I am an Extroverted Introvert
by Stacey
For years, I have taken personality quizzes and been dissatisfied with the results. The results never really rang true.
I love to be with people but I get really grumpy if I don’t have time alone.
I love to speak in public and at times can be a pretty bad listener because I am thinking about what I am going to say next. That said, I love to talk with people one or one and can enjoy that kind of interaction more than large group interactions.
I find large parties really overwhelming. When I am in big groups, my eyes can glass over and I really shut off.
If I spend too much time by myself, I get really fidgeting and anxious and need to get out and about.
If I don’t talk to people for a few hours, I could talk non-stop to the first person that does engage me in conversation.
You can see my problem, right? I am equal parts introvert and extrovert but have never really known that this was a thing. I thought maybe I didn’t really understand myself all that well. Do I re-charge by being alone or being with people? This is the true differentiation between introverts and extroverts and darn, if knew the answer to the question.
So imagine how happy I was to discover the following article on a friend’s Facebook wall.
How Extroverted Introverts Interact Differently With the World
When I clicked through and read the description of an extroverted introvert, I wondered why in the world I had never thought of this distinction before. Of course, a person doesn’t have to be one or the others. There can be shades of grey and in my case, there most certainly are.
How about you? I’d love to know if I know any other extroverted introverts…
Stacey, this describes me almost exactly! I love the part about talking someone’s ear off after too much time alone (or with just my kids, ha). I’ve always assumed I was an introvert, but never really understood it because I absolutely do have a need sometimes for social interaction. Figured there must be a gray line where I fit in 🙂
It all sounds awfully familiar. Perhaps I am one too…
I am a pretty classic introvert. However, I have a brother who is an extroverted introvert and a sister who is an introverted extrovert. I can remember when my mom figured that out a few years ago, and it made parenting them much easier!
Yes, I think this is me too. I hate small talk, I want deeper connections. But if have too much time alone I interact and am spilling words on that person unfortunate enough to be listening! Need a balance of both. As much as I love to be alone writing I need interaction on a regular basis.
I love these studies about personality types! While I am an introvert in the true sense, I know many people who fit into that extroverted introvert type. Once we figure out where we feel best, it’s easier to navigate.