What It Really Means If You're A Social Butterfly & How To Thrive

For social butterflies, "booked and busy" is a lifestyle—but being a socialite has its difficulties. Think you fit into this extroverted personality type? Here are some telltale signs you're a social butterfly and tips on how to get your fill of socializing while maintaining healthy boundaries and avoiding burnout.

These folks can also be considered extroverts, which certified couples' therapist Alicia Muñoz, LPC, previously described to mbg as someone who gets their energy through socializing and going out and is more inclined to focus on external activities, people, and events.

They love going out to events, have no problem meeting new people, and often, these butterflies will find themselves flying between multiple friend groups.

Along with having no problem meeting new people, social butterflies also tend to be skilled conversationalists. Things like chatting it up with a stranger, networking at a professional function, or keeping a group discussion engaging come easily for the social butterfly. Hardly shy, these folks can keep a convo going as long as they want to.

They're friendly and warm because they genuinely love spending time with people. They have no problem keeping their social calendars full because others enjoy hanging out with them too.

While there is nothing wrong with being a social butterfly, these are a few obstacles that those with this extroverted personality might come up against:

They may also struggle when it comes to being on time to things, "as many social butterflies will stop along the way to talk with others they run into," she says, adding, for example, they may "take the call from a friend when they should be rushing to get out the door to a class or an appointment."

They may feel overwhelmed by other people's needs and issues, Beurkens says, as they "often hear about the problems people are encountering." And of course, they also may struggle with taking on too much, and "saying 'yes' to too many people and events," she adds, which can also contribute to feelings of overwhelm.

"They are likely to make impulsive decisions at the last minute, as opposed to committing and following through in advance," Beurkens says, which can be "very frustrating for their friends and others in their lives."

And lastly, Beurkens notes that despite social butterflies' ease when it comes to making connections, deepening those connections doesn't always come as naturally. "Relationally," she says, "these people tend to have many surface-level relationships, but can find it harder to develop closer intimate relationships with people."

Haven't finished your online Pilates class? Your friend calling can wait! Anything that can help a social butterfly pause to consider the situation before impulsively deciding to hang out with people will be beneficial to them.

Whether the biggest social butterfly in your life is a friend, family member, or significant other, here are three key ways to help keep them happy:

This takes a degree of balance, which brings us to our next point.

It can be a bit of a compromise, particularly if you're more introverted, or at least less socially inclined than they are. Be firm when you want them to follow through, but know if for whatever reason it doesn't work out, it's likely not personal.

"By being upfront and honest with them, you give them a chance to shift their behavior to preserve the relationship—whether that's in the office or with a friend."

Social butterflies know their way around a conversation and can network like it's nobody's business—but it's still important for them to practice setting boundaries and managing their time. When they can strike that balance between getting ample social time while still staying accountable to their needs and commitments, they truly are the life of any party.