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Anti social or an introvert?

I can't tell if I should consider myself to be anti social or just an introvert. I avoid people when I go outside, decline offers for parties/celebrations/get togethers, etc, and I'd rather be by myself just like an anti social person would do. But as an introvert though, I'm shy and even though I'd rather be on my own I wouldn't mind company as long as it's not for too long of a stay and as long as it's with close friends (that barely have), and I get tired after being at a social event, if I even go from being forced, and I feel much better after coming home to my sweet solitude. What do you think?

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pianoisland · 31-35, M

@MsFuzzWuzzOreoCat

Anti-Social is getting the same treatment as Psycho, Schizo, Stalker, etc. Popular vernacular uses these words for their very basic implied meaning, and ignores the true meaning.

Someone who has a short temper isn't necessarily psycho
Someone absentminded, aloof, and random isn't necessarily schizophrenic
Someone who has a crush on you, and is unattractive, isn't necessarily a stalker
Someone who prefers solitude isn't necessarily anti social.

If you enjoy a nerdy read:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder/home/ovc-20198975

wintziee · F

@islandalone I don't see it as a draw back tbh. I love it. It keeps me busy, it's fun and interesting because I get to learn about interesting topics about real people and situations. Stuff like this is very interesting to me and just thinking about most things in general is more than a hobby at this point... It's more like a way living in a sense, it's hard to explain. I was like this ever since I was very little and I'm happy it stuck with me because if it didn't I don't think I'd be as smart as I am now.

friedchickenwing · 22-25, F

So its important not to conflate introversion with shyness, insecurity and an unwillingness to physically be near others. Introverts get their energy from being alone and are drained by social interaction. Extroverts get re energized by social interaction. In my opinion an antisocial person is just an extreme introvert to the point where they go through great lengths to avoid interaction

SW-User

I have the same problem. I consider myself to be an introvert. But I enjoy certain people's company like my family, boyfriend and a few close friends. I feel like I'm suffocating when I'm with other people. Partly because I think they're judging me. I have been harassed and judged by people in the past. I think that's the reason why I hate hanging around with people.

pianoisland · 31-35, M

I would say you are definitely introverted, but definitely not anti social. Being anti social would mean that you go out of your way to avoid ALL social interactions, while displaying a nasty set of behaviours if forced into a social situation. Anti-social also is usually followed with the word disorder, and is a mental issue that can be diagnosed.

wintziee · F

@islandalone yeah I'm like that pretty much ever single day. I even tried stopping myself so that I can sleep more but I just can't. Sometimes though it gets out of hand, you know? Like sometimes I end up thinking negatively and I start getting all depressed and angry. Does that happen to you?

wintziee · F

@islandalone no problem, I kind of had to anyway, and yeah I know it isn't but I just want to know what I am and not something I'm not if that makes sense. And besides I'm a thinker and this came mind and got me... Thinking. And now I can't stop thinking about it.

friedchickenwing · 22-25, F

As an introvert + party animal, I must leave you with a quote from the great gatsby: "And he throws large parties. I like large parties because they're so intimate. At small parties there's never any privacy." -Jordan Baker

Calmsoul · 31-35, M

Don't think about it much , you are still very young , let yourself be given exposure of high school and colleges , you are good the way you are , don't think in terms of an extrovert or introvert 👍

friedchickenwing · 22-25, F

@girlwithsilverheart I'm wondering if you could just be an extrovert with social anxiety and a history of social trauma. For me, even when I'm with my favorite people, after a while I need to get away

SW-User

That's very true @MsFuzz: I'm often riding a seemingly endless train of thought/rethinking/reexaminations/so on and so forth though like you there are benefits.

wintziee · F

@islandalone well thanks but I was referring to the comment that stated how being anti social is something completely different, so I was saying sorry for misunderstanding it

wintziee · F

@girlwithsilverheart omg I have those exact problems and that same cause as well!! And yeah, maybe @friedchickenwing is right...

wintziee · F

@islandalone It's a pain really, especially with it totally messes up your mood or idea about something

wintziee · F

Yeah I'm still trying to figure this whole thing out... sorry

wintziee · F

Btw, @friedchickenwing you made a very good point about saying anti social people are just extreme introverts, it's an easier way for me to think about

SW-User

@friedchicken you are right. I don't feel exhausted when I'm with them. Thanks for telling that.
@msfuzz so you are not introvert after all.😃

wintziee · F

@girlwithsilverheart yeah, maybe, maybe not but honestly who knows? I still avoid people though and I love my solitude XD

wintziee · F

@pianoisland I don't see it as a disorder though, why is it considered one? :/ and okay thanks for explaining why you think so

wintziee · F

@pianoisland ooh I get what you mean now, thanks for explaining and thanks for the article link :)

SW-User

@MsFuzzWuzz: thank you for the clarification.
Being an introvert is not a bad thing at all.

wintziee · F

@strangmotions I don't know for sure but I think being both at the same time will be very conflicting.

SW-User

I think you're more of introvert. Anti social are more kind of negative

SW-User

Please don't apologize for being who you are.
There's nothing wrong with you.

SW-User

@MzFuzz: ah the drawbacks of being a thinker huh?

wintziee · F

@friedchickenwing I think I get it, thank you :)

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SW-User

@MzFuzz: it happens quite often

SW-User

Yes you're right @MzFuzz!

SW-User

I say you're more of an introvert.

preeez · 31-35, F

I think you're just an introvert

TypesAndShadows

why not both?

TypesAndShadows

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