Anxious or Introverted?

[Weirdo]

How can I tell whether I'm actually socially anxious or just really introverted? Is there a difference?

 

[Hoth]

An introverted person simply isn't interested in socializing as much as an extrovert. A socially anxious person experiences anxiety, so that even if they want to socialize it's difficult. A socially anxious person could be an extrovert, but that will make them miserable since their favored activity (socializing) is painful.

 

[Predacon]

I remember reading somewhere that just because a person was introverted didn't mean they would be shy. So while they wouldn't enjoy to much socialising it doesn't mean they would experience alot of anxiety about it. So there is a differance.

 

[Agitprop]

Hoth's got it right. An introvert avoids social situation because he/she wants to, a socially anxious person avoids them because of fear.

 

[sabbath92003]

I think a person can be an introvert, can also have social anxiety disorder (SAD), and also be a highly sensitive person (HSP). SAD is a disease, which nobody wants. But some people may be okay with being an introvert or HSP. Some introverts and HSPs may want to socialize but find it draining and can only do a little at a time.

Caring for Your Introvert

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highly_sensitive_person

 

[Quickslash]

I'm pretty sure I'm an introvert then...only time I get SAD is talking to girls lol.

I simply don't want friends, had a good friend for over 5 years, we had a lot in common but I stopped hanging out with him/talking on the phone cause it just drained all of my energy out of me.

 

[Walk]

I'm pretty sure I'm an introvert then...only time I get SAD is talking to girls lol.

I simply don't want friends, had a good friend for over 5 years, we had a lot in common but I stopped hanging out with him/talking on the phone cause it just drained all of my energy out of me.

This is definitely more in line with what I'd expect a true introvert to say.

In my case, I'm probably a little bit of an introvert but I most definitely crave an active social life and a girlfriend.

 

[Weirdo]

From what has been said here I conclude I'm an introvert too. I don't like people, I usually want to be left alone. I still enjoy being around my friends, though. Generally around people I like I can be really extroverted, but when I'm forced to attend some social event where I don't know 80% of the people there, I just go "sit in the corner". On the other hand I have some SA symptoms too, like, for instance, being afraid of starting a conversation because I suck at it, and thinking that the person doesn't want to talk with me anyway. Also, I tend to avoid having to walk with my friends over long distances(half a mile+) even though I can often keep the convo flowing. I always fear that I will have nothing to say, or that I'll have to talk about stuff I'm not interested in. Also, it drains my energy, unless I really enjoy the conversation, which is not as often as I'd like to. Now I think that I stand before a decision - I can either try hard and be a normal person or I can shut myself in the house and over time develop SA. Sorry for the long post