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Sunday, October 16, 2011

Introverts (and Extroverts!)



I'm sure a lot of you guys have heard someone being described as an introvert many times. Most people think introverts are socially awkward, shy, and have no friends. Welllll... not really.

I was doing a bit of research on this because I was wondering why I was quiet and more known as the "thinker" compared to others, even though I have a good circle of friends and am (hopefully) not socially awkward. According to about.com, this is what an introvert is defined as:
Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people.

Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings. They often avoid social situations because being around people drains their energy. This is true even if they have good social skills. After being with people for any length of time, such as at a party, they need time alone to "recharge."

When introverts want to be alone, it is not, by itself, a sign of depression. It means that they either need to regain their energy from being around people or that they simply want the time to be with their own thoughts.
(link)
Surprisingly, this was almost an exact fit for my personality!

Then what are extroverts you ask? From the same website, here is what they have to say:
Basically, an extrovert is a person who is energized by being around other people. This is the opposite of an introvert who is energized by being alone.

Extroverts tend to "fade" when alone and can easily become bored without other people around. When given the chance, an extrovert will talk with someone else rather than sit alone and think. In fact, extroverts tend to think as they speak, unlike introverts who are far more likely to think before they speak. Extroverts often think best when they are talking. Concepts just don't seem real to them unless they can talk about them; reflecting on them isn't enough.

Extroverts enjoy social situations and even seek them out since they enjoy being around people.
(link)
Another fun fact: we are either born as introverts our extroverts! It is extremely hard (or impossible) to just snap our fingers and go from introvert to extrovert or vice versa. Although I was very shy as a kid, as I grew up it was much easier to make friends and socialize. However, it was (and still is) hard for me to be a "party girl" or the one that likes to be in the spotlight.

So what do you guys think? Are you introverts or extroverts, or something in the middle? :)

15 comments:

  1. I used to be a bit of an introvert, but grew into an extrovert

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  2. I guess I'm something in the middle, I see both sides of the story. Thanks very much for this post, very enlightening.

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  3. Makes perfect sense. I'm not really shy or awkward at all, but I find that being around people is tiring and I can only get real rest when alone with myself. Thanks for clearing that up!

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  4. It's weird, because my personality changes with the people around me, so I can't really pin down what I am, but I suppose most people are like that.

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  5. I'm very introvert, but not shy. I just don't like people very much.

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  7. Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people.


    Describes me perfectly. I always wondered why in highschool even though I was semi-popular I never wanted to hang out in crowds I just like having one close friend maybe two.

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  8. I think I'm more of an extrovert which contrasts with my introvert girlfriend.

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  9. i was extremelly shy when i was a kid, and now im a party guy, what does that mean?

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  10. I always though that someone who grows out to be an introvert type of persone has either not been out of the house enough or has had some trauma in their childhood. I hear a lot of people saying that they have no social skills and all I can tell them is that they wont be able to aquire any if they don't stay around people, don't make mistakes, don't LIVE.

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  11. I know all about this, I do mostly prefer to be alone and think. When I'm around others, it just feels draining.

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  12. protip for introverts...drink more alcohol :D!

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  13. I used to be much more extrovert than I am today.

    I think it's the age. When you are getting older, you tend to be more mature, also more serious.

    BUT,

    "Sub-Radar-Mike said...
    It's weird, because my personality changes with the people around me, so I can't really pin down what I am, but I suppose most people are like that."

    I TOTALLY AGREE!

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