Ah, the age-old confusion between being an introvert and having social anxiety. Where do I even begin? I mean, it’s not like these two terms have been tossed around and misused for decades now. eye roll

Let’s start with a simple definition of what it means to be an introvert. An introvert is someone who recharges their batteries by spending time alone and tends to feel drained after spending extended periods of time in social situations. They prefer smaller, more intimate gatherings and tend to think before they speak. This is a personality trait that is inherent and cannot be changed.

Now, on the other hand, we have social anxiety. This is not just a preference for solitude, but rather a fear of social situations and the fear of being judged or scrutinized by others. People with social anxiety feel extremely self-conscious and may experience physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, or an increased heartbeat in social situations.

So, to put it simply, being an introvert is a personality trait, whereas social anxiety is a mental health condition. It’s not just a matter of being shy or preferring quiet time. It’s a legitimate disorder that can greatly impact a person’s daily life and well-being.

And yet, despite the clear difference, people still seem to misuse these terms on a daily. Oh sure, let’s call everyone who doesn’t love a crowded party and being the center of attention an introvert! And let’s brush off actual social anxiety as just being “shy.” How convenient.

It’s time to start understanding and acknowledging the difference between introversion and social anxiety. Not only for the sake of accuracy but for the sake of those who are struggling with this condition and deserve to have it taken seriously. So, let’s all do our part and educate ourselves, shall we?

You can take an anxiety test here