Introvert or extrovert?

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
  • I think the distinction is really do you find interacting and proximity to others gives you more energy or less? As a general rule. I don’t understand people a lot of the time. I can sometimes be quite anxious about social situations. However having fun and interesting conversationS leaves me feeling full of beans. Make someone laugh can be a real thrill. Sometimes I go walking through shopIng centres just to be around people. To people watch. Makes me feel more ... like a person who lives not just a living person.

    i enjoy introverted pass times too. But on balance I don’t find them as invigorating as extroverted ones. For example I’d rather go to a cinema than watch a boxset. Or a restaurant than get good meal delivered. Tbh I’d rather go to a library than read at home ... lol although that me be because the library is probably quieter than my home.

Reply
  • I think the distinction is really do you find interacting and proximity to others gives you more energy or less? As a general rule. I don’t understand people a lot of the time. I can sometimes be quite anxious about social situations. However having fun and interesting conversationS leaves me feeling full of beans. Make someone laugh can be a real thrill. Sometimes I go walking through shopIng centres just to be around people. To people watch. Makes me feel more ... like a person who lives not just a living person.

    i enjoy introverted pass times too. But on balance I don’t find them as invigorating as extroverted ones. For example I’d rather go to a cinema than watch a boxset. Or a restaurant than get good meal delivered. Tbh I’d rather go to a library than read at home ... lol although that me be because the library is probably quieter than my home.

Children
  • I can relate to many of the things that you've said - making someone else laugh makes me feel pleased, I guess. My sense of humour tends to be a bit different than most of the people who are around me and when someone else gets it, it does give me a nice feeling. The people watching is relatable too but I would say that on balance, I would much prefer to be on my own and get more out of introverted activities; I think that's what makes being out in public interesting: the fact that it happens only occasionally.