, such as Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, and Eleanor Roosevelt, were/are introverts. Your introspection and crazy ability to focus (making WFH ideal) can be powerful assets, boosting your productivity. Introverts can also be excellent communicators, though they may shine more in one-on-one interactions than in big, all-hands-on-deck meetings.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for all our content!

Header image via Samson Katt

Get Paid $15,000 To Eat Your Way Around The World

Ever dream of globetrotting the world while getting paid? That's not a rhetorical question. Now you can turn your wanderlust into real cash with Ramada by Wyndham. The global hotel brand is on the hunt for its next "CEO," AKA Chief Eats Officer, a dream role for anyone who loves food and travel and well, a paycheck. One lucky adventurer will be paid $15,000 to travel to Ramada’s most coveted destinations, curate a list of must-eats, and share their travel highlights on social media. Learn how to enter below!

Decameron Club Caribbean Runaway Bay, Ramada Jamaica

From Thailand to Turkey and Seoul to Santa Barbara, the CEO trip will include up to seven global destinations in a three-week itinerary next spring. With hotels in 75 countries around the world, Ramada by Wyndham is perfect for travelers looking for that bucket-list experience!

Hunan, China, Ramada by Wyndham Chenzhou Dongjiang Lake

For a chance to be the next “CEO,” travel and food enthusiasts can visit Ramada.com/CEO by October 22 and submit a short, 1-3 minute video through TikTok (tag @RamadabyWyndham, #RamadaCEO) or email makemeceo@ramada.com that shows your passion for travel and discovering amazing eats.

Prize Details:

  • $15,000 reward, including a $10,000 travel stipend to cover airfare and travel expenses, plus $5,000 cash
  • Paid hotel accommodations for up to 21 nights at Ramada properties around the world
  • A Wyndham Rewards® Diamond membership for one year

Ramada Resort by Wyndham, Bodrum, Türkiye

How to Apply

To apply, post a public video on TikTok explaining why you are the best candidate for the job, tagging @RamadabyWyndham, using the hashtag #RamadaCEO, and following @RamadabyWyndham on TikTok.

Your TikTok account must be publicly viewable for the duration of the contest (through November 2024). Alternatively, you can email your video submission to makemeceo@ramada.com.

All video submissions must be between one and three minutes in length and should include your country of residence.

If applying via email, be sure to provide the handles for your active and public personal social media accounts.

All entries must be submitted and received by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 22, 2024.

Additional Qualifications Include:

  • Applicants must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Availability to travel for up to three weeks between April 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025.
  • Active and proficient on various social media platforms (TikTok and Instagram preferred).
  • At least 21 years old with a valid passport through December 2025.
  • Self-confessed travel lover and foodie.
  • Comfortable working remotely and on deadline.

Ramada by Wyndham will select the winning CEO on or around the week of November 14, 2024. No purchase is necessary to enter. For more details, including official rules, visit www.ramada.com/ceo. Good luck!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more travel inspiration!

workhotelsremote worktravel

'Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives' Season 2 Is "Better" Than The First, According To Whitney Leavitt & Taylor Frankie Paul

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives totally dominated the reality TV space in 2024 — and season 2 is will be here before you know it. The show premiered on the Hulu on September 6, and quickly became the year's most-watched unscripted season premiere. Well, MomTok watchers: drop everything (except your phones) because Taylor Frankie Paul and Whitney Leavitt just teased a crazy season 2 of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Here's what Taylor Frankie Paul and Whitney Leavitt said about The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2.

Taylor Frankie Paul & Whitney Leavitt say season 2 is "better" than the first.

"With the second season, you're having conversations constantly with your peers and sitting in your interviews or confessionals where they're constantly asking you questions about yourself and about a scenario. It can be very therapeutic," Whitney Leavitt tells People.

Taylor Frankie Paul admits she has some nerves around filming season 2, considering they're not in total creative control. "It's exciting but I guess I'm always a bit nervous," she says. "We're used to making content that we can control and edit and we don't have control with this. It's nerve-wracking going into it knowing that what happens isn't exactly how the edit might make it look."

"But I do think this one is going to be just as good, if not better, than our first season," she continues. "So far, I think everything has been so fun and entertaining to experience for myself."

And one detail we'll see from both ladies in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2 are their new babies! Taylor Frankie Paul had her third baby Ever on March 19, 2024, and Whitney Leavitt gave birth to her third baby Billy on October 24, 2024.

"It was a beautiful moment that you'll see more of in season 2. I'm so thankful for him," Taylor says.

And they're still getting used to their 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' fame!

Despite their cult followings on social media, both women admit they're still getting used to their fame in the TV space, and how wildly successful the first season was. Taylor says she's "at a loss for words sometimes."

"I remember thinking, 'This will do okay. It should do well, given that we all have a story that people haven't heard about, and all of us do have a following," she adds. "I didn't know the extent of how well it was going to do, so it was shocking as it happened."

And it wouldn't be a show about MomTok without some surprising DM's! "The people that are in your messages reaching out, just unexpected people that you have fangirled over, we've all fangirled over," Taylor continues. "So that was really cool to see. And sometimes I just forget that people are out there watching it. It's a nationwide thing. To this day, I still don't think I even realize it, to be honest."

Maybe season 2 will reveal who's sliding in their DM's. 👀

Have you seen all of this month's incredible December TV shows? They make for the perfect weekend watch.

pop cultureentertainmentreality tvtv

10 Revealing Signs You’re Actually An Extrovert

Most of us fall in the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum, first introduced by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung in the early 1900s, but there are some who can find themselves at either extreme. My most extroverted friend is the connector of our girl group, bringing us all together and making sure we stay connected. She’s always up for an adventure, and challenges me (an ambivert who leans toward introvert) to always break out of my comfort zone. But not in a pressuring kind of way. She makes it fun and positive so that you just want to take her lead.

Extraversion is one of the Big 5 personality types that include openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, or OCEAN. Typical traits? Extroverts are often defined as outgoing, enthusiastic, approachable, and assertive. Here are tell-tale signs you are one of them.

You Make A Good "Middle"

Photo by fauxels

Whether you're in a party of two or 200, you feel energized and recharged by spending time with other people. That makes you a great “middle” at the dinner table (reference: Curb Your Enthusiasm Bad Middling episode) as you love to engage in conversation, bring everyone into the mix, and get the party going.

You Heart Social Media

Photo by Adrienn

You're not afraid to put yourself out there, IRL and on social. You easily express your emotions and share your thoughts without hesitation. You may be an over-sharer, but that's what people love about you – you don't hold back.

Group Activities > Than Solo Activities For You

Photo by Mica Asato

Team sports and group trips are more your speed, rather than running or traveling solo.

You're Chatty

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch

You're comfortable talking to strangers and striking up a conversation on the train, plane, or anywhere in public. You also love to chit-chat on the phone to your long-distance friends. You seek out social situations of any form.

You Have A Big Circle Of Friends

Photo by Elina Fairytale

People are drawn to your energy. You have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and enjoy meeting new people and expanding your social network.

You Shine On Stage

Shutterstock

Public speaking is no problem for you, whether at a podium, presentation at work, or singing karaoke at a bar. You feel comfortable and confident, and actually enjoy the chance to share your ideas (or pipes) with the group.

You're Bored By Solitude

Photo by Tiana

Extended periods of alone time can make you feel restless or bored. You might end of calling friends or heading outdoors to be around people, your source of good vibes.

You Love Crowds

Photo by Wendy Wei

Whereas an introvert might feel drained, you thrive in big crowds where there's lots of action and interaction.

You Adapt Easily To Awkward Or Unfamiliar Social Settings

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok

You make a good first impression – you're friendly, warm, and social and can easily adapt to different social scenarios. You easily connect with others.

You're Spontaneous

Photo by cottonbro studio

You make decisions quickly and often go full-speed-ahead on them, whether it's booking a last-minute trip or hosting a last-minute girl hang. It's what drives you and keeps you feeling alive and invigorated.

Check out our email newsletter for more lifestyle news.

behaviorexpressiveextraversion/introversionextroversionextrovertsextroverts vs introvertsgroup activitiesoutgoingpersonalitypublic speakingsocial circlepersonality type

7 “Impressive” Whole Foods Deals Will Save You Major Cash On Your Grocery Bill

I truly feel like I’ve been living under a rock when it comes to what’s good at Whole Foods. Turns out, they’ve been hiding some really impressive deals on groceries in the shadows, but I’m here to shed some light on ‘em. Whole Foods offers savings every week, and I’m fully convinced that my local Whole Foods will be seeing a whole lot more of me from now on.

Scroll on for details on Whole Foods’ top deals to shop starting today!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

1. BOGO 50% off packaged soups (Tuesdays)

Tuesdays and Fridays are the main days of the week that Whole Foods offers savings on their groceries. The first amazing deal for Tuesdays is BOGO 50% off packaged soups – perfect for this time of year!

They’ve got every kind of flavor from minestrone and chicken noodle to Italian wedding and broccoli cheddar. Their packaged soups average out at about $9 per 24-ounce tub, so saving 50% on one when you buy one is pretty good, especially for meal prep purposes.

Lukas / PEXELS

2. $2 off classic and organic rotisserie chickens (Tuesdays)

You can take $2 off two kinds of Whole Foods’ rotisserie chickens every Tuesday. Their classic rotisserie chicken goes for $9 while the organic version sells for $13. I love using rotisserie chicken for soups, sandwiches, wraps, and pastas, so getting a whole chicken to use for recipes all week long for just $7 is so nice!

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

3. $8 large cheese pizzas (Friday)

Sometimes you just do not feel like cooking on a Friday evening after work – that’s where this Whole Foods savings hack comes in! Every Friday, you can get a large cheese pizza for $8. While there’s nothing wrong with a plain cheese pizza (nostalgia galore!), I’d take advantage of this deal then bulk up my slices with various toppings like peppers, pepperoni, and olives.

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

4. 12 for $12 wild caught oysters (Friday)

Ooh, fancy! Every Friday, Whole Foods’ wild caught oysters go for $1 a pop. Buy a dozen for just $12, and you’re golden. This deal would be perfect for a bougie at-home date night.

Pixabay / PEXELS

5. BOGO 50% off packaged sushi rolls (Friday)

This is another great date night pick! Buy one packaged sushi roll, and get another 50% off on Fridays only. From rainbow rolls to California rolls, this Whole Foods savings hack has my cravings going crazy.

Minchephoto Photography / PEXELS

6. $10 family-sized tiramisu (Friday)

Got a hankering for a sweet treat? Don’t fret – you can shop a whole family-sized serving of tiramisu at Whole Foods for just $10 every Friday.

Kseniia Lopyreva / PEXELS

7. $12 bottles of prosecco (Friday)

The death of the work week and start of the weekend is obviously a cause for celebration, and Whole Foods has you covered with $12 bottles of Presto prosecco every Friday. Cheers!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more deals!

food newsgrocery shoppingwhole foodsdealsfood

These Easy Christmas Cookies Will Make Your Dreams Come True

If there’s one recipe you 100 percent need to crank out some seriously festive Christmas dessert ideas, it’s the classic, basic sugar cookie. Some of the most intricately ordained, masterpiece cookies (like pink Christmas decorations, jolly reindeer, and llamas) begin with a simple foundation. Let’s start with this recipe we love for a vanilla-bean-speckled version that’s sure to hold its own under all that royal icing.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter (room temperature + cubed)
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups flour

Directions

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add vanilla bean and egg. Mix until just incorporated. Stop mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.

Gradually add flour (you may not need the full three cups), and mix until dough forms and pulls away from the bowl. Divide dough into two even discs and wrap in cling wrap, then refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

When ready to roll dough, pre-heat oven to 350°F and line baking trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Using a rolling pin, roll cookie dough between two pieces of parchment paper to 1/4-inch in thickness, and use cookie cutters to cut out cookie shapes.

Transfer cookies to a baking tray using a lightly floured spatula. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before baking.

Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or when edges begin to brown. The time will be dependent on size and thickness of cookies.

Allow to cool on tray until warm to touch, then transfer onto a wire cooling rackbefore decorating.

Decorate your easy Christmas cookies to you and your family's liking!

Check out our baking and cooking classes for more recipes to make at home!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

See our ‘Grammable Holiday Cookie Guide.

Recipe via Vickie Liu; photos via Brittany Griffin/Brit + Co

cookiesholidaycookie recipeschristmas recipesholidayschristmas cookie recipe ideas