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Introvert or extrovert?

Meeples

I have always considered myself an introvert. I find social situations draining and I have no problem with my own company, which fits the definition of an introvert. However, I'm not sure that I really am. I am also a natural performer, fascinated by other peoples lives and stories and, when it goes well, I get a real buzz from connecting with people. So, could I actually be an extrovert? Could these introvert traits be the results of social anxiety, masking really heavily and/or being overstimulated? Wouldn't those things also make me find socialising confusing and exhausting and find having time by myself easier?

Its just a thought that's been rolling around in my mind and I wondered what everyone else thought.

Parents

  • Well, we've known for a while that a binary system where people are either an introvert or an extrovert is somewhat problematic. People more recently have been talking about ambiverts and how we are really all on a scale between the two. I might also add that this scale seems not to be consistent and moods seem to affect where we are on that scale.

    I would identify as an introvert but periodically, I can get a buzz from interacting with others whom I trust, but it is incredibly tiring for me to do that so it really is something that happened only occasionally.

Reply

  • Well, we've known for a while that a binary system where people are either an introvert or an extrovert is somewhat problematic. People more recently have been talking about ambiverts and how we are really all on a scale between the two. I might also add that this scale seems not to be consistent and moods seem to affect where we are on that scale.

    I would identify as an introvert but periodically, I can get a buzz from interacting with others whom I trust, but it is incredibly tiring for me to do that so it really is something that happened only occasionally.

Children
  • in reply to SpaceOctopus

    Yes, the introvert-extrovert things is definitely a sliding scale. When you say you get a buzz from interacting does that buzz make you feel in anyway energised or recharged or do you come away feeling mentally and physically wiped out? 

    In many ways I can come away from interacting with people feeling inspired, creative and emotionally recharged. Which I would say were extrovert traits. But mentally and physically, I'm often totally zapped after even the most minor socialising. 

  • in reply to SpaceOctopus

    I can totally relate to these views.