My layman's understanding of introversion vs extroversion is with regards to how people feel energized.

The commenter above might really enjoy talking to strangers, but it might be exhausting and require some alone time to recharge.

Separately, one-on-one conversations fit well with the "introvert" label, as opposed to socialising more in a group setting.

I love working out. As much as I love it, it makes me tired and sometimes, even when I want to do more, I simply can't.

Take the above example, and now apply it to human interaction. That's how it can be for introverts. It doesn't mean a person is shy or avoids social elements. It just means that it is absolutely draining. I can't speak for everyone, but for me, talking to another person or being out in public takes energy. I'm always trying to understand the situation, to not make any faux pas, to be engaged, and to enjoy -- and it's tiring. So I have my limits.

If I'm at a social event past my limit, I need to escape. I get tired, frustrated, and slight panic. Just get me home to re-energize and reflect.

My night time strolls allow me to control my exposure, while still allowing me to enjoy meeting new people.

If I have some free time, 9 times outta 10, I'm curled up with a good audio/book, playing chess, or gaming. But, I still enjoy and seek out human interaction. Hence my original comment to the post.

Introvert doesn't mean we don't like people or hate interactions. It just means we tire of it much faster as it is quite draining.

An introvert is "a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone" [1]. So I agree with you that it is surprising to be a "complete introvert" and to look for social interactions with strangers, even though they are 1-to-1. The people whom I met and who are extremely shy or timid would tend to avoid these, I think.

That being said, I can see how the poster would define himself as an introvert (avoiding social gatherings with a crowd), and be more comfortable alone or with 1-to-1 discussions (actually 3 people, since there is her friend as well). The adjective "complete" in "complete introvert" might be exaggeration though. :)

[1]: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introvert

Why not? I am not the OP but I recognize myself in the above, I would also call myself introvert and I don't see anything contradictory.

it's more about how they recharge rather than how they act. you can be introverted as well as outgoing and assertive, and vice versa.

And it was this encounter that made them realize they're privileged, even though it must've been pretty obvious for all sorts of reasons, not to mention living in one of poorest countries in the world as an US "expat".

Still thought, must be quite a story in some circles.

In any case, wandering the busy streets late at night with a drink is a recepy for meeting new people. That is certainly true