Introverted or extroverted?

Philippines
March 27, 2007 11:13am CST
Are you more introverted (focused on your inner world) or more extroverted (focused on other people and the outer world)? I know a couple of people who claim that they are primarily introverts or extroverts... well, that's how they enjoy their life... but for me, I consider myself as somewhere in between. I guess I just love balancing the introvert and extrovert parts of myself, such that I enjoy both types of activities equally. I feel just as comfortable staying at home reading a book, watching TV, etc. as I do going to a new social event and introducing myself to people I’ve never met. I enjoy both group and solo activities, each for different reasons. Some times I have a full social calendar with an event almost every weekends. Other times I’m far more introverted and mostly stay home with my family / boyfriend. I enjoy both just as much. how about you, do you see yourself as introvert or as extrovert? or do you find yourself somewhere in between? Why so? Have you noticed some changes in your personality as you grew older? do share your thoughts... :P
10 people like this
38 responses
@jillmalitz (5131)
• United States
27 Mar 07
I'm a basic introvert. I'm not very good as a stranger in a crowd. I usually end up watching the others. But put me on a stage in a play- I'm someone else. I did a lot of community theater is the small town we used to live in and I enjoyed the ability to escape into another world. Otherwise I tend to be a loner. Some people I know always have to have someone with them where ever they go. Unless I need directions I'd rather be by my self. This is all probably because I was an only child and was mostly by myself and didn't have must interaction with others to gain the confidence to become extroverted. Sometimes I wish I were more extroverted.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
27 Mar 07
I have a friend who is like you, jillmalitz... she stands out amongst the other actors and actresses on stage during plays but doesn't feel even a lil comfy being left in a big crowd alone..and she's trying to work it out as she wanted to enjoy being in a crowd where most of us and other friends enjoy during some night outs and outings.
@bluewings (3857)
27 Mar 07
I consider myself somewhere in between.I can socialize when I want to and I have no problem starting a conversation with a complete stranger.I might not open up about things very close to my heart ,but usually I get along pretty well with unknown faces or new friends.There are times when I prefer solitude ,a quite evening without phone calls,chatting friends and family.I would pick up a book and love to spend time with myself.I think each one of us both parts and one of them dominates while the other shows when we get philosophical ,lol.
• Philippines
27 Mar 07
LOL thanks for your thoughts, bluewings.. :P
@greengal (4286)
• United States
28 Mar 07
I'm more of an extrovert and can get along with people even if they are strangers. I do have a bit of a starting trouble but once I do there's no stopping me..lol I feel comfortable among strangers too and I don't withdraw into my shell or anything like that. I like to make friends. I don't remember a time when I've been an introvert, I like to have more people around me and avoid being lonely.
@greengal (4286)
• United States
28 Mar 07
Oops, I meant avoid being alone..
• Singapore
28 Mar 07
I think I am more introvert than extrovert. Don't confuse that with "shy" though as I can certainly be vocal and outspoken if I want to. The crux is, *if* I want to. :P I have always been a very private person so not much change there. But I find more confidence as I age. ^^
@amjada (379)
27 Mar 07
Most peaple would be happy to achieve money, AND Leadership. Way, i just dont know, all i know is Fulfillment, and happyness is within when you share your thoughts... and be kind... staying at home is most comfortable,But way?
• Philippines
22 Apr 10
I am an extroverted kind of person but there are times that I feel like being alone . .. I love outdoor activities but is tiring at times. . . We need to make some balance with ourselves.
• United States
28 Mar 07
I'm sort of an in between person. I love being outgoing and helpful but I also adore my alone time and "just me and the kids" time. I don't like to be 'bothered' at my own house and really hate visitors, yet I love to enjoy the company of others. I think basically I enjoy the company of other people when I'm OUT. When I'm home it's my own little recluse area.
@Denmarkguy (1845)
• United States
28 Mar 07
I guess I'd consider myself more introverted... in the sense that I feel far more comfortable doing things alone or with a single other person than in large groups. Also, when I get really busy and stressed, the way I "recharge my batteries" is usually through some kind of solitary activity (walking in nature, reading), rather than being with a group of people. It not that I don't LIKE people and social events... it's just that I tire more quickly of being "out and about." And yes, it HAS changed somewhat as I have gotten older (I'm mid 40's); I was far more reclusive and private in my 20's... in part (I suppose) because I was married to someone who really didn't enjoy socializing very much.
@acquaria (719)
• Italy
28 Mar 07
If I meet people for the first time i can seem an intrivesre person because I don't give confidence immediatly.But the people that know me from long time,say that I'm extoverse. My parents say that when I was child I was so introverse that they thought I would have any problem;now of sure they have changed opinion but my mother continues to say that I am too so unopen... I show these 2 sides of my character according as the situations.
@njoycjoy (28)
• India
28 Mar 07
Hey there.I feel that my blend is more of outward personality than an introvert personality.i rarely is seen alone,yeh only at parties where you have a dance floor you find me at the farmost corner seat.Man,I have two left foots.My 41 years of life has seen me having innumerable friends.Working in the sales field where I am mooving different places I cannot stay without making a new acquantance a day.Many stay on for years.I am just not comfortable brooding over a book for long.My interest wanes off.I have met many people's who really find solace left alone for hours everyday but me,No way.There are moments when Iam tense or planning that I take time off.And my personality does not seem to change over the years.Strange no?Iam still in touch with my toddler friends as Iam with my new friends.Guys like me are rarely born it seems these days who doesn't seem to change man.What da ya say...guys
• India
28 Mar 07
its all about the occassion. depending on the occassion one has to be an extrovert or an introvert. suppose you are having a party and no one is talking..its a total loss...nobody's interested...its then you should rise to the occassion start a discussion, get everybody involved....the other way round if somebody is carrying the party along with him...just relax, let him carry the occassion with him...this will make all situations enjoyable
@ronreyes (4724)
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
I'm definitely an Introvert. Believe it or not, I have no friends in this world but I do have Someone above! I'm not that sociable but still I smile to those who approach me coz I believe they're still one of the creations of God that I must love. It's just that, I enjoyed my time when I'm alone! I'm not used to with noisy people and noisy places. I prefer to stay at home making music or learning new stuff on my computer rather than go out with someone. All in all, I can say that I'm a certified loner! A "Happy-Loner" - Ron Reyes www.ronreyes.co.nr
@Writerbob (572)
• United States
28 Mar 07
I am an extroverted hermit! When I'm in social situations, I am Mr. personality. But when I'm writing or concentrating, I block out the world and become autistic-like. Mr. Yin-Yang, I guess!
• China
28 Mar 07
I think that I'm introverted and I like to enjoy music and reading alone.I don't like to go out to drinkand attend any parties with others.
@Marie2473 (8512)
• Sweden
28 Mar 07
I guess I am more of a extroverter.. I have always been like that - concentrating on other people and trying to solve other peoples problems and so on. i guess it has been a way for me to not have to deal with my own issues though. However I am working to become one that is in the middle of those two since I think that it is the most healthy way!
@20031969 (932)
• India
28 Mar 07
definately one must be extrovert to compete other world that means one should be bold, energetic, smart, presentation skill, interpersonal skill. if you shy in front of others really you will be looser. so make your personality grace and imperative. thanks.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
28 Mar 07
I was fairly extavorted in my late teens, twenties & thirties. I was out and about a lot, treavelled overseas five times, went to parties & socialised, etc. I would also speak my mind & join causes. Now that I am older I have toned down a fair bit.
@denden (802)
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
i am a more extrovert person (focused on other people and the outer world) because i love socializing with other people. i really enjoy talking and socializing with other people.they make me feel happy. and i am also focusing in my inner world and i do balance it.
• India
28 Mar 07
i m neither introverted not extroverted. I lead my life in a pleasant way. I dont care what people think about me because i believe that life is got once and we should enjoy it without any tensions. so i dont care what the outter world have to say abt me.
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
Well i cant help myself but being an introvert. Somehow i learnt to adapt whenever im in a crowd. But i am always more at ease being left alone, i do really demand my own space. I guess thats just me, but rest assure im in no way self centered egomaniac. I dont complain vocally when that space of mine is attacked, as i said ive learnt to adapt. I just usually move away quietly from the maddening crowd. im quite the opposite with my wife who seems to hunger the crowd & the limelight. Otherwise too, just my crude opinion, i may say majority of those who can give up more than 2hrs of their time in the real world at large 7 have the rest infront of a PC are heavily leaning on the introverted genre.