You’ve always enjoyed your own company, but these days, you actually prefer it.
It’s not that you’re anti-social or don’t know how to make friends, it’s just that being on your own is so much more chill and relaxing than being with other people (ugh). Being introverted and not liking people can look surprisingly similar on the surface, but they’re not quite the same. If you’ve ever wondered which camp you fall into, here’s an obvious way to figure it out.
1. You love alone time—like, a lot.
If your idea of a perfect evening is a solo Netflix binge or reading a book with zero interruptions, you might be an introvert. But if the thought of cancelling plans is more exciting than the plans themselves, maybe you’re just not into people. Either way, there’s no shame in loving your own company.
2. Small talk feels like torture.
Introverts often find small talk draining because they prefer deeper conversations. But if you’re actively avoiding the “So, how’s work?” chatter because it feels pointless, it might be a sign you’re just not interested in connecting with most people.
3. Crowds make you cringe.
Introverts tend to feel overstimulated in big groups, needing time alone to recharge. If you’re rolling your eyes at the thought of a crowded party, it could be more about disliking people’s general chaos than needing solitude.
4. You’ve got a tight-knit circle.
Introverts usually thrive in close, meaningful relationships, but if your circle is so tight it’s practically a dot, maybe it’s more about being selective. Quality over quantity is a common trait in both cases—it’s all about finding your people.
5. You avoid unnecessary interaction.
If you’re an introvert, you might dread making phone calls or chatting with strangers because it’s exhausting. But if you’re actively dodging these moments because you just don’t want to deal with people, well, you might have your answer.
6. You’re great at ghosting.
Introverts might skip a social event to recharge, but if you’ve mastered the art of disappearing from group chats or ignoring invites altogether, this could be less about introversion and more about disinterest. People-watching from afar might just be your preferred vibe.
7. You’d rather text than talk.
Source: Unsplash Introverts often like texting because it’s less intense than face-to-face conversations. But if your reason is more along the lines of, “I don’t want to deal with people’s energy,” it might be worth rethinking the introvert label.
8. You find most people annoying.
Introverts need breaks from socialising, but if your main issue is that people’s habits, opinions, or behaviour constantly irk you, maybe it’s not about recharging—it’s about genuinely not liking what you see.
9. Networking is a nightmare.
Introverts dislike the superficiality of networking events, but if your issue is thinking, “Why am I even here? These people are unbearable,” it’s leaning toward not liking people in general. Let LinkedIn handle it.
10. You dread social obligations.
Introverts can feel drained by socialising, but if you’re outright avoiding weddings, birthdays, or even casual coffees just because they involve people, it might be a preference for solitude—or fewer social entanglements.
11. You prefer pets over people.
If you’re happier having a chat with your dog than any human, you might be onto something. Introverts love their pets too, but if you’re choosing furry friends because they’re just better company, it says a lot about your social preferences.
12. You don’t really “get” people.
Source: Unsplash Introverts often understand people but feel overwhelmed by constant interaction. If your issue is more, “Why do people act the way they do?” it might point to a general lack of interest in understanding people rather than introversion.
13. Small groups still tire you out.
Source: Unsplash While introverts can enjoy small gatherings, if even those feel like too much effort, it might be less about needing alone time and more about not enjoying social settings, period. Your energy is precious, after all.
14. You prefer watching drama, not being in it.
Source: Unsplash Introverts can shy away from conflict, but if your vibe is “let me grab popcorn and watch from the sidelines,” it’s more about enjoying life without being dragged into people’s mess. Observing from a distance can be so much more entertaining.
15. You’ve mastered the art of polite excuses.
Source: Unsplash Introverts occasionally need to recharge, but if you’re skipping out on most social events with carefully crafted excuses, it could be a sign you just don’t want to deal with the people involved. Not liking most people doesn’t mean you’re impolite—it just means you’re selective.
16. You’d rather be alone than pretend to have fun.
Source: Unsplash Introverts often need downtime, but if you’re actively avoiding social settings because the idea of fake laughing and forced smiles makes you cringe, it might be less about introversion and more about prioritising authenticity over obligation.
