What's the difference between being introverted and having social anxiety?

Introversion and social Anxiety disorder are often confused, but they're quite different experiences. Introversion is a personality trait that involves preferring quieter, less stimulating environments and needing alone time to recharge after social interactions. Introverts can enjoy socializing and may be quite skilled at it, but they find it draining and need solitude to restore their energy. They might prefer deep conversations with a few close friends over large group gatherings, but this preference doesn't involve fearful feelings or distress. Social Anxiety disorder, on the other hand, involves intense fear or worry about social situations due to concerns about being judged, embarrassed, or rejected. People with social Anxiety disorder might desperately want to connect with others but feel paralyzed by fearful feelings of saying the wrong thing or being negatively evaluated. They might avoid social situations entirely or endure them with significant distress, physical symptoms like sweating or racing heart, and persistent worry before and after social interactions. You can be an introvert without social Anxiety disorder, or an extrovert with social Anxiety disorder. Some people are both introverted and socially anxious, which can make social situations doubly challenging. Understanding the difference is important because they require different approaches - introversion is about honoring your natural preferences and energy needs, while social Anxiety disorder often benefits from Psychotherapy to address the underlying fears and develop coping strategies.