It’s finally time to admit it.

I really, really like to think I’m an introvert. I do cherish quiet and alone time. I think I’m shy and retiring, and willing to let others take the stage. I think I couldn’t possibly be an extrovert.

But I am.

I don’t go out in groups that often, but when I do, I love being there. I have no trouble taking part in the conversations and I come home feeling energized and thinking I really should do this more often. These are not the qualities of an introvert.

I’m just a careful, considered extrovert. I want the attention, and to give others attention, but I’m selective about who I want to give that to. And who I want to receive that energy from.

No matter how extroverted you are, there are people that just drain you.

I wonder how many people who think they are introverts really are just surrounded by tiresome people. You simply don’t realize that social interactions don’t suck the life out of you because you’ve surrounded yourself with the wrong people. The people who would suck the life out of even the most manic of extroverts.

Be careful of the company you keep. They often end up influencing, if not defining, your view of the world and of yourself. If you are spending time with people you have to recover from, you are wasting your life energy.

Introverts and extroverts alike need reinforcement and positive feed back. If you’re an introvert, maybe the quiet time spent with a friend lifts you up. If you’re an extrovert, time spent laughing with several friends can lift you up.

I am lucky to have a wonderful mix of introvert and extrovert friends that help make my life full and complete. Thank you, you know who you are.

The important thing is to know which you are, and not fool yourself (like I’ve been doing) into trying to feed your soul from the wrong wellspring.