As I get older, people mistake me more and more for an extrovert. I am really engaging and love connecting with people, and connecting people to each other.
But, whenever this mistake happens, I explain how introvert doesn't actually mean shy or introverted. The difference is in how one derives energy. Introverts derive energy from being alone, extroverts by being with others.
Sometimes, being with another will charge my batteries, but it really depends on the person, and the conversation. Being alone is my preferred way of recharging. Hence the introvert label.
I suppose the newfound "ambivert" label subverts this whole dichotomy. But what is interesting is thinking about wants vs. needs.
Being alone occurs to me as a need. As in, I have to do it sometimes, when any further interaction would be just too emotionally taxing. On the other hand, connecting with people is something I want to do. I may want really strongly to do it, but it's not the same as a need.
And then it becomes, what's the distinguishing factor between wants and needs anyway? Which is more important? That's hard. Needs is survival, there's no way around it. But wants are what we choose for ourselves, which is arguably central to our identities.
So me, in choosing to proactively connect with others (and connect others to each other), I can see how that can look like it's so integral to me as seem inherent. But I choose to, I don't need to.