Which one are you?

[Rick336]

I never thought of myself as an introvert, but by the definition below, I think that maybe I am. I have no problem being alone and many times actually prefer it.

When I was younger, I think I probably fit the definition of an extrovert. I used to love to party and socialize. But as the years passed, I think I began to enjoy solitude. Even though I still enjoy being around people, small talk tends to bore me after only a few minutes. If somebody tells me a long detailed story about their afternoon at work, many times my mind will drift. If, on the other hand, they tell me why they think Barack Obama is a good or bad president, I can easily stay focused to what they're saying.

But mostly I think I'm an introvert because the definition below says, "Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings." That's definitely me.

Here are some definitions of Introverts and Extroverts that I found on the web.

Definition of Introvert: Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has little to do with being an introvert! Shyness has an element of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety, and while an introvert may also be shy, introversion itself is not shyness. 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. Being with people, even people they like and are comfortable with, can prevent them from their desire to be quietly introspective.

Being introspective, though, does not mean that an introvert never has conversations. However, those conversations are generally about ideas and concepts, not about what they consider the trivial matters of social small talk.



Definition of Extrovert: Most people believe that an extrovert is a person who is friendly and outgoing. While that may be true, that is not the true meaning of extroversion. 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. Their ability to make small talk makes them appear to be more socially adept than introverts (although introverts may have little difficulty talking to people they don't know if they can talk about concepts or issues).

Extrovert behavior seems to be the standard in American society, which means that other behavior is judged against the ways an extrovert would behave. However, extroverted behavior is simply a manifestation of the way an extrovert interacts with the world.


Rick